America has an excellent system of Interstate Highways (I-1) and State Highways (Hwy-1), as well as smaller country roads with the letter of the state preceding the road number (eg C-1 in Colorado). For British nationals a full UK driving licence is acceptable. Other foreign drivers will require an International Driving Permit and a full licence from their own country. The legal driving age is 16 years. Liability insurance is required for all drivers in Denver.

Traffic drives on the right. The speed limit in the state of Colorado is 105-120kph (65-75mph) on designated rural Interstates and Highways, 88kph (55mph) on urban Interstates and Highways, 48kph (30mph) in all residential districts and 40kph (25mph) in any business district. The wearing of seat belts by drivers and front seat passengers is compulsory. In Colorado, the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%. It is also an offence to carry alcohol in a car unless it is unopened and in the boot.

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

Routes to the city: Denver is at the intersection of the I-70, running east-west from Pittsburgh to St George, and the I-25, running north-south from Billings to El Paso. Las Vegas and Los Angeles are via the I-70 and I-15, while Chicago is via the I-76 and I-80. Further north, you can get to Toronto on the I-76, I-80 and I-94. 

Approximate driving times to Denver: From Las Vegas - 12 hours; El Paso - 14 hours; Chicago - 20 hours 20 minutes; Los Angeles -23 hours 50 minutes; Pittsburgh - 29 hours; Toronto - 30 hours.

Coach services: Denver is a major hub for intercity buses. Some 60 or so coaches arrive and depart on a daily basis from the Greyhound Bus Terminal, 19th Street and Curtis Street (tel: (303) 293 6555), situated just north of the Capitol building. Greyhound (tel: 1 800 231 2222; website: www.greyhound.com) provides direct services to Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, St Louis and Chicago, among other cities.