Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Get inspired!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Get inspired!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Road Trips Route 66: Travel Along the Legendary Road!
Driving the legendary Route 66, whether by car or Harley, is still the ultimate dream of freedom for many travelers. Is it yours, too? Then what are you waiting for? A Route 66 trip takes you on a road trip through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the USA, including the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, and Meteor Crater. Weâll show you must-visit stops and help you find the best deals for your Route 66 road trip. So, hop on your bike â a Harley is the only way to go in style â and âget your kicks on Route 66â!
What to Know Before Your Route 66 Road Trip
Although the original Route 66 has been replaced by highways in many sections, itâs still worth following its historic path. Youâll find relics from the early days of Americaâs automotive boom, adding a nostalgic charm to your journey.
Most travelers drive from east to west. Despite its legendary reputation for endless open roads, some parts can be quite narrow â at times, two cars passing each other might feel a little too close for comfort!
Getting there
Your starting point depends on how much of Route 66 you want to explore.
If youâre focusing on the southern section, you can start in Albuquerque or Los Angeles, California.
For the full Route 66 trip or its northern section, most travelers begin in Chicago, Illinois.
If you plan a one-way trip, you can book an inland flight back to Chicago from Las Vegas or San Francisco to complete your journey.
How Much Time Do You Need?
To drive the entire route, plan for at least 10 days. However, to fully enjoy the sights along the way, we recommend a 3-week road trip.
If you prefer a shorter journey, you can explore select sections. One of the best stretches is between Seligman and Kingman, part of the well-preserved route between Flagstaff and Kingman, where you can experience the true spirit of old Route 66.
Road Trips Route 66 Itinerary: A 14-Day Route
This Route 66 road trip map takes you from Chicago to Los Angeles, covering 2,000 miles and eight states. Along the way, youâll pass Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas.
Recommended stops:
Chicago â Starting point of the Route 66 journey
St. Louis â Famous for the Gateway Arch
Tulsa & Oklahoma City â Historic Route 66 landmarks
Amarillo â Home of the Cadillac Ranch
Santa Fe & Albuquerque â Cultural and scenic highlights
Grand Canyon â A must-see detour
Las Vegas â The entertainment capital
Los Angeles â The final destination of Route 66
If you have extra time, consider extending your trip along Highway 1 to San Francisco for a scenic coastal drive.
Hotels & Accommodation
Unlike in many other countries, overnight parking on roadsides or parking lots is not allowed in the US. However, there are plenty of campgrounds where you can safely park your RV and use their facilities.
Accommodation options:
Free or budget-friendly campgrounds â Check freecampgrounds.com
National & state parks â Scenic but often require reservations
If you prefer Route 66 hotels, our hotel search helps you find affordable stays in Chicago, Los Angeles, and other key stops along Route 66. You can filter by price and reviews or view them on a map â all in one search.
Renting a Car for Your Trip
For a comfortable vacation, avoid choosing the smallest rental car, especially if traveling with a group. Use our rental car search to find the best deals.
Key tips for renting a car:
Choose full insurance coverage with zero deductible
Liability insurance should be at least $1 million
Rental prices start at $400 for the full trip â just $100 per person for a group of four
Beware of one-way fees! Many car rental companies charge extra for returning the vehicle to a different location. Fees vary:
National Car Rental â Around $400
Alamo â Around $500
Check the terms for minimum driver age and additional drivers to avoid unexpected fees.
Budget Tip: Save Money with Vehicle Relocation Deals
Some RV rental companies offer vehicle relocation deals, allowing you to drive a brand-new camper from places like Chicago to the West Coast for as little as $1!
These deals often include 2,500 free miles, which covers the entire route. If you plan extra detours, you can get additional 500-mile packages for just $135 each. With cheap flights from your city to Chicago available, this is an incredible way to drive Route 66 on a budget.
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