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City Guide - Zurich - Road | ||
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Road Swiss roads are generally good, although mountain routes can be narrow and winding. Chains and/or snow tyres may be required in winter, and after a heavy snowfall some routes may be closed altogether. There is a telephone number for information on national road conditions (tel: 163). Cars drive on the right. The maximum speed limits are 120kph (75mph) on motorways, 80kph (50mph) on main roads, and 50kph (31mph) in towns. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%. An annual road tax of SFr40 (plus an extra SFr40 for caravans) is levied; motorists should purchase a vignette (sticker) at border points or from Switzerland Tourism before departure. Stickers are valid for one calendar year. A national driving licence is sufficient documentation although Green Card insurance is recommended. There are two motoring associations in Switzerland: Touring Club Suisse (TCS) (tel: (01) 286 8686) and Automobil Club der Schweiz (ACS) (tel: (01) 422 1500). Emergency breakdown service: TCS 140. Routes to the city: The A1 passes through Zurich's outskirts on its way from Geneva and Berne to Winterthur and St Gall. The A3 arrives along the southwest shore of Lake Zurich from Lucerne (via the A4), Chur and Sargans. The A51 connects Zurich with the airport. Driving times to Zurich: From Basel - 1 hour; Geneva - 3 hours; and Munich - 3 hours 30 minutes. Coach services: Eggmann and Frey, Carplatz am Sihlquai (tel: (01) 157 3747 (calls cost SFr1.49 per minute); fax: (01) 431 5724; website: www.eurolines-schweiz.ch), operates in conjunction with Eurolines to provide services throughout Europe. There are regular Postauto bus services (tel: (01) 317 2700; fax: (01) 317 2710; website: www.post.ch) in much of rural Switzerland and excursions from major towns and cities. The coach station is located at Sihlquai near the Hauptbahnhof. |