Route 66 Road Trip Guide
Experience America's most legendary highway from Chicago to Santa Monica. A journey through history, nostalgia, and classic Americana.
Quick Overview
2,448 miles (3,940 km)
2-3 weeks
April-May, Sept-Oct
$100-250/day
Route 66, known as the "Mother Road," is America's most iconic highway. Established in 1926 and officially decommissioned in 1985, this historic route stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through eight states and the heart of America.
This guide will help you plan an unforgettable Route 66 road trip, complete with must-see attractions, quirky roadside stops, budget breakdowns, and practical tips for navigating this legendary highway.
State-by-State Route Breakdown
Illinois (301 miles)
Duration: 2-3 days
Key Stops: Chicago, Joliet, Pontiac, Springfield, Litchfield
Must-See Attractions:
- • Route 66 Begin Sign (Chicago)
- • Lou Mitchell's Restaurant (Chicago)
- • Gemini Giant (Wilmington)
- • Route 66 Hall of Fame (Pontiac)
- • Cozy Dog Drive-In (Springfield)
- • Henry's Rabbit Ranch (Staunton)
Pro Tip: Start at the official Route 66 Begin sign at Adams Street and Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Take a photo before heading west!
Missouri (317 miles)
Duration: 2-3 days
Key Stops: St. Louis, Cuba, Lebanon, Springfield, Joplin
Must-See Attractions:
- • Gateway Arch (St. Louis)
- • Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (St. Louis)
- • Meramec Caverns (Sullivan)
- • World's Largest Rocking Chair (Cuba)
- • Route 66 Car Museum (Springfield)
- • Gary's Gay Parita (Paris Springs)
Pro Tip: Missouri has the most drivable sections of original Route 66. Take your time exploring the small towns.
Kansas (13 miles)
Duration: Half day
Key Stops: Galena, Riverton, Baxter Springs
Must-See Attractions:
- • Cars on the Route (Galena) - inspiration for Pixar's Cars
- • Eisler Brothers Store (Riverton)
- • Rainbow Bridge (Baxter Springs)
Pro Tip: Though short, Kansas is home to the inspiration for the movie "Cars." Don't skip it!
Oklahoma (400 miles)
Duration: 3-4 days
Key Stops: Tulsa, Chandler, Oklahoma City, Clinton, Elk City
Must-See Attractions:
- • Blue Whale of Catoosa (Catoosa)
- • Route 66 Museum (Clinton)
- • POPS (Arcadia) - giant soda bottle
- • Round Barn (Arcadia)
- • National Route 66 Museum (Elk City)
- • Lucille's Service Station (Hydro)
Pro Tip: Oklahoma has more drivable miles of Route 66 than any other state. Budget extra time here.
Texas (178 miles)
Duration: 1-2 days
Key Stops: Shamrock, McLean, Amarillo, Vega, Adrian
Must-See Attractions:
- • Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo)
- • Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo)
- • U-Drop Inn (Shamrock)
- • Devil's Rope Museum (McLean)
- • MidPoint Café (Adrian) - exact midpoint of Route 66
Pro Tip: Stop at the MidPoint Café in Adrian - you're exactly halfway through Route 66! Try their "Ugly Crust" pie.
New Mexico (487 miles)
Duration: 3-4 days
Key Stops: Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Gallup
Must-See Attractions:
- • Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari)
- • Santa Fe Plaza (Santa Fe)
- • Albuquerque Old Town
- • Route 66 Casino (Albuquerque)
- • El Morro Theatre (Gallup)
- • Petrified Forest National Park (nearby)
Pro Tip: Take the pre-1937 alignment through Santa Fe for stunning scenery and rich history.
Arizona (401 miles)
Duration: 3-4 days
Key Stops: Holbrook, Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams, Seligman, Kingman
Must-See Attractions:
- • Wigwam Motel (Holbrook)
- • Standin' on the Corner Park (Winslow)
- • Meteor Crater (Winslow)
- • Grand Canyon (detour from Williams)
- • Delgadillo's Snow Cap (Seligman)
- • Hackberry General Store (Hackberry)
Pro Tip: The stretch from Seligman to Kingman is the longest uninterrupted section of original Route 66. Pure nostalgia!
California (351 miles)
Duration: 2-3 days
Key Stops: Needles, Barstow, Victorville, San Bernardino, Pasadena, Santa Monica
Must-See Attractions:
- • Roy's Motel and Café (Amboy)
- • Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande)
- • Original McDonald's Museum (San Bernardino)
- • Fair Oaks Pharmacy (Pasadena)
- • Santa Monica Pier - Route 66 End Sign
Pro Tip: End your journey at the Santa Monica Pier. Take a photo at the "End of the Trail" sign and celebrate!
