Budapest - Getting Around - Road

The quality of roads in Budapest is generally good. Traffic drives on the right and the minimum driving age is 18 years. Speed limits are 130kph (75mph) on motorways, 90kph (50mph) on main roads and 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas. The pink format EU driving licence is accepted but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if a green UK licence is held. A car registration document, country sticker and third-party liability insurance are compulsory. Motorway vignettes (passes) are required for the M1 and M3 toll roads. You can buy vignettes at the Hegyeshalom border crossing point, at the former motorway gates and at filling stations near the motorways. On-the-spot fines are issued for those who travel without one. The Hungarian Automobile Club, Magyar Autklub (tel: (01) 345 1800; www.autoklub.hu), has reciprocal agreements with many automobile associations and provides a 24-hour breakdown service.

Emergency breakdown services
Magyar Autklub (tel: 188, (01) 345 1800).

Routes to the city
Hungary has eight main routes, seven of which start from Budapest. Approaching Budapest, the two main highways are the M1 from Gyr and Vienna, and the M7 along Lake Balaton. The A4 from Vienna leads to the Austro/Hungarian frontier at Hegyeshalom, from where the M1 leads to Budapest. The M3 connects Budapest with eastern Hungary. Warsaw is reachable on the E77.

Driving times to the city
From Prague - 7 hours 40 minutes; Vienna - 2 hours 45 minutes; Warsaw - 11 hours 30 minutes.

Coach services
Volnbusz (tel: (01) 382 0888; www.volanbusz.hu) operates international services to 20 countries in Europe, including the UK. Buses leave from Npliget coach station, IX lli t 131. Volnbusz also operates services to Hungarian towns and resorts. Services to the west of the country are provided from Npliget coach station, while services to the east of the country are from Stadionok coach station and services to the Danube Bend from rpd hd coach station.