How Long Does It Take to Travel Route 66?

Route 66 runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, covering nearly 2,500 miles and stretching across eight states. The time it takes to drive the full length of Route 66 depends on how you want to experience it. If you're in a rush, it's possible to drive it in just over a week. However, most travellers prefer to take their time, stopping off to explore the historic sites, old diners, quirky attractions, and stunning natural landscapes along the way.

A realistic timeframe for the average road tripper is two to three weeks. This allows for a balance of driving and sightseeing without feeling too hurried. If you're planning on doing a deep dive—visiting museums, hiking in national parks, or venturing slightly off-route—you might need closer to four weeks.

Planning is key. Consider how many hours you're willing to drive each day, what kind of accommodations you’ll use, and whether you're heading east to west or the other way round. Each leg of the trip has its own character, so pacing matters.

How Long It Used to Take

Back in the early days of Route 66, the journey wasn’t quite the same. When the highway opened in 1926, it was a rough road made up of dirt, gravel, and only some patches of pavement. Travellers in the 1920s and 1930s had to contend with frequent breakdowns, minimal roadside services, and slower vehicles. A cross-country trip on Route 66 could take two full weeks or more.

During the Dust Bowl migration in the 1930s, many families fleeing drought and poverty in the Midwest used Route 66 to head west to California. This journey wasn’t about sightseeing—it was about survival. It often took weeks with overloaded cars and trailers crawling across unpaved sections.

By the 1950s and 1960s, road conditions had improved with better tarmac and more amenities like motels, petrol stations, and diners. The post-war boom made road tripping a recreational activity. Even then, a leisurely drive across Route 66 was expected to take at least 10 to 14 days.

How Long It Takes Now

Today, Route 66 isn’t an official US Highway, but much of it has been preserved as a scenic byway. Thanks to modern cars, well-paved roads, and digital navigation, the drive is far easier than in the past. Without stops, you could technically finish the journey in 7 days. But you’d be missing the essence of Route 66 by rushing through it.

Most people opt for a 2 to 3-week trip to give themselves time to enjoy the highlights along the way. This pace allows for 4–6 hours of driving per day with time left over for sightseeing, meals, and rest. Certain stretches, like the desert areas in Arizona or the mountains of New Mexico, are worth slowing down for.

It’s also worth noting that some original parts of Route 66 have been replaced by modern interstates. While this can speed up your journey, it's the older, quieter alignments that offer the most charm. Use Route 66 guidebooks or apps to stick to the historic road where possible.

Future of Route 66

Although it's no longer part of the official highway system, Route 66 is far from forgotten. Various state and local governments are working to preserve and restore segments of the route. This includes restoring vintage signs, reviving historic motels, and improving access to roadside attractions.

There's also a strong push to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. If passed, this would bring federal funding and national recognition to the route, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Such a move would be a huge boost for tourism and small towns along the road.

Private enthusiasts and Route 66 associations also play a role. Events like annual festivals, classic car rallies, and themed parades keep the spirit of Route 66 alive. So while the road has changed, the dream of the American road trip it represents is still very much intact.

Cool Spots to See on Route 66

1. Chicago, Illinois

Start your journey with deep-dish pizza and a walk around Millennium Park. Don’t miss the “Route 66 Begin” sign downtown.

2. Chain of Rocks Bridge, Missouri

This old bridge over the Mississippi River has a unique bend in the middle and is open to pedestrians and cyclists.

3. Meramec Caverns, Missouri

Jesse James reportedly used these caves as a hideout. You can take guided tours through the illuminated limestone formations.

4. Cadillac Ranch, Texas

In Amarillo, a row of Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground lets visitors bring spray paint to leave their mark.

5. Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma

A giant smiling whale in a pond, originally built as a surprise anniversary gift. Odd and charming.

6. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Drive through ancient fossilised trees and vibrant desert colours—like stepping into another world.

7. Wigwam Motel, Arizona

You can sleep in a concrete teepee here, one of the last remaining of its kind.

8. Santa Monica Pier, California

The official end of the route. Take a photo under the “End of the Trail” sign and enjoy the ocean view.

Smoking and Vaping Rules by State

Each state on Route 66 has its own smoking and vaping laws, which can be confusing for travellers. In Illinois and California, smoking is heavily restricted in public places including bars, restaurants, and even outdoor areas near public buildings. Vaping often falls under the same restrictions.

Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma have more relaxed smoking laws, though many individual cities impose their own rules. Restaurants and public buildings may still enforce bans, so it’s wise to check local signage. Vaping rules are often less clearly posted, but it’s best to assume they match smoking laws.

In the southwestern states—New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona—regulations vary. Some areas are stricter, especially in cities or near tourist attractions. To avoid fines or offending locals, it's always smart to ask or step away from crowds when lighting up or using a vape.

Tip: When in doubt, ask or look for signs. Penalties can be steep.

What to Pack in the Car

• Paper map or Route 66 guidebook (don’t rely solely on GPS)

• Sun cream and sunglasses (some states are desert-hot)

• Reusable water bottles

• Emergency car kit (spare tyre, jumper leads, torch)

• Chargers and portable power banks

• Snacks and cooler

• Travel pillow or blanket

• Camera or smartphone with lots of storage

Films That Used Route 66

• Cars (2006) – Animated, but heavily inspired by the towns and feel of Route 66.

• Easy Rider (1969) – Captures the spirit of the American road trip.

• Thelma & Louise (1991) – Filmed partially on or near Route 66.

• Grapes of Wrath (1940) – Based on Steinbeck’s novel, much of the route is part of the story.

• Little Miss Sunshine (2006) – The quirky family road trip takes in parts of Route 66.

Best Photo Opportunities

• “Begin Route 66” sign in Chicago

• Giant blue whale in Catoosa

• Cadillac Ranch spray-painted cars

• Wigwam Motel neon signs

• Amboy Crater in the Mojave Desert

• Santa Monica Pier at sunset

Safety on the Route

Route 66 is mostly safe, but there are a few things to be mindful of. Some remote stretches, especially in the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona, have limited mobile signal and few services. Breakdowns in these areas can be risky if you’re unprepared.

Driving at night isn’t always recommended. Some roads are poorly lit, and wildlife crossing the road can be a hazard. It’s best to plan your travel during daylight hours and ensure your vehicle is in good shape before setting off each day.

Always lock your car when stopping, especially in less populated areas. While crime rates are generally low along Route 66, it’s smart to avoid leaving valuables visible. Trust your instincts, and don’t pick up hitchhikers unless you’re absolutely sure it’s safe.

What to Expect on Route 66

Route 66 offers a mix of small-town charm, roadside Americana, natural beauty, and retro flair. Some towns are thriving tourist stops, while others are semi-abandoned time capsules. Expect to find diners that haven’t changed since the '50s and locals eager to share stories.

You’ll also see how diverse the American landscape can be—cornfields in the Midwest, flat plains in Texas, red rocks in New Mexico, and deserts in California. It’s a constantly changing backdrop that makes every day of the journey different.

Above all, expect to slow down. Route 66 isn’t about getting somewhere fast—it’s about taking in the journey, the scenery, the culture, and the nostalgia. Whether you’re chasing history or just want a great road trip, Route 66 delivers.