Lyon is located in the heart of a dense network of motorways, which are designated by the letter ‘A' and a corresponding number, including the A6, A7, A42 and A43. Tolls are charged on most French motorways. National roads bear the prefix ‘N' and minor roads are classed as ‘D' (départementales) roads.

The minimum legal driving age is 18. Seat belts must be worn by all front and rear-seat passengers. A national driving licence, the car's registration documents and a red warning triangle must be on hand at all times or the driver is liable to be fined. All headlamp beams must be adjusted for right-side driving by either using beam deflectors or tilting the headlamp bulb-holder. The French police fine motorists on the spot for driving offences such as speeding. The speed limit in urban areas is 50kph (31mph), 90kph (56mph) on main roads and 130kph (81mph) on the motorways. The maximum legal alcohol limit while driving is 0.05%.

Road and route information is provided by Société des Autoroutes Rhône-Alpes (tel: (04) 7214 2091) and Autoroute du Soleil ASF (tel: (04) 9032 9005).

Emergency breakdown service: Automobile Club (tel: 0800 080 001).

Main routes to Lyon are the A6 from Paris, the A7 from Marseille, the A43 from Geneva and the A48 from Grenoble.

Coach services: The coach station is situated at Lyon Perrache railway station, 10 cours de Verdun. Its facilities include cafes, restaurants, ATMs and a bureau de change. Within the Rhône-Alpes area, the main operator is Transports en Commun Lyonnais (TCL) (tel: 0820 427 000; website: http://www.tcl.fr/). Eurolines (tel: (04) 7256 9530; website: http://www.eurolines.com/) provides links throughout Europe.