Germany is covered by an excellent and extensive system of major ‘B' roads and Autobahnen (motorways) or ‘A' roads. Generally, there are no speed limits on Autobahnen but individually marked speed limits appear on a large percentage of motorway miles. A maximum of 130kph (81mph) is recommended. Speed limits of 130kph (81mph) or 100kph (62mph) apply outside built-up areas and 50kph (30mph) in towns. Traffic drives on the right. Seat belts must be worn at all times and children under 12 are forbidden to travel in the front seat without a child restraint. The legal maximum alcohol-to-blood ratio for driving is 0.05%.

The minimum age for driving is 18 years. Foreign drivers require proof of insurance and their national driving licence - a Green Card is strongly recommended. A country identification sticker must be displayed on the vehicle.

In Munich, Mitfahrzentralen (agencies that link motorists with travellers heading for the same destination) include Citynetz Mitfahrzentrale, Adalbertstrasse 6 (tel: (089) 19444; www.citynetz-mitfahrzentrale.de) and Mitfahrzentrale Hauptbahnhof, Lämmerstrasse 4-6 (tel: (089) 19440).

General information on travelling by car in Germany can be obtained from the Allgemeine Deutsche Automobil-Club (ADAC) (tel: 01805 101 112; www.adac.de).

Emergency breakdown service: ADAC (tel: 0180 222 2222).

Routes to the city: The A9 runs south to Munich from Berlin via Würzburg and Nuremberg, the A92 from Passau enters the city from the northeast, while the A96 from Lindau is to the west, connecting with the A1 to Zurich. From the Alps, the main route is the A95. From Salzburg, the A8 heads northwest via Munich towards Ulm, Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, where it connects with the A5 to Frankfurt. Motorways from all directions converge on the Mittlerer Ring (middle ring road).

Approximate driving times to Munich: From Salzburg - 2 hours; Zurich - 3 hours 30 minutes; Frankfurt - 4 hours 10 minutes.

Coach services: Deutsche Touring GmbH (tel: (089) 8898 9513; www.touring.de) operates international Eurolines services between Munich and numerous European destinations. Coaches depart from Munich Hauptbahnhof, Bahnhofsplatz 2. Tickets are available for purchase at the station or on the bus.