Salt Lake City Getting There By Road

America has an excellent system of Interstate Highways (I-1) and State Highways (Hwy-1), as well as smaller country roads with the letter of the state preceding the road number (U-1 in Utah). Driving in the United States is on the right. Speed limits are generally 55-65mph (88-104kph) on highways and 30mph (48kph) in towns but can vary and the signs should be checked. The legal driving age in Utah is 16 years. International Driving Permits are not generally necessary. A full driving licence from another country is adequate, and basic insurance is mandatory.

The wearing of seat belts is mandatory by law in Utah. Children must be restrained in car seats or seat belts. Utah has strict laws against drinking and driving and a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more is cause for arrest and a criminal charge. Visitors should be aware that alcohol has a greater effect at higher altitudes.

The American Automobile Association (tel: 1 800 541 9902; website: www.aaa.com) provides information and might offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

Emergency breakdown service: AAA (tel: 1 800 222 4357 or AAA HELP).

Routes to the city: Main routes into Salt Lake City include Interstate 15 (I-15), which runs north-south on to Las Vegas, and Interstate 80 (I-80), which runs east-west to San Francisco and New York (connecting with I-25 South at Laramie, Wyoming, to Denver).

Approximate driving times to Salt Lake City: From Las Vegas, Nevada - 6 hours; Denver, Colorado - 7 hours 30 minutes; San Francisco, California - 10 hours 30 minutes; Los Angeles, 10 hours; San Diego, California - 11 hours; Ogden - 40 minutes; Provo - 50 minutes.

Coach services: Salt Lake City is served by Salt Lake Express (tel: 1 800 356 9796; website: www.saltlakeexpress.com), part of the National Trailways Transportation System. Most bus companies use the Greyhound Terminal, 160 West South Temple Boulevard. There are several buses per day, which travel east to Denver, Colorado, west to San Francisco, California, north to Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington and south to Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California.