Route 66: From Chicago to Los Angeles. Practical Tips and What to See Along the Way. A Complete Guide

This was undoubtedly one of our greatest adventures. A journey across almost the entire United States, several thousand kilometers traveled by RV, 10 states (although Route 66 runs through “only” 8), a great variety of landscapes, as well as many challenges and unexpected situations. Traveling the famous Route 66 had long been our dream, and we finally managed to make it come true.

Route 66, known as the “Mother Road”, is one of the most iconic routes in the United States. It crosses eight states and offers a journey filled with unforgettable views, historic places and encounters with American culture. For many people, it is the adventure of a lifetime, allowing them to experience freedom and discover the heart of America.

It was also our dream, and we managed to fulfill it somewhat unexpectedly. It all began with a winning lottery entry for the The Wave trail ;) When it turned out that we had the opportunity to hike this trail, we could not limit our trip to the USA to just one region. We decided to travel for longer and drive the Historic Route 66. Our journey lasted more than a month and included many detours from the road, including the one to the formation mentioned above.

Was it an easy trip? Not necessarily. We had many adventures and unexpected situations, and at times it was dangerous, but fortunately we managed to complete almost our entire travel plan and even saw places that had not been included in the original itinerary.

In this comprehensive guide, we describe everything you need to know to plan a Route 66 trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. We show you what is worth seeing, how to travel, when to set off, how much time to allow for the journey and how to prepare in terms of accommodation, costs and safety.

Route 66 at a glance

Key information	Route 66
Starting point	Chicago, Illinois
End point	Santa Monica, California
Length of the historic route	approximately 2,448 miles, or about 3,940 kilometers
Number of states	8
States along the route	Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California
Minimum time to drive the route with sightseeing	approximately 14 days
Recommended time	21-28 days
Recommended direction	from Chicago to Santa Monica

About Route 66 – a brief history of the Mother Road

Route 66 was established in 1926 and quickly became one of the main transportation arteries in the USA. The road connected Chicago with Los Angeles, allowing people to travel from the industrial East to the sunny West Coast. During the Great Depression, Route 66 represented hope for thousands of families migrating west in search of a better life, although the journey was neither easy nor pleasant.

After modern interstate highways opened in the 1950s and 1960s, Route 66 gradually lost its importance. In 1985 it was officially removed from the US Highway System, which is why today it is not one continuous road with a single number. Its legend lives on, however, thanks to numerous initiatives by local communities, artists and travelers who still choose this route.

Where does Route 66 begin and end?

Route 66 begins in downtown Chicago at the “Begin Historic Route 66” sign on Adams Street. Do not be surprised, however, if you see more than one sign connected with the start of the route in the city center. The starting point of Route 66 changed several times, among other reasons because of changes to traffic organization and the course of the road itself.

The same applies farther along the route – historic Route 66 is not a single, definitive road. Its course changed over the years, and while driving you will see signs directing you to different versions of the route, depending on the period from which a particular alignment dates. You may also find that the road suddenly ends, turns into a gravel section or is impassable ;) It is worth remembering that not every historic part of Route 66 is open to traffic.

You will finish your Route 66 road trip on the West Coast of the USA, at the pier in Santa Monica, where you can see the famous “End of the Trail” sign. It is the symbolic finale of the journey and one of the most popular places for a souvenir photo.

Of course, you can also drive Route 66 from Los Angeles, but in our opinion it is better to start in Chicago. The first half is not especially exciting in terms of scenery, while the most interesting and beautiful landscapes begin in Arizona. You can feel the atmosphere of the historic road much earlier, though. You should know that this journey covers about 3,940 kilometers of varied landscapes, completely different cities and towns, changing climates and interesting historic places. One day you may drive several hundred kilometers just to reach your hotel or campground, while the next day you will stop at interesting points every few moments.

Which states does Route 66 cross?

Route 66 passes through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Each one has something unique to offer – from large cities and Art Deco architecture to plains, desert landscapes, neon motels and towns where time seems to move more slowly.

Why is this road so popular?

Route 66 became an icon because of its role in American history, but also through popular culture. John Steinbeck’s book “The Grapes of Wrath”, the song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” and numerous films and television series turned it into a symbol of American freedom and travel. References to the road can also be found in animated films, including the children’s favorite “Cars”, while Bob Waldmire was one of the people who devoted almost his entire life to promoting Route 66.

