Route 66 is the most famous road trip in America — a 2,448-mile ribbon of asphalt running from Chicago to the Pacific at Santa Monica, threading through eight states and a century of roadside Americana. Though officially decommissioned in 1985, the "Mother Road" lives on through lovingly preserved stretches, vintage motels, neon signs, and quirky attractions that make it a bucket-list journey.
This guide covers the full route, how long to budget, the unmissable stops, and the practical know-how to drive it well. Whether you do the whole thing or a single iconic section, Route 66 delivers the open-road experience like nothing else.
How Long Does Route 66 Take?
The full Chicago-to-Santa Monica drive is about 2,448 miles. You could rush it in a week, but that would mean long days behind the wheel and little time to actually experience the stops that make the trip special. Two weeks is the sweet spot, allowing 150–250 miles a day with time to explore.
If you can't spare two weeks, the route divides naturally into sections — the Southwest stretch through Arizona and New Mexico is the most scenic and iconic, and can be done as a shorter trip in its own right.
The Eight States of Route 66
- Illinois — Begins in downtown Chicago; classic diners and the start sign.
- Missouri — Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Meramec Caverns, Ozark scenery.
- Kansas — Just 13 miles, but a charming, well-preserved stretch.
- Oklahoma — The longest drivable stretch, with the most original road and roadside relics.
- Texas — The Panhandle, the famous Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, and the Midpoint Café.
- New Mexico — Albuquerque's neon, Santa Fe detour, and dramatic high-desert scenery.
- Arizona — The most iconic stretch: the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Williams, and the gateway to the Grand Canyon.
- California — Across the Mojave to the finish line at the Santa Monica Pier.
Unmissable Stops
Ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs half-buried nose-down in a field near Amarillo. Bring spray paint and add your mark.
The only national park Route 66 passes through, with surreal coloured badlands and ancient petrified wood.
Sleep in a concrete teepee at the surviving Wigwam Motels in Holbrook, AZ, and San Bernardino, CA — pure Route 66 nostalgia.
The official western end of the road, where the "End of the Trail" sign marks journey's end above the Pacific.
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Best Time to Drive Route 66
Late spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal — mild temperatures across the desert stretches and comfortable driving conditions. Summer brings brutal heat to the Southwest deserts (often exceeding 100°F), while winter can bring snow and closures at higher elevations in Arizona and New Mexico.
Practical Tips
- Use a dedicated Route 66 guide or app — the old road isn't always signposted and weaves alongside modern interstates.
- Book iconic motels in advance; the famous ones fill up, especially in peak season.
- Carry water and keep your tank topped up in remote desert stretches.
- Drive west-to-east or east-to-west — most do Chicago to Santa Monica to end at the ocean.
Frequently Asked Questions
The full 2,448-mile route from Chicago to Santa Monica takes about two weeks at a comfortable pace, allowing time to explore the stops. It can be rushed in a week, but two weeks is recommended to actually experience the roadside attractions and towns.