Travelling by car is the cheapest and most convenient way to get around the USA. There is an extensive system of interstate highways (the US equivalent of motorways). These are the fastest, most direct routes and are designated by the letter 'I' followed by a number, such as I-55. Some of these routes are tolled. The speed limit on interstate highways is 112kph (70mph) for cars, unless stated otherwise. There is also an extensive network of federal, state and local roads and highways.

The minimum driving age is 16 years old. Driving is on the right throughout the USA, although specific driving rules vary within different states. In Tennessee, the driver and all passengers must wear seat belts. Penalties for drink driving are severe and in most states, including Tennessee, it is illegal even to have an opened container of alcohol in the car. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%. Drivers must carry their national driving licence with them when driving, as well as proof of their third-party liability insurance.

The American Automobile Association - AAA (tel: 1 800 222 1333 or (901) 761 5371; website: www.aaasouth.com) has reciprocal agreements with many foreign motoring associations.

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

Routes to the city: From the airport, I-240 goes into central Memphis. Memphis is a major crossroads of the south. The main routes into Memphis include interstates I-40 and I-55. I-40 comes from Dallas in the west through Little Rock, Arkansas, and from Nashville in the east; while I-55 runs from St Louis in the north and Jackson, Mississippi, in the south. I-55 has links to New Orleans in the south and Chicago in the north.

Approximate driving times to Memphis: From Nashville - 3 hours 30 minutes; St Louis - 4 hours 30 minutes; New Orleans - 6 hours; Dallas - 7 hours; Chicago - 8 hours 30 minutes.

Coach services: Greyhound (tel: 1 800 231 2222; website: www.greyhound.com) operates coach services to and from Memphis and around the country. Coaches depart from the coach station, 203 Union Avenue (tel: (901) 523 9253), for destinations such as Nashville, New York and Chicago.