Travel literature and countless photographs of neon signs, old gas stations and abandoned towns have also strengthened its legend.

Our Route 66 journey

Our Route 66 trip took place in late April and early May, which turned out to be an excellent time for such an adventure – with perhaps one small exception. We spent a month on the road, but often left the main route to discover both well-known and lesser-known places. We traveled by RV, which gave us a great deal of freedom and the possibility of stopping wherever we wanted without having to reserve every overnight stay far in advance. Even so, we spent most nights at campgrounds.

Did we feel the famous Route 66 atmosphere from the very first miles? Definitely not ;) We had to cover quite a few kilometers, or rather miles, before the scenes familiar from photographs and guidebooks began to appear. Some sections were full of interesting and sometimes abandoned buildings and murals, while others were completely modern, with no references to Route 66 at all.

From the beginning, however, we felt the immense space and freedom offered by a journey through eight states. It was our first time traveling through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and New Mexico. Every day was a new adventure, filled with interesting stops, historic sites, colorful murals and unexpected discoveries. When we finally reached the California coast and stopped in Los Angeles for a few days, we found it difficult to adjust to such an enormous metropolitan area. We gave up sightseeing in Los Angeles – it was neither our first nor our last stay there, so this time we focused on relaxing and visiting amusement parks.

Top Route 66 attractions – what is worth seeing?

A drive along Route 66 is full of attractions, although old atmospheric diners and hotels or vintage cars do not await you around every corner. The places through which the famous road passes have much more to offer and try to make the most of the potential of historic Route 66.

Below you will find our suggestions for what to see in each state. If you are interested in the full list with a map, you can find it in our travel itinerary.

State	Most interesting stops along Route 66
Illinois	Chicago, Pontiac, Springfield
Missouri	Saint Louis, Meramec Caverns, Fantastic Caverns, Joplin, Branson
Kansas	Galena and the short historic section of Route 66
Oklahoma	Oklahoma City, El Reno, Clinton, Elk City, Blue Whale of Catoosa
Texas	Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Adrian, Midpoint Cafe, U-Drop Inn
New Mexico	Tucumcari, Blue Swallow Motel, TeePee Curios, Santa Fe
Arizona	Petrified Forest, Winslow, Holbrook, Flagstaff, Seligman, Kingman, Oatman
California	Amboy, Mojave Desert, Barstow, Santa Monica Pier

Illinois, Chicago – the beginning of Route 66

The journey begins in Chicago, a city full of attractions and history. It is worth stopping for a deep-dish pizza, visiting Cloud Gate, the famous “Bean”, and walking through Millennium Park. Outside Chicago, it is worth stopping in Pontiac to see the Route 66 museum and a mural depicting the road, and in Springfield, where Abraham Lincoln lived.

Missouri

In Missouri, the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis is a must-see. You may be surprised to learn that the structure and its surroundings form a national park ;) It is also worth visiting Fantastic Caverns and Meramec Caverns – remarkable caves also associated with the story of Jesse James. This section of the route also offers picturesque landscapes and authentic towns such as Joplin. Branson is another interesting place for a longer stop.

Kansas

Although the route through Kansas is very short, you should not miss Galena, a town with many references to Route 66. It is a good example of a place where even a short stretch of the historic road can offer several photogenic stops.

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, it is worth spending more time in Oklahoma City. There are several interesting museums here that deserve a longer visit. Stops in El Reno, Elk City and Clinton require less time. You will find smaller museums dedicated to Route 66, including the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, as well as murals and historic buildings.

Many people also consider the Blue Whale of Catoosa a key Route 66 attraction in Oklahoma, but in our opinion this blue whale is more frightening than interesting ;)

Texas

Texas is home to Cadillac Ranch, an art installation made from buried cars. It is also worth trying local steaks in Amarillo. This section offers wide-open views and an increasingly distinct Western atmosphere. If you would like to hike and spend more time in nature, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located near Amarillo.

In the small Texas town of Adrian, the symbolic midpoint of Route 66 has been marked. Midpoint Cafe stands right beside it. It is also worth stopping at the U-Drop Inn.

New Mexico

New Mexico includes Santa Fe, with its distinctive adobe architecture, although the city lies on an older alignment of Route 66 rather than the later, direct route through Albuquerque. Staying at the famous Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, with its original neon facade, is another unforgettable experience. The iconic TeePee Curios store is located in the same town.

