Chicago is as much the centre of the US road network as it is that for rail and air routes. The general rule for numbering on freeways and interstates is that odd numbers go north-south and even numbers go east-west over their whole length, although at any single, localised point it may seem different. Driving is on the right. The speed limits on the different motorways can vary. The general maximum is 90kph (55mph), with some spots being 110kph (70mph). Town residential areas can be as slow as 30kph (20mph), with specifically posted limits near schools. It is also illegal to pass a yellow ‘School Bus' when its red lights are flashing. Unless specified, it is permissible to turn right at a red light after making a complete stop. Seat belts are obligatory for front-seat passengers and, within the city limits. It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.08% and the prosecution for drink driving is severe.

The minimum driving age is 16 years. A valid driving licence, preferably one with a photo ID, is valid but a temporary International Driving Permit also works. Third party insurance is mandatory, although it is also highly recommended for drivers to have adequate travel medical insurance, as the cost of medical treatment in the USA is huge. Petrol (‘gas') is cheaper than in Europe, though prices frequently fluctuate. Many petrol stations are open 24 hours a day on main roads and operate a pre-pay system at the pumps using a credit card or through a cashier.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) (tel: 1 800 222 1134) 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: Interstate 90 (I-90) runs due west to Seattle on the Pacific seaboard, while I-80 runs a parallel westward route, further south, to San Francisco. Its eastward stretch goes to New York. I-55 goes south to St Louis, then follows the Mississippi to New Orleans on the Gulf of Mexico. Making an arc on the west side of the city, about 16km (10 miles) from the Loop at its nearest point to Downtown, the I-294 is a toll road. Also, south of the city centre, the I-90 becomes the ‘Chicago Skyway Toll' road, on its route to Indianapolis. The I-94 connects with Milwaukee and Minneapolis in the north, while the I-80 takes drivers west toward Omaha.

Driving times to Chicago: From Milwaukee - 2 hours; Detroit - 6 hours; Minneapolis - 9 hours.

Coach services: The main bus station is located at 630 West Harrison Street (tel: (312) 408 5800), only two blocks from the CTA Blue Line's Clinton Station. Greyhound (tel: 1 800 231 2222; www.greyhound.com) operates buses nationwide from here. Indian Trails (tel: 1 800 292 3831; www.indiantrails.com) operates the regional services between Chicago and Michigan destinations like Bay City, Saginaw and Flint.