Visitors must possess a full national driving licence to drive in America. Traffic drives on the right and technically overtaking should only be done on the left lane, although, in reality, cars on a five-lane highway often pass on both sides. At traffic lights, right turns on the red light are permitted if the way ahead is clear. At crossroads without traffic lights, the four-way stop system means that it is first come first served, or if two cars arrive simultaneously, the one on the right has the right of way. Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers. Freeway driving speeds are 88-113kph (55-70mph). The speed limit on all roads within the DC area is 40kph (25mph). The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%. All traffic must stop when school bus hazard lights are flashing.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) (tel: 1 800 222 1333; website: www.aaamidatlantic.com) can provide information and may offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

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

Routes to the city: I-66 heads west into Virginia; I-50 to Annapolis in Maryland; I-95 to Baltimore, Richmond, Philadelphia and New York; and I-270 to Maryland and beyond.

Driving times to Washington, DC: From Baltimore - 50 minutes; Richmond - 2 hours; New York - 4 hours 45 minutes.

Coach services: Greyhound long-distance buses operate from the 24-hour Greyhound bus terminal, 1005 First Street, NE (tel: (202) 289 5160 or 1 800 231 2222; website: www.greyhound.com). Facilities in the station are limited, with food outlets and a gift shop selling snacks and newspapers. Peter Pan Bus (tel: 1 800 237 8747; website: www.peterpanbus.com) also connects Washington, DC with many cities throughout America. The service operates from the same bus terminal.