The desert landscapes and regional culture make this part of the route memorable. You may also want to consider a detour to Roswell.

Arizona

In Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park awaits – a national park full of petrified trees and extraordinary landscapes, including viewpoints over the Painted Desert. It is also worth visiting Winslow and taking a photo on the corner, in reference to the lyrics of “Take It Easy” and the famous Standin’ on the Corner site. Other Route 66 towns worth a short stop include Holbrook, Seligman and Kingman – with the nearby Hackberry General Store – as well as Flagstaff.

One of the most unusual places is Oatman, often called a ghost town, where donkeys walk through the streets. In fact, Oatman has permanent residents, so it is not a typical ghost town.

California, Santa Monica – the end of Route 66

The Route 66 journey ends in California. The Mojave Desert offers picturesque landscapes, while in Barstow you will find the Western America Railroad Museum. It is also worth visiting Amboy, a tiny community made famous by the iconic Roy’s Motel & Cafe. The road ends on the West Coast of the USA at Santa Monica Pier, overlooking the ocean and featuring the “End of the Trail” sign. It is the perfect place to conclude this unforgettable adventure.

Of course, the attractions of Arizona and California extend far beyond the places connected with Route 66. We highly recommend traveling around the American West to see Utah, Nevada, Wyoming and other states as well. We have spent several months in this part of the United States and still have not had enough! We visited California’s largest cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, fell in love with national parks – especially Arches National Park, Death Valley National Park, Zion National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park – visited amusement parks, drove along the US West Coast and even went to Meteor Crater.

You can read a great deal about the American West on our blog and in our book.

Ready-to-use interactive map with more than 700 points in the Western US. You can find it in our store in the category of travel planners »

What else is worth seeing near Route 66?

During a Route 66 trip, we encourage you to leave the main route from time to time. Several remarkable places are located nearby or within reach of a longer detour:

Grand Canyon (Arizona): Although it does not lie directly on Route 66, it is one of the most spectacular places in the USA. We truly recommend allowing an extra day for the Grand Canyon because it is worth seeing in person.

Las Vegas (Nevada): Sin City is a few hours’ drive from the route and offers a completely different atmosphere. If you do not enjoy loud, large cities, Las Vegas can also serve as a good base for visiting nearby state parks.

Monument Valley (Arizona/Utah): Iconic landscapes known from Western films. A must-see for us, although it is a considerable distance from Route 66.

Sedona (Arizona): Picturesque red rocks and the town’s distinctive atmosphere attract many visitors.

Joshua Tree National Park (California): A national park with unique vegetation and beautiful desert scenery. Its main attractions include not only Joshua trees but also rock formations.

Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada): One of the harshest yet most breathtaking places in the USA. It is famous for extreme temperatures, salt flats and scenic views.

Roswell (New Mexico): A famous town known for reports of UFOs and alien activity. If you enjoy this kind of atmosphere, this is the place for you!

Additional destination	How much extra time should you allow?	Who is it for?
Grand Canyon	at least 1 full day	for first-time visitors to Arizona
Sedona	1-2 days	for lovers of scenery and hiking trails
Las Vegas	1-2 days	for those looking for a city, entertainment or a base for further excursions
Monument Valley	at least 2 days including travel	for lovers of Western landscapes
Roswell	1 day plus travel	for UFO fans and lovers of unusual attractions
Joshua Tree	1 day	for those who want to add a California national park

Car or RV for Route 66?

Your choice of vehicle depends on your travel style, needs and budget. Before this journey, we always traveled around the USA in a rental car. The United States is a country made for driving, and if you want to travel between cities and leave the main routes, a vehicle is really the only good option.

This time we chose an RV, which gave us greater flexibility. We could stop in many places, stay overnight at campgrounds or permitted locations away from cities and enjoy being close to nature.

On such a long journey with constant changes of accommodation, an RV was very convenient for us because we did not have to carry luggage into hotels, unpack and repack it the next morning. While traveling, we had everything close at hand. We could stop at any moment and prepare something to eat without having to search for restaurants or diners. We only needed to stock up at the beginning of the journey and buy fresh, everyday products along the way.

An RV also has disadvantages: above all, you travel more slowly, it is noisier inside and you cannot drive it everywhere. Visiting some places may be restricted because of the vehicle’s weight and dimensions, while parking becomes an issue in large cities. For people who prefer shorter travel times and hotel or motel accommodation, a passenger car may be the better choice.

