The neon glow beckons and the open road stretches endlessly—Route 66, America’s Mother Road, calls. But before you fire up the car, a very important question begs to be asked: How long does driving this legendary highway take? Providing a journey through time and culture, an ultimate American road trip laden with history, and almost iconic in status, Route 66 is cringe-worthy in its beauty. This guide would assist you in knowing how long it takes to traverse Route 66 depending on the experience that you would like to have.
Knowing the Distance
Exact Mileage
Route 66 is about 2,448 miles beginning in Chicago, Illinois going to Santa Monica, California. In between this are the eight States each providing various faces of urban and rural landscapes, both breathtaking in their right
Time Without Stops
In theory, when one drives straight through on Route 66, it would take between 32 to 38 hours, depending on traffic, and exactly where one started and finished the drive. However, this would deplete the very soul of the trip; a person would, after all, have missed the experience of a thousand different things that make Route 66 the very memorable journey that it is.
Factors Influencing Travel Time
Driving Speed
Most people who travel find that about 200 miles a day is comfortable. This amount allows plenty of time to spend on exploring, resting, and getting the most out of the journey. Exceeding this pace is a risk in terms of fatigue and missing so much of the country that lies open to view and enjoyment.
Stops and Detours
This should leave room for iconic sights, strange attractions, and adorable towns. Key side excursions, such as one to the Grand Canyon, may at least double the scope of the entire trip this makes all the difference. I’ll be—you know—going out to the Grand Canyon itself for at least a whole day and maybe a bit longer if I do.
Route 66 Itineraries Based on Travel Style
The Route 66 Whirlwind(3-5 Days)
For those with no more time, here is an express itinerary focused on finishing the route in the shortest time possible and with a minimum number of stops. This entails :
Day 1: Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO (300 miles)
highlights: Start Sign Route 66, Gemini Giant, Chain of Rocks Bridge
Detailed Plan:
- Start driving from the Start Sign of Route 66 in Chicago. Pause a few seconds and take a photo it’s good luck from now on….
Drive to Wilmington, IL, to see the vintage attraction on Route 66, the Gemini Giant. - Drive to St. Louis, MO, and stop along the way at the Chain of Rocks Bridge, with its unique bend at a 22-degree angle.
Day 2: St. Louis, MO to Tulsa, OK (350 miles)
Highlights: Meramec Caverns, Munger Moss Motel, Blue Whale of Catoosa
Detailed Plan:
- Depart St. Louis and head for Stanton, MO, to visit the Meramec Caverns, one of the more famous tourist traps along Route 66.
- Continue to Lebanon, MO, to visit the Munger Moss Motel, a great old-style Route 66 motel.
- Drive on to Tulsa, OK, to visit the Blue Whale of Catoosa, another strange roadside attraction.
Day 3: Tulsa, OK to Amarillo, TX (370 miles)
Highlights: Totem Pole Park, Cadillac Ranch
Detailed Plan:
- Travel from Tulsa, OK, to Foyil, OK, to see the world’s largest concrete totem pole in Totem Pole Park.
- Drive from Amarillo, TX, to see the famous art installation in Cadillac Ranch of half-buried, graffiti-covered Cadillacs.
Day 4: Amarillo, TX to Flagstaff, AZ (520 miles)
Highlights: Avoid Route 66 Closures.
Detailed Plan:
- Amarillo-leave early
- Midpoint Café in Adrian, TX, the geographic midpoint of Route 66
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
- Fossilized trees and colorful landscapes
- Flagstaff, AZ-overnight
Day 5: Flagstaff, AZ to Santa Monica, CA (600 miles)
Highlights: detour to Grand Canyon, Route 66 End Sign
Detailed Plan:
- Be aware that a stop at the Grand Canyon is possible. It is one of the most awesome natural wonders of the world even if it is something of a detour and a few hours are added to the trip, it’s something worth seeing.
- Head to the southern end of your journey in Santa Monica, CA. Conclude driving at the Route 66 End Sign on the Santa Monica Pier.
Limitations: This approach is fast-paced, much less immersive, and therefore suitable for travelers whose main goal is to be able to claim that they have driven the full length of the route, not necessarily to experience everything at each stop.
The Savoring Route 66 Experience, 10-14 Days
To travelers interested in taking in the complete Route 66 experience, here is a more thorough planning guide:
Day 1-2: Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Detailed Plan:
- Enter the city passing under Route 66 Begin Sign and then walk around the city to see some of the great museums and other Chicago-area sights.
- Head first to Wilmington, IL, and check out the Gemini Giant. Continue to head south to St Louis, MO, visiting some other places of interest on the way south.
Day 3-4: St. Louis, MO to Springfield, MO
Detailed Plan:
- Take a business-guided overview at Meramec Caverns.
- Continue to Springfield, MO, and spend the night. Your free time to visit some of the Route 66 attractions around the city, including the Route 66 Car Museum or some of the many local diners.
Day 5-6: Springfield, MO to Tulsa, OK
Detailed Plan:
- Spend time at the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield before turning south towards Tulsa.
