Travel basics

Which side of the road do countries drive on?

Whether a country drives on the left or the right affects renting a car, crossing the street safely, and which way to look at intersections. Here is the driving side for every destination in our guide.

Drive on the LEFT

7 countries

Australia Steering wheel on the right Ireland Steering wheel on the right Japan Steering wheel on the right New Zealand Steering wheel on the right Singapore Steering wheel on the right Thailand Steering wheel on the right United Kingdom Steering wheel on the right

Drive on the RIGHT

10 countries

Canada Steering wheel on the left France Steering wheel on the left Germany Steering wheel on the left Italy Steering wheel on the left Netherlands Steering wheel on the left South Korea Steering wheel on the left Spain Steering wheel on the left Switzerland Steering wheel on the left United Arab Emirates Steering wheel on the left United States Steering wheel on the left

What driving side means for travelers

In countries that drive on the left, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, and you give way to the right at most junctions. In countries that drive on the right, it is the opposite. If you are used to one system, switching takes real concentration — especially at roundabouts, when turning across traffic, and when pulling out of a parking space.

Even if you are not driving, the driving side changes which way to look first when crossing the road. As a pedestrian in a left-driving country, traffic in the near lane comes from your right. Taking a moment to check both ways is the simplest safety habit when you arrive somewhere new.