Criterion	Car	RV
Driving pace	🟢 faster	🟡 slower
Parking in cities	🟢 easier	🟡 often difficult
Accommodation	🏨 hotels and motels	🏕️ mainly campgrounds and designated places
Packing	🟡 luggage moved frequently	🟢 belongings remain in the vehicle
Meals	🍴 restaurants or simple meals	🍴 your own kitchen and refrigerator
Fuel consumption	🟢 usually lower	🟡 significantly higher
Freedom on small roads	🟢 greater	🟡 depends on vehicle size and road condition
Best choice for	people who value pace and comfortable accommodation	people who value flexibility and their own space

We rented our RV through the Polish intermediary usakamperem.pl, which we definitely recommend. The prices are more favorable than when booking directly with Cruise America, and we also have a USD 100 discount for you. How can you use it? See here.

How long does it take to drive Route 66 and how many days should you plan?

How many days do you need for such a journey? This question came up quite often when we shared our trip on Instagram.

Driving Route 66 alone means spending dozens of hours behind the wheel, but the point is not simply to cover the distance from Chicago to Los Angeles. In our opinion, the minimum you should plan is 2 weeks, while for a fuller experience it is worth allowing at least 3 weeks. We spent more than a month on the road, which allowed us not only to visit iconic places but also to leave the route and discover less popular areas.

Travel time	What does this pace look like?	Who is it for?
10-12 days	a very fast drive, many hours behind the wheel and only the most important stops	for those who accept an intensive pace and have no more than 14 days of vacation
14 days	the minimum that allows you to combine the drive with basic sightseeing	for those with limited vacation time
21 days	a reasonable pace, more stops and individual detours from Route 66	for most travelers
28 days or more	a more relaxed journey, national parks and longer detours	for those who truly want to experience the route

If you do not have that much time but would still like to travel along parts of Route 66, you can also experience its distinctive atmosphere during a trip around the American West. Many interesting and characteristic places are located in Arizona and California, relatively close to Los Angeles.

When should you drive Route 66? The best time for the trip

The best time for the journey is usually spring, from April to June, and fall, from September to October, when it is easier to avoid the most intense heat. Our trip in late April and early May allowed us to enjoy mostly moderate weather.

You need to remember, however, that Route 66 crosses areas with very different climates. During the same period, Chicago may be cold, snow may appear at higher elevations and temperatures in the deserts of Arizona and California may already be extremely high.

Period	✅ Advantages	⚠️ What should you watch out for?
April-June	milder temperatures in the deserts, fewer tourists than in summer	storms, hail and tornadoes in the central USA, possible cold at higher elevations
July-August	long days and the summer vacation period	extreme heat in the deserts, more traffic and higher prices
September-October	more pleasant temperatures and less traffic after summer	shorter days and possible cooling in the East and at higher elevations
November-March	few tourists	snow, ice, short days, seasonal closures and difficult conditions on parts of the route

There is one major downside to traveling in spring – in some regions, especially Oklahoma and Texas, this is a period of increased risk of severe storms and tornadoes. You therefore need to monitor weather forecasts and warnings continuously.

Unfortunately, we experienced tornado alerts, an evacuation and waiting in shelters until the danger had passed.

How do you navigate historic Route 66?

Entering “Los Angeles” as the destination in your navigation app is not enough because it will primarily guide you along modern interstate highways. Historic Route 66 has many variants, and some former sections are closed, unpaved or end without a clear warning.

The safest approach is to divide the route into shorter stages and save specific towns and attractions in your navigation app. Before each day, it is worth checking the course of the section, road conditions and possible closures. Offline maps are very useful, but they should not replace checking current conditions – especially in the deserts, after storms and on less frequently traveled sections.

• save the most important points along the route before departure;
• download offline maps for all eight states;
• do not drive an RV or regular car onto an unfamiliar gravel section without checking its condition;
• treat Historic Route 66 signs as a helpful guide, but not your only source of navigation;
• leave extra time in your itinerary for detours and spontaneous stops.

Accommodation – where should you stay along Route 66?

There is no shortage of accommodation options along the way. We mainly chose campgrounds, which we booked as we traveled. In spring we had no difficulty finding available sites, but if you want to stay in popular national parks, it is worth reserving well in advance. We only managed to find accommodation in a state park.

If you are not traveling by RV, consider staying in historic motels, which form part of Route 66’s unique atmosphere.

