The Open Road Atlas

Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary

It is the definitive cultural road trip: not the fastest way west, but the richest.

Historic Route 66 in New Mexico
Country
United States
Region
North America
Distance
3,940 km
Suggested duration
14-21 days
Best season
May to October
Difficulty
Easy highways, long desert stretches

Why drive the Route 66

America's classic mother road stitches together big-sky plains, desert trading posts, roadside architecture, and music towns. Expect barbecue, green-chile breakfasts, retro motels, and enough Americana to make every fuel stop feel like a scene.

Suggested itinerary

  1. Days 1-4: Chicago to Oklahoma City with diners, blues towns, and vintage motel stops.
  2. Days 5-10: Cross Texas and New Mexico for neon signs, desert mesas, and Santa Fe cuisine.
  3. Days 11-16: Finish through Arizona and California with canyon detours and Pacific sunset miles.

Main stops along the Route 66

Detours worth adding

Historic Route 66 in New Mexico
Historic Route 66 in New Mexico
Route 66 lightpost sign in Albuquerque
Route 66 lightpost sign in Albuquerque
Classic Route 66 roadside sign
Classic Route 66 roadside sign

Book this road trip

Flights Search flights into the closest useful airport for this route. Car Rentals Compare vehicle hire and transfer options for this route. Campervans Find bookable road-trip transport and useful extras. Stays Book hotels, route stops, and destination essentials. Experiences Tours, passes, ferries, museums, and guided days. Insurance Travel essentials and destination services for the trip. Saily eSIMs, navigation apps, and connectivity essentials.

Route 66 road trip FAQ

How long do you need for the Route 66?

Plan on 14-21 days for the core 3,940 km drive. Add extra time if you want slower overnight stops, side roads, or longer detours.

When is the best time to drive the Route 66?

The usual best window is May to October. Check local road closures and weather before committing to fixed dates.

What are the main stops on the Route 66?

Core stops include Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Santa Fe, Flagstaff.

Is the Route 66 difficult to drive?

The route is best described as: Easy highways, long desert stretches. Build in time for fuel, rest stops, and changing conditions.

What detours are worth adding?

Popular detours include Grand Canyon South Rim, Joshua Tree, Cadillac Ranch.

See the full route, mini map, closest airports, and booking modules on the interactive atlas.

Open Route 66 on the map →

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