World City Guide

Getting There By Road

America has an excellent system of Interstate Highways (I-1) and State Highways (Hwy-1), as well as smaller country roads with the letter of the state preceding the road number (U-1 in Utah). Driving in the United States is on the right. Speed limits are generally 55-65mph (88-104kph) on highways and 30mph (48kph) in towns but can vary and the signs should be checked. The legal driving age in Utah is 16 years. For UK nationals, a full UK driving licence is sufficient. Other nationalities are required to have an International Driving Permit, which must be accompanied by a full driving licence from their home country. Basic insurance is mandatory.

The wearing of seatbelts is mandatory by law in Utah. Children must be restrained in car seats or seatbelts. Utah has strict laws against drinking and driving and a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more is cause for arrest and a criminal charge. Visitors should be aware that alcohol has a greater effect at higher altitudes.

The American Automobile Association (tel: (800) 541 9902; website: www.aaa.com) provides information and might offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

Emergency breakdown service:
AAA (800) AAA HELP or 222 4357.

Routes to the city: Main routes into Salt Lake City include Interstate 15 (I-15), which runs north–south on to Las Vegas, Interstate 80 (I-80), which runs east–west to San Francisco and Denver (connecting with I-25 South at Laramie, Wyoming), and US Highway 89, which runs north–south to Provo and Ogden, Utah.

Approximate driving times to Salt Lake City: From Las Vegas, Nevada – 7 hours; Denver, Colorado – 10 hours 30 minutes; San Francisco, California – 14 hours; Los Angeles and San Diego, California – 12 hours; Ogden – 45 minutes; Provo – 1 hour.

Coach services: Salt Lake City is served by the Rocky Mountain Trailways & Salt Lake Express (tel: (800) 356 9796; website: http://trailways.bluedepot.com), part of the National Trailways Transportation System. Most bus companies use the Greyhound Terminal, 160 West South Temple Boulevard. There are several buses per day, which travel east to Denver, Colorado, west to San Francisco, California, north to Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington and south to Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California.