If you plan to stay in motels or hotels, it is worth considering several aspects:

• Reservations: during the tourist season, it is worth booking accommodation in advance, especially in popular places such as national parks or larger cities along the route. In less crowded areas, rooms can often be found without an earlier reservation, but you should not assume this will be possible at the best-known motels.
• Types of accommodation: historic properties such as the Blue Swallow Motel and Wigwam Motel offer a unique Route 66 atmosphere, but they have very few rooms. Chain hotels are an alternative that offers a more predictable standard.
• Budget: the price depends on the dates, location, standard and local events. The most atmospheric motel is not always the least expensive, and in large cities you need to add the cost of parking.
• Location: if quick access to attractions is important to you, choose accommodation near the planned course of your route. It is also worth considering hotels and campgrounds in national and state parks.
• Late arrival: check reception opening hours. In smaller historic motels, check-in is not always possible around the clock.

Well-planned accommodation will allow you to enjoy the journey without stress and help you experience the atmosphere of this exceptional route.

How much does a Route 66 trip cost?

The cost of a Route 66 trip depends primarily on the time of year, the number of travelers, the type of vehicle, the standard of accommodation, airfare and the number of detours from the main route. There is no single figure that can honestly apply to everyone. A journey by car with motel stays will have a completely different cost structure from a month-long RV trip.

Traveling by RV allowed us to save money on some meals and gave us our own space, but at the same time we faced higher fuel expenses and the cost of renting the vehicle itself. Campgrounds are not a free substitute for hotels either, especially if you need full hookups for electricity, water and sewer.

Category	What should you include in the budget?
Flights	tickets to Chicago and return travel from Los Angeles, luggage, seat selection and possible accommodation before or after a flight
Vehicle rental	daily rate, taxes, insurance, mileage limit, equipment and the fee for returning the vehicle in a different city
Fuel	planned distance, additional detours, vehicle fuel consumption and current fuel prices in individual states
Accommodation	hotels or motels, parking, campgrounds, full hookups for an RV and local taxes
Food	restaurants, groceries, drinks and the possibility of preparing your own meals
Attractions	museums, national and state parks, viewpoints, parking and timed-entry reservations
Other	ESTA, travel insurance, internet access, tips, local transportation and an emergency reserve

The simplest way to create a realistic budget is to calculate fixed costs separately – flights, rental, ESTA and insurance – and then multiply the daily cost of accommodation, food and the vehicle by the number of days. Finally, add a reserve for unexpected expenses. Pay particular attention to the one-way fee for returning a car or RV in another city, as it can significantly change the rental price.

Safety on Route 66

Route 66 is generally safe, but you should exercise caution, especially in remote places. Remember to check the vehicle’s technical condition regularly and avoid driving at night on lightly traveled roads. We always carried extra food and water, basic tools and offline maps in case there was no reception. Traveling across the USA involves covering hundreds of kilometers, and on remote sections you should not expect gas stations every few or even every few dozen kilometers.

The only dangerous situations we encountered along the way were connected with tornadoes. To monitor the weather and alerts continuously, it is worth using official sources:

• National Weather Service – current forecasts, warnings and alerts for a selected location;
• Storm Prediction Center – severe storm and tornado risk maps for the coming days;
• FEMA app – weather alerts and information about shelters;
• Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone – do not disable safety alerts and make sure your device can receive local messages.

It is worth knowing the difference between two basic alerts. A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and you should monitor the situation. A Tornado Warning means there is an immediate threat – a tornado has been observed or indicated by radar – and you should move to safe shelter immediately, following local instructions.

During severe weather, do not stop under an overpass and do not try to outrun the storm. At a hotel or campground, ask in advance where the nearest shelter is located. In an RV, you need a particularly well-considered plan because such a vehicle is not safe shelter during a tornado.

Practical tips – what should you know before the trip?

