Quebec City is well served by a network of autoroutes (motorways), which normally have two-digit numbers identified by red and blue signs, as well as main (100-199) and secondary (200-399) highways, which have green signs.

Traffic drives on the right. Road signs are international but usually in French. Maximum speed limits are 100kph (62mph) on motorways, 80kph (50mph) on rural highways and 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas. Except on the island of Montreal, it is legal for drivers to turn right at a red light in the province of Quebec unless posted otherwise.

The minimum driving age is 16 years. An International Driving Permit is recommended, although it is not legally required. Visitors to Quebec may drive on their national driving licences for up to six months. Proof of insurance must be carried. Non-residents may be covered for compensation under the province's no-fault insurance if driving a vehicle registered in Quebec or a province or US state with a reciprocal arrangement. The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) (tel: (418) 643 7620; website: www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca) can provide further information.

There are often road checks for intoxicated drivers; the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%. Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers. Radar detection devices are strictly prohibited and may not be carried in automobiles. Snow tyres are a necessity in winter.

Information on road conditions is available from the Ministère des Transports (tel: 1 888 355 0511; website: www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca). CAA-Québec (part of the Canadian Automobile Association) offers travel planning, insurance and other services to motorists (tel: (418) 624 8222 or 1 800 686 9243; website: www.caaquebec.com).

Emergency breakdown services:
CAA/AAA 1 800 222 4357 or *222 from most mobile phones.

Routes to the city: The main routes from the west (including Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto) are Highway 40, on the St Lawrence River's north shore, and Highway 20, which bypasses the city on the south shore. Access to the city from Highway 20 is via Highway 73, arriving from the south and the US border. Highway 73's northern half overlaps with Highway 175 from Chicoutimi. From the east, Highway 138 from Charlevoix becomes Highway 440, leading directly into the centre of the city. Many of these routes jump around - it is often necessary for drivers to exit the highway, follow another one for a couple of kilometres, then rejoin the original one.

Coach services: Orléans Express (tel: (418) 525 3000 or 1 888 999 3977; website: www.orleansexpress.com) is the main coach company within the province of Quebec, serving areas to the west and all along the south shore of the St Lawrence. Intercar (tel: (418) 627 9108 or 1 888 861 4592; website: www.intercar.qc.ca) serves the Lac St-Jean, Charlevoix and Côte Nord regions to the north and east of the city. Other companies serve smaller destinations.

All buses depart from the main bus terminal, Gare D'Autobus de La Vielle Capitale, 320 rue Abraham-Martin (tel: (418) 525 3000), which is directly adjacent to the railway station. Facilities include ATMs, bars and restaurants, left-luggage and coach passes. Most buses arriving from the west also stop at the bus terminal in Ste-Foy, 3001 chemin des Quatre-Bourgeois (tel: (418) 650 0087).