Italy has an excellent selection of autostrade (A) (motorways), the main north-south link being the autostrada del sole, which links Milan with Naples in the south of Italy. Speed limits on motorways are 130kph (81mph), while on non-urban highways it's 110kph (68mph). In built-up areas it's 50kph (31mph). Motorways are tolled, so travellers on a budget might prefer the strade statali (SS), which are often fast, multi-lane carriageways that are toll free. Strade provinciale are perfect for exploring Italy's hidden countryside.

The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.05%; random breath tests can be imposed and there are severe penalties for drink driving. By law, both driver and passenger must wear their seat belts, if fitted, or face an on-the-spot fine. Speeding and driving through a red light also incur fines. Car lights must be switched on at any time on autostrade and strade statali. All those not in possession of an EU licence must carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence. The minimum age for driving a car is 18, but from 14 years up you are permitted to drive a moped under 50cc (for which you don't need a licence). Up to 125cc you must be 16 years or over, and for above this you need a motorcycle licence. EU nationals taking their own vehicle will need an International Insurance Certificate, also known as a Carta Verde (Green Card), issued by your car-insurance company. Automobile Club Italia (ACI) (tel: (06) 491 115; website: www.aci.it) provides further information.

Emergency breakdown service: ACI: (tel: 803 116).

Routes to the city: Bologna is linked to Milan, Florence and Rome by the A1. The A13 arrives directly from Venice and Padua and the A14 links Bologna to the coastal towns of Ravenna and Rimini.

Approximate driving times to Bologna: From Milan is 2 hours 30 minutes; Florence is 1 hour 30 minutes; Rome is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Coach services: There are numerous coach service providers operating to and from Bologna's coach terminal, Autostazione di Bologna, Piazza XX Settembre 6 (tel: 0512 45400; website: www.autostazionebo.it), just around the corner from the train station. Pullman (coaches) from regional centres such as Ferrara and Modena arrive at this station. There are also long-distance services from Milan and Ancona and international services from London, Paris and Frankfurt. Facilities at the coach station include a restaurant, ATM, hairdressers, and newsagent.