Below we have collected the most important information to remember before departure:

• ESTA and entry to the USA: Polish citizens traveling for tourism for up to 90 days can usually use the Visa Waiver Program, but before traveling they need an approved ESTA and an appropriate passport. Apply only through the official ESTA website and do not leave it until the last moment. ESTA is not a visa and does not guarantee admission – the final decision is made by an officer at the border. If an application is rejected, you can still apply for a visa.
• Internet: Wi-Fi is widely available in many hotels, campgrounds, stores and restaurants in the USA. If you want internet access on the road, consider buying a SIM card or eSIM. On our latest trip, we bought an eSIM before departure.
• Vehicle reservation: if you plan to travel by RV or rent a car, it is worth booking it earlier, especially during the high season. Check the mileage limit, the rules for driving on unpaved roads and the fee for returning the vehicle in a different city.
• First nights: reserve at least the first few nights of the journey in advance. The best-known historic motels and campgrounds in parks may require reservations much earlier.
• Weather: check forecasts and plan the trip according to the conditions. If warnings are issued for tornadoes, storms, flash floods or extreme temperatures, follow official advice.
• Navigation: not every section of Route 66 is well marked. It is worth having navigation and offline maps because some parts of the route have no cellular coverage.
• Insurance: buy travel insurance that covers the USA and its high medical costs. In many policies, the United States requires an extended option. Healthcare in the USA is very expensive, so check not only the medical-expense limit but also assistance, medical transportation, chronic conditions and the deductible.
• Adapters and voltage: the USA uses different electrical outlets and a voltage of approximately 120 V. An adapter changes only the shape of the plug, not the voltage. Check the power supply to see whether your device supports 100-240 V. This is particularly important for heating appliances and devices with motors.
• RV equipment: rental companies often charge extra for bedding, towels and kitchen equipment. Always check and calculate whether it is better to bring items from Poland, rent them locally or buy them after arrival.
• National parks: since January 1, 2026, the annual America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass for people who are not US residents has cost USD 250. At some of the most popular parks, non-US residents aged 16 and older without the appropriate pass also pay an additional USD 100 nonresident fee per person, on top of the standard entrance fee. Before buying, count the parks you plan to visit and check the current rules on the official National Park Service website.

How should you plan a Route 66 trip?

When preparing for departure, create at least a general Route 66 itinerary that includes attractions, overnight stops, daily sections and time for rest. This will help you avoid unnecessary stress and make the most of your journey.

We prepared a general plan but left room for spontaneous decisions and extra stops. This is especially important on Route 66, where many of the most interesting places are discovered along the way and the weather or condition of a historic section may force you to change your route.

If you would like a ready-made solution, meaning a complete day-by-day itinerary, take a look at the prepared itinerary in our online store. It covers both 21 and 28 days and contains everything you need: detailed attractions, directions, recommended sightseeing times, alternatives and additional options, suggested accommodation and restaurants. It is a resource that will certainly make your Route 66 journey easier.

Route 66 – frequently asked questions

Can you drive the entire Route 66?

Today, you cannot drive every historic section as a single continuous road. Some sections have disappeared, been closed, remain unpaved or have several variants from different periods. You can still complete the entire journey from Chicago to Santa Monica by combining preserved sections of Route 66 with modern roads.

How long is Route 66 in kilometers?

The most commonly cited length of historic Route 66 is approximately 2,448 miles, or about 3,940 kilometers. The actual distance of your journey will be greater once you include drives to accommodation, sightseeing in cities and detours to national parks.

How many days do you need for Route 66?

In our opinion, 14 days is the minimum needed to combine the drive with basic sightseeing. For a more comfortable journey, allow 21 days, while 28 days will let you add more distant attractions and enjoy more relaxed stops.

Which direction is best for driving Route 66?

We recommend traveling from Chicago to Santa Monica. The landscapes become increasingly spectacular, and ending the journey at the Pacific Ocean creates a clear sense of a finale. Of course, the route can also be driven in the opposite direction.

Do you need a 4×4 vehicle for Route 66?

You do not need a 4×4 vehicle to drive the main preserved sections of Route 66. However, you should not take a standard car or RV onto unpaved or damaged sections without first checking the conditions and the rental company’s rules.

Is Route 66 suitable for a trip with children?

Yes, but you need to plan the length of each day’s drive sensibly. Museums, murals, unusual roadside installations, national parks and places associated with the film “Cars” make the route more varied. It is still worth allowing time for rest, playgrounds, a pool and days with fewer miles.

Our opinion of Route 66

A Route 66 journey is not just a drive through eight states but also a journey through American history and culture. It is an opportunity to see extraordinarily diverse places, experience the openness of local residents and feel the immensity of the surrounding space.

 

Whether you start in Illinois or California, whether you reach the end of Route 66 or decide somewhere along the way to head in a different direction, a journey along the Mother Road is an unforgettable experience!

As you plan this adventure, get ready to create memories that will stay with you forever!