Complete Budget Breakdown
| Expense Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $50-80 | $90-140 | $150-250 |
| Food (per day) | $30-50 | $60-90 | $100-150 |
| Car Rental (per day) | $35-50 | $55-80 | $90-150 |
| Gas (total trip) | $350-450 | $350-450 | $350-450 |
| Activities & Attractions | $10-20/day | $25-40/day | $50-80/day |
| Souvenirs & Misc | $10-20/day | $20-40/day | $40-80/day |
| TOTAL (per day) | $100-170 | $180-280 | $330-510 |
| 14-DAY TRIP TOTAL | $1,750-2,830 | $2,970-4,370 | $4,970-7,590 |
Money-Saving Tips
- • Stay at historic Route 66 motels for authentic experience and lower prices
- • Many attractions are free or donation-based
- • Eat at local diners and mom-and-pop restaurants
- • Travel in shoulder season (April-May, Sept-Oct) for better rates
- • Fill up gas in cities rather than remote areas
- • Buy a Route 66 guidebook to find free attractions
Best Time to Drive Route 66
Best Months
April-May & September-October
- • Mild temperatures across all states
- • Less extreme heat in desert sections
- • Fewer tourists
- • Lower accommodation prices
- • Wildflowers in spring
- • Fall colors in autumn
Summer (June-August)
Pros & Cons
- ✓ All attractions open
- ✓ Longest days
- ✓ Best for families
- ✗ Extreme heat (100°F+) in desert
- ✗ Peak crowds
- ✗ Highest prices
Winter (Nov-March)
Pros & Cons
- ✓ Lowest prices
- ✓ Minimal crowds
- ✓ Mild in southern sections
- ✗ Cold in Illinois/Missouri
- ✗ Snow possible in Flagstaff
- ✗ Some attractions closed
Weather Warnings
Be Prepared For
- • Summer heat in AZ/NM/TX (110°F+)
- • Thunderstorms in spring
- • Tornadoes in OK/KS (spring)
- • Winter ice in northern states
- • Flash floods in desert areas
Essential Tips for Your Route 66 Journey
Navigation Tips
- • Buy a detailed Route 66 guidebook (EZ66 Guide is popular)
- • Download offline maps - GPS doesn't always recognize old alignments
- • Look for Route 66 shields and signs to stay on historic route
- • Some sections are on Interstate - that's normal
- • Join Route 66 Facebook groups for real-time tips
- • Allow flexibility - getting "lost" leads to best discoveries
Accommodation Tips
- • Stay at historic Route 66 motels for authentic experience
- • Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari) and Wigwam Motel (Holbrook) are must-stays
- • Book popular motels 2-3 months in advance
- • Small towns have limited lodging - plan ahead
- • Chain hotels are available in larger cities if needed
Food & Dining
- • Eat at classic diners and drive-ins for authentic experience
- • Try regional specialties (BBQ in OK, green chile in NM, etc.)
- • Many iconic restaurants are still family-owned
- • Cash is preferred at some small establishments
- • Pack snacks for remote stretches
Photography Tips
- • Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) offers best lighting for neon signs
- • Cadillac Ranch is best photographed in late afternoon
- • Ask permission before photographing private property
- • Bring spray paint for Cadillac Ranch (it's encouraged!)
- • Vintage filters work great for Route 66 nostalgia
Vehicle Tips
- • Any reliable car works - no 4WD needed
- • Classic cars add to the experience but aren't necessary
- • Check tire pressure regularly in hot weather
- • Carry emergency supplies (water, snacks, first aid)
- • Fill up gas whenever possible in remote areas
- • Have roadside assistance coverage
Sample 14-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2: Chicago, IL
Start at Route 66 Begin sign, explore Chicago, drive to Springfield
Days 3-4: Missouri
St. Louis Gateway Arch, Meramec Caverns, Springfield, Joplin
Day 5: Kansas & Oklahoma
Quick Kansas stops, arrive Tulsa, Blue Whale of Catoosa
Days 6-7: Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Elk City
Day 8: Texas Panhandle
Shamrock, Cadillac Ranch, Big Texan, MidPoint Café
Days 9-10: New Mexico
Tucumcari, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Gallup
Days 11-12: Arizona
Holbrook, Winslow, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon detour, Seligman
Day 13: Arizona to California
Kingman, Oatman, cross into California, Barstow
Day 14: California Finish
San Bernardino, Pasadena, arrive Santa Monica Pier - celebrate!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing the Journey
Don't try to do Route 66 in less than 10 days. You'll miss the magic and spend all your time driving.
Staying Only on Interstate
The Interstate replaced Route 66. You must get off the highway to experience the real Mother Road.
Not Buying a Guidebook
GPS doesn't know Route 66. A detailed guidebook is essential for finding the historic route.
Skipping Small Towns
The small towns are where Route 66's heart lives. Don't just hit the major cities.
Traveling in Peak Summer
Desert sections can reach 115°F in July-August. Spring and fall are much more comfortable.
Not Carrying Cash
Many small businesses and attractions are cash-only. Always have cash on hand.