The USA has a good network of interstate highways, designated by the letter ‘I' and a corresponding number (such as I-90) and state highways, designated by ‘US' and a corresponding number (such as US-169). Interstates highways going east-west have even numbers and those going north-south have odd numbers. State highways are not as big as interstate highways and are identified by a number, as in Highway 202.

Speed limits are 32kph (20mph) in school zones, 40kph (25mph) in urban streets, 80kph (50mph) on county roads and 97kph (60mph) on state highways. Some parts of interstate highways are posted with higher maximum speeds. All valid national licences are acceptable, but an International Driving Permit is preferred. US insurance is mandatory and can be purchased at customs points or from the car hire company.

The minimum driving age is 16 years and cars drive on the right. Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers. Left turns can be made at a steady green traffic light unless there is a sign prohibiting it, but oncoming traffic has the right of way. Turning right is possible on a red light, although it is necessary for drivers to come to a full stop first and to make sure there is no sign prohibiting turns on a red light. A flashing red traffic light is the same as a stop sign, which means that it is necessary to come to a full stop and proceed when safe. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) (tel: 1 800 222 1134; website: www.aaa.com) can provide further information and may 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: Seattle is served by two major interstate highways. The I-5 goes south to Portland and San Francisco (California) and north to the Canadian border and Vancouver (British Columbia). The I-90 links Seattle with central and eastern Washington State, passing through Spokane on its way to Chicago and Boston (Massachusetts).

Approximate driving times to Seattle: From Portland - 3 hours; Vancouver, Canada - 3 hours; Spokane - 6 hours.

Coach services: Greyhound (tel: (206) 628 5526 or 1 800 231 2222; website: www.greyhound.com) operates from the Greyhound Bus Station, 811 Stewart Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues in downtown Seattle. The facilities are minimal but include 24-hour ticketing, left luggage and a snack bar. Greyhound buses serve hundreds of destinations around the USA as well as Canada and Mexico. Direct routes from Seattle include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Vancouver.