Germany has an excellent network of Autobahnen (motorways, prefixed ‘A' followed by up to three numbers) and Bundesstrasse (major roads, prefixed by ‘B'), and unlike many other countries, all are completely toll-free. Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 130kph (81mph) or 100kph (62mph) outside built-up areas and 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas. There are no speed limits on Autobahnen, although individually marked speed limits appear on a large percentage of motorway miles. A maximum of 130kph (81mph) is recommended. Seat belts must be worn at all times and children under 12 years can only travel in the front seat with a child restraint. The legal maximum alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.05%.

The minimum age for driving is 18. Foreign drivers require a valid International Drivers Licence and proof of insurance - a Green Card is strongly recommended. A country identification sticker must be displayed on the vehicle.

General information on travelling by car in Germany can be obtained from the Allgemeine Deutsche Automobil Club (ADAC) (tel: (0180) 510 1112; website: www.adac.de), which also provides a breakdown service throughout the country.

Emergency breakdown services: ADAC (tel: (0180) 222 2222) or
ACE (tel: (0180) 233 6677).

Routes to the city: The A7 (Hamburg-Kassel) skirts Hanover to the east. The A2 (Berlin-Dortmund) passes the city to the north. These motorways are linked by the A37 (east) and the A352 (west).

Approximate driving times to Hanover: From Hamburg - 1 hour 30 minutes; Dusseldorf - 3 hours; and Berlin - 3 hours 15 minutes.

Coach services: Deutsche Touring GmbH (tel: (069) 790 3501; website: www.touring.de) provides services between Hanover and international destinations including Paris, Strasbourg, London, Bologna, Cracow, Prague, Moscow, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Barcelona and Madrid. The main coach/bus station, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof, is located directly behind the Hauptbahnhof, Ernst-August-Platz (tel: (0511) 16680).