Paris or Frankfurt airports

Well, if you have to get into the city from the airport, Frankfurt would win hands down. It's easier, faster and, I believe, cheaper than getting into Paris from CDG.

Kristie, My choice would be Frankfurt, as it seems to be a bit more "organized" (although in all fairness, I haven't had any problems at CDG). Good luck with your decision.

I'm intrigued by a trip where either airport would be equal. But yes, of the two, Frankfurt is less hassle, and an easier ride into the city. If you post your whole trip, people can say which airports would be best. People are often not aware of ALL the options. For instance, when I went to Strasbourg (that's one place between CDG and FRA), I flew to FRA, then took a Lufthansa bus to Strasbourg. This was all on one ticket, so it wasn't much more money than a flight alone, and if my incoming flight was late, they would have put me on the next bus at no charge. Similarly, on Air France you can often book a train connection as part of your plane ticket, with the same advantages.

I have not flown into Frankfurt so cannot compare to CDG,, but I have never had a problem with CDG,and am not sure why some others find it a difficult airport.

It depends on your mode of transportation for your European trip. Train? Although Frankfurt airport can seem quite sterile and impersonal in comparison to CDG, I love the easy access to the high-speed long-distance trains below Terminal 1. Ok, ok...the TGV runs under Terminal 2 @ CDG, but ticket purchases are much easier in Frankfurt. By car? They both have an outstanding choice of rental companies. I prefer Europcar @ CDG, myself. Don't ask my wife, though. She'll take Paris over Frankfurt hands down every time. Any opportunity to spend more time in Paris. Honestly, you can't go wrong either way. Go with the cheapest and treat yourself to a nice dinner!

I can fly into either airport because I am going to be in both Paris and Frankfurt. I was going to fly into one and out the other, but I can also do round trip. I will be renting a car.
Thanks!

I've never had any problems with CDG the many times I've been there. Flew into Frankfurt and had to make a connection there in 2008, it was extremely confusing and trying to find someone to ask questions was near impossible. The few employees we interacted with trying to get help were unbelievably rude and nasty.

While at Frankfurt airport all the signs are bi-lingual and due to the German organization things are very easy to find anyway - and all staff are bi-lingual... I must say I was surprised that at CDG airport it was impossible to find the way from one terminal to the other on a connecting flight without having to ask the staff - in French. Either they didn't know any English or simply refused to apply it with me...

Are you planning to rent a car at one airport and return to the other? Are you aware that you will likely pay a large fee for renting in one country and returning to another? My brother didn't know this. He rented a car in Germany and then returned it in France. They charged him several hundred euro extra.

It seemed to me that there was less walking to get from the baggage claim to the train in Frankfurt - but that could also be dependent on which terminal you start from. Neither was difficult. At CDG (assuming you are flying into that airport and not Orly) you have to walk down one flight of stairs from the train station to the platform. At FRA there are escalators and/or elevators all the way. Also, in Paris you are on the metro and many (dare I say most) stations have at least one flight of stairs to get up to street level, while in Frankfurt, the train station is at ground level. If the choice is spending time in Paris or Frankfurt. . . well, that's a completely different question.

Frankfurt (FRA) for reasons stated above. I am only familiar with Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, and avoid if at all possible when searching for tickets to/from/through Europe. This given unnecessary hassles and delays experienced when transiting same. However, on our last visit to CDG this year, the problems seemed to have diminished. Am I mellowing?

Frankfurt - for all the reasons stated above. It is a better organised and better signed airport than CDG. I have never had a problem with finding someone to ask in CDG...in English.....but they have on occasion given me completely wrong information.

I was waiting to see if you planned to be in both cities. In that case, and based on my experiences, I'd fly into CDG (checking luggage?), and fly out of Frankfurt. Allow 2-3 hours for check-in at Frankfurt, and definitely 3 hours if departing from CDG! You really don't want to cut it close with your departure time...make up that extra hour of sleep when you get home. Heed Andrea's warning - if you really need a car in Germany, drop off your 'France' car in France, and get a 'Germany' car for Germany!

Frankfurt is a LOT easier. And if you were so inclined, you can catch trains between there and the centre of Paris - the journey takes about four hours. Last time I was in Frankfurt was in February - I have never been so cold in all my life. And someone (may he burn in hell!) stole my hat! What I dislike about CDG is the sheer size of the place. Changing planes can take forever and involve bus rides between terminals. Roger

Frankfurt.

I've only flown into Frankfurt, but everyone I know who has gone to CDG tries to avoid it.