The road network in America is very good. The general rule for numbering on US freeways and interstates is that the odd numbers go north-south and even numbers go east-west for the entire length, although at any single, localised point this may seem different. Interstate roads are designated by the letter ‘I' and a corresponding number.

Driving is on the right. Speed limits on motorways can vary. The general maximum is 90kph (55mph), occasionally rising to 105kph (65mph). Speed limits in residential areas can be as slow as 30kph (20mph), with specifically posted limits near schools. It is illegal to pass a yellow school bus when it is stationary with its lights flashing. Seat belts are obligatory for front-seat passengers. Prosecution for drink-driving is severe - the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.08%.

The legal driving age in Baltimore is 16 years. A British driving licence is valid, although a temporary International Driving Permit is also a good idea. Third party insurance is mandatory, although it is highly recommended for driving visitors to ensure that they have adequate travel medical insurance, as medical treatment in the USA is costly.

Many gas stations situated on main roads are open 24 hours a day and operate a pre-pay system at the pumps using a credit card - otherwise, drivers should make themselves known to the cashier.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) (tel: 1 800 763 9900; website: www.aaamidatlantic.com) provides emergency service and information in addition to reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

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

Routes to the city: All the major routes approaching Baltimore meet the I-695, called the Baltimore Beltway, which circles the city. The Jones Falls Expressway (the I-83) winds into the central Inner Harbor district, from the north. The I-395 comes in from the southeast, with good access to Downtown Baltimore and the Port. The Baltimore National Pike road (US Route 40) approaches from the west, from Frederick. The I-95 comes from Philadelphia and New York in the northwest and continues southwest towards Washington, DC, running parallel to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. The I-97 leads in from the south, linking Baltimore to Annapolis. The I-895, the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Thruway, bypasses Downtown.

Tolls operate at the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895), at the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) and both north- and southbound at the Francis Scott Key Bridge (part of the Baltimore Beltway). There are also tolls northbound on the John F Kennedy Memorial Highway (part of I-95).

Approximate driving times to Baltimore: From Washington, DC - 45 to 60 minutes; Philadelphia - 1 hour 30 minutes; Harrisburg - 1 hour 30 minutes; and New York - 3 hours.

Coach services: Greyhound (tel: 1 800 231 2222; website: www.greyhound.com) operates frequent coach services, connecting Baltimore with all major US and Canadian cities. The main bus station, Downtown Baltimore Terminal is at 2100 Haines St (tel: (410) 752 7682). The Baltimore Travel Plaza, Best Western Hotel, 5625 O'Donnell Street (tel: (410) 633 6389) is less busy. Both are open 24 hours a day.