Traffic drives on the right. Motorways are marked by 'M' and international roads by 'E'. Minor roads are designated by two or more digit numbers. Most motorways are toll-free, with the exception of the M5 from Budapest to Kecskemét, the Gyor-Hegyeshalom stretch of the M1 and the M3 between Budapest and Füzesabony. In 2000, motorway vignettes (passes) were introduced on the M1 and M3. You can buy vignettes at the Hegyeshalom border crossing point, at the former motorway gates and at filling stations near the motorways. On the spot fines are issued for those who travel without one.

The minimum age for driving in Budapest is 18 years. Speed limits are 130kph (75mph) on motorways, 110kph (62mph) on dual carriageways, 90kph (50mph) on main roads and 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas. Seat belts are compulsory in the front seats and outside built-up areas for passengers in the back seats. There is a total alcohol ban when driving - licences are withdrawn if drivers are found to be under the influence of alcohol. On the spot fines are issued and the police officer must provide a receipt.

The pink format EU licence is accepted but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if a green UK licence is held. A car registration document and country sticker are also necessary. Third-party liability insurance is compulsory. For drivers based in Hungary for over six months, customs clearance must be sought.

There are 24-hour emergency phone lines located every 2km (1.25 miles) along motorways M1, M5, M7 and Road 5. Magyar Autóklub (tel: (01) 345 1800; website: www.autoklub.hu) has reciprocal agreements with many automobile associations and provides a 24-hour breakdown service.

Emergency breakdown service: Magyar Autóklub (tel: 188).

Routes to the city: Hungary has eight main routes, seven of which start from Budapest. The road numbering goes clockwise from the west towards the south. The M0 ring road around Budapest eases access to destinations in the city. Approaching Budapest, the two main highways are the M1 (from where the E65 and D1 to Brno lead to the D1 to Prague) from Győr and Vienna, and the M7 along Lake Balaton. The A4 from Vienna leads to the Austro/Hungarian frontier at Hegyeshalom, from where the M1 toll road leads to Budapest. The M3 connects Budapest with eastern Hungary. Warsaw is reachable on the E77.

Approximate driving times to Budapest: From Prague - 7 hours 40 minutes; from Vienna - 2 hours 45 minutes; from Warsaw - 11 hours 30 minutes.

Coach services: Volánbusz (tel: (01) 382 0888; website: www.volanbusz.hu) operates international services to 20 countries in Europe, including the UK. Buses leave from Népliget coach station, IX Üllői út 131. Volánbusz also operates several services to Hungarian towns and resorts. Services to the west are provided from Népliget coach station, while services to the east are from Stadionok coach station and services to the Danube Bend from Árpád híd coach station, Árpád híd.