Driving in India can be extremely hazardous and is not recommended to tourists, especially considering that there is no speed limit for drivers of passenger cars - motorcycles, taxis, trucks and buses are constrained to a certain velocity, depending on the vehicle type. The surfaces are often in poor condition and adherence to rules is patchy, so accidents are numerous.

Mumbai is an important junction on the National Highway network of India, which links it to all major towns and cities in the country. National Highways are numbered. Traffic drives on the left. Drivers must be over 18 years and foreigners require an International Driving Permit. The legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.03%. Those intending to take their own car to India must obtain a carnet from one of the international motoring associations (such as the RAC or AA) before entering the country. This document represents an undertaking that the car will not remain in India for more than six months. Most European motor insurance policies do not extend to India and motorists are advised to seek cover from an Indian insurer, as insurance is compulsory.

Western India Automobile Association (tel: (022) 2204 1085; website: www.wiaaindia.com) provides information.

Emergency breakdown service: Western India Automobile Association (see above) provides a limited breakdown service within the city for members.

Routes to the city: National Highways 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 17 provide connecting routes between Mumbai and the rest of India. In particular, route 3 goes to Indore and Gwalior, 4 to Pune, and 8 to Ahmedabad and Delhi. Visitors should bear in mind that the distances in India are colossal. Pune is the nearest city, 170km (111 miles) away. Delhi, however, is 1,460km (913 miles) and Calcutta 1,987 km (1,235 miles) away. Flying is usually preferable to driving.

Driving times to Mumbai: From Pune - 3 hours. Because the distances are so vast and the quality of the roads so variable, trying to estimate driving times to other Indian cities would be pure guess work, which is why we have omitted them here.

Coach services: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (tel: (022) 2369 6109/10; website: www.msrdc.org) operates coach services from Mumbai to other towns and cities within the same and adjoining states. Private bus companies also operate buses to most major cities and tend to have faster and more comfortable services (by tickets from kiosks at the bus station). The main government and private bus terminal is located opposite Central Station, on Bellasis Road (tel: (022) 2307 4272). Destinations include Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Goa, Indore, Pune and Surat.c