Considering the city was built after the advent of the automobile and that it sits in the middle of a vast and barely populated desert, it is not surprising that transportation by car is the simplest and easiest way to travel both to and around Las Vegas. A vast network of Freeways and Primary Highways covers the state of Nevada. Freeways, designated on maps by a blue shield, are multi-lane thoroughfares that are divided by a median and have a speed limit of up to 121kph (75mph). Primary Highways can be two lanes (one in each direction) or multi-lane and have a speed limit of up to 105kph (65mph). Traffic drives on the right. The minimum driving age in Nevada is 15 3/4 years and proof of insurance is compulsory. Drivers from outside the USA must possess a licence from their country of origin, but must follow Nevada's restrictions. Seat belts must be worn at all times, by the driver and every passenger. Effective since 2005, the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for drivers 21 and older changed from 0.10% to 0.08% to be more in keeping with the rest of the US. There is a 0.02% blood alcohol limit for drivers under the age of 21. Random breath tests can be imposed, and penalties for drunk driving are extremely harsh.

The American Automobile Association - AAA (tel: (702) 870 9171 or 1 800 922 8228; website: www.csaa.com) provides emergency roadside service as well as a variety of other automobile-related services.

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

Routes to the city: Las Vegas is bisected by Freeway 15, which connects to Mesquite and Salt Lake City in the north and California (Los Angeles and San Francisco via Interstate 5) in the south. Freeway 515 connects to the Fort Mojave Indian reservation in the south. Freeway 215 encircles most of the city, and is a convenient way to bypass the rush hour congestion.

Driving times to Las Vegas: From Los Angeles - 4 to 5 hours; Salt Lake City - 6 to 7 hours; San Francisco - 8 to 9 hours.

Coach services: Greyhound (tel: (702) 384 9561; website: www.greyhound.com) operates regular intercity services out of Las Vegas, linking the city with major western destinations, such as Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Albuquerque, El Paso and Los Angeles. Greyhound operates out of Las Vegas Greyhound Terminal, 200 South Main Street (tel: 1 800 231 2222). Facilities include vending machines, toilets, lockers and tourist information. Charter coach services can be hired from Coach USA (tel: (702) 644 2233; website: www.coachusa.com).