- Stop at the Blue Whale of Catoosa—an offbeat popular icon.
- While in Tulsa, catch the happening art and culture vibe.
Day 7-8: Tulsa, OK to Oklahoma City, OK
Detailed Plan:
- Depart for Oklahoma City after breakfast. Stop in Clinton to visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.
- In Arcadia, visit Pops, a unique soda pop experience with a large selection of sodas and a giant soda bottle structure.
Day 9-10: Oklahoma City, OK to Amarillo, TX
Detailed Plan:
- En route to Amarillo, make a stop at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City.
- See the Cadillac Ranch and dine at the Big Texan Steak Ranch—known for the 72-ounce steak challenge.
Day 11-12: Amarillo, TX to Gallup, NM
Detailed Plan:
- Make a pit stop at the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, TX—known to be the real midpoint of Route 66.
- Gallup, NM Arrive in Gallup—a city rich in Native American culture and with a well-established arts community. Stay over and visit local attractions.
Day 13-14: Gallup, NM to Flagstaff, AZ
Detailed Plan
- Petrified Forest National Park with views of the Painted Desert
- Overnight in Flagstaff. Explore the historic downtown area, dotted with Route 66-era memorabilia and local charm.
Day 15-16: Flagstaff, AZ to Santa Monica, CA
Detailed Plan:
- Route a side to the Grand Canyon and appreciate its beauty.
- Proceed to Santa Monica, CA, and conclude your trip at the Santa Monica Pier, otherwise considered the official end of Route 66.
Route 66: In So Much Depth (With More than 2 Weeks)
Only the most ardent fans, who wish to feel the past and present of Route 66 on their body and soul, require the itinerary below.
Week 1: Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO
Detailed Plan:
- Start your drive in Chicago, stopping for museums and the Route 66 Begin Sign.
- Travel to Joliet, IL, for a local Route 66 Welcome Center.
- Press on to St. Louis, crossing over the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, then spend the night.
- Stop in small towns like Cuba and Rolla, MO, that preserve a feel for the original route with their roadside diners and old motels.
Week 2: Springfield, MO to Amarillo, TX
Detailed Plan:
- Visit, Springfield, the Route 66 Car Museum, and other local attractions.
- See the old downtown of Carthage and the 66 Drive-In Theatre.
- Day trip to Branson, MO, for performances.
- Continue on Route 66 to Tulsa and Oklahoma City, with visits to the Blue Whale of Catoosa and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.
Week 3: Amarillo, TX to Flagstaff, AZ
Detailed Plan:
- See the Midpoint Café and give in to the goof factor of being “the other side of Route 66.”
- Go through the old downtown of Albuquerque, then Santa Fe and the cultural mix that is there.
- Stop at the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert to see colorful landscapes.
Week 4: Flagstaff, AZ to Santa Monica, CA
Detailed Plan:
- Side-trip to Sedona for its spectacular red rock scenery and outdoor activities.
- Visitation of the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas, NV for history and fun that doesn’t sleep.
- End tour in Santa Monica viewing the Pacific Ocean at the famous Pier.
Planning Your Your Route 66 Road Trip Adventure
Resources
- Guidebooks – Such classicists include “EZ66 Guide for Travelers” by Jerry McClanahan, which provides detailed maps and suggestions.
- Online Communities – Social media groups and Forums about Route 66 can be greatly supportive of first-timers because of the tips, advice, and support from other travelers.
- Route 66 Association Website – This website has so much information on the attractions, events, and history of Route 66.
Considerations
Choosing the Right Vehicle: The vehicle should be sound for transportation to the necessary destination. Though classic vehicles can add to the ambiance of the trip and the character of the adventure, they must also be ultra-reliable. Modern vehicles with good gas mileage and comfort features will do. Lodging Arrangements: Make reservations, particularly in the more popular towns where best the lodging facilities can get filled up. While traveling Route 66, stay in some of the old-fashioned motels that are still in operation.
Budgeting: Budget for the cost of gas, food, motels, and attractions. The costs of these items have a large range, so it is important to allow your trip to be flexible within your planned budget by mixing camping, motels, and occasional hotel stays.
So allow your Route 66 vacation to be budged cleverly and styled with a sense of adventure, and yours will be the richest, in history, culture, and landscapes.
Conclusion
Route 66 is a lot more than a road. By itself, it represents one of the most recognized road trips in the middle of America. How long this very famous route takes will depend on your traveling style and what you want to see or do on your way. Whether you dash through in a couple of days, savor the experience over a couple of weeks, or immerse yourself for a month, the key is to make a plan about what you want to see and do. So oo, chart your journey, crank the engine, and let Route 66 lead you to its history and its beautiful sights.
Ready to hit the road? Begin planning your Route 66 experience now. Whether you’re one of those travelers who love history, a thrill-seeker, or someone who sees the road as a way to capture the nostalgia of the open road, Route 66 is for you. Share all your plans and prior experiences with colleagues in travel and keep the spirit of the Mother Road vibrant. Have a great trip!
