- \n
- Route:<\/strong> Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Total distance:<\/strong> 2,448 miles across eight states<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Eight states:<\/strong> Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Recommended trip length:<\/strong> At least 2 weeks for a comfortable pace; 3 weeks is ideal for the full experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best direction:<\/strong> East to west \u2014 Chicago to LA (the classic direction; more detail on this below)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Late spring (May\u2013June) or early fall (September\u2013October) \u2014 summer can bring intense heat through the desert states<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Official starting point:<\/strong> Adams Street and Michigan Avenue, across from the Art Institute of Chicago<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Official endpoint:<\/strong> Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Key planning note:<\/strong> Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985; it cannot be searched as a single route in Google Maps. A dedicated guidebook or Route 66-specific navigation resource is essential (see tips section below)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2026 Centennial:<\/strong> Route 66 turns 100 in November 2026 \u2014 special events and celebrations are planned across all eight states.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Which direction should you drive Route 66?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most travelers drive Route 66 east to west, where the route begins in downtown Chicago and ends at the Santa Monica Pier. It follows the original direction of the road and the historical flow of Dust Bowl\u2013era migration. It also means you\u2019re on the right side of the road to experience the beauty of the route as it reaches the Pacific Ocean at the Santa Monica Pier in California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, with so many Los Angeles car rentals<\/a> available on Turo, driving west to east is just as possible and works well if you\u2019re already in LA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Honda](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Honda-Pilot-rental-near-Route-66on-Turo-1024x576.jpg\")
Honda Pilot\u2019s roomy three-row seating and smooth highway ride make long stretches from Chicago to Springfield and St. Louis feel effortless, own every mile of the Mother Road with Turo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\nCar rental near Route 66<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow long does it take to drive Route 66?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How many hours and days it takes to drive Route 66 depends entirely on your pace. You can cover the entire route in 5\u20136 days, though most of your road trip will be spent behind the wheel. A more balanced road trip is 7\u201310 days, which lets you see the highlights and still explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it\u2019s a once-in-a-lifetime road trip you won\u2019t want to rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To really experience it (and what we\u2019d recommend) allow at least two weeks, with many people finding three weeks easy to fill. At that pace, you\u2019re driving around 3\u20134 hours a day, leaving plenty of time for stops, small towns, and detours to places like the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your Route 66 road trip itinerary: stop by stop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This Route 66 road trip itinerary breaks the drive down state by state, guiding you through all eight distinct stretches of the route, with all the key stops to make along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Illinois: Chicago to the Missouri border<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The road trip begins on Adams Street in downtown Chicago, just across from the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago, a fitting first stop before you leave the city behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a few hours\u2019 drive, you\u2019ll reach Springfield, Abraham Lincoln\u2019s hometown, where you\u2019ll find Cozy Dog Drive-In, which is widely credited as the birthplace of the original corn dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further along, Pontiac stands out as one of the most recognizable Route 66 towns, with large-scale colorful murals across its buildings and a small museum dedicated to the highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just a short detour away in Collinsville,visit the Cahokia Mounds, a series of huge, man-made hills \u2014 built by Native American communities over 1,000 years ago as part of a once-thriving city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, arrive at the Mississippi River: a vast, shimmering stretch of water that marks your crossing into Missouri and the next stage of the drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Art Institute of Chicago, Springfield, Pontiac, Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- $ HI Chicago Hostel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$ The Hoxton Chicago<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$$ The Langham Chicago<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/RWJVK4T-1-1024x576.jpg\")
Before the miles stack up, climb the grand staircase at the Art Institute of Chicago and ease into your road trip with European masterpieces and a grounding dose of Illinois history.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Cahokia](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Monks-Mound-in-Cahokia-Mounds-World-Heritage-Site-Collinsville-Illinois-1024x576.jpg\")
If your road trip crew needs a break from diners and highways, tackle the famous Monks Mound steps together and turn a history stop into a surprisingly fun family challenge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Missouri: St. Louis and beyond<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Crossing into Missouri, the drive opens with the Gateway Arch, which is a striking introduction to the west. Route 66 then winds through multiple small towns, each with its own personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Cuba, large-scale stunning murals cover entire building walls, turning the streets into an open-air gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next, Meramec Caverns offers a change of pace \u2014 a vast underground cave system filled with dramatic rock formations, and one you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Rolla, that classic Route 66 feel comes through in its main street \u2014 low-rise storefronts, local diners, and stretches of the original road still running straight through the center of town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further along, reach Springfield (a different Springfield from the one in Illinois), which is often referred to as the birthplace of Route 66.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Gateway Arch, Cuba, Meramec Caverns, Springfield<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- $ Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Union Station<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$ 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$$ Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Gateway](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/R1Z397F-1024x576.jpg\")
Looking to level up your travel feed? Shoot the Gateway Arch from below or across the park and lock in a bold skyline photo that defines your Route 66 stop.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Meramec](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Meramec-Caverns-Stanton-Missouri-1024x576.jpg\")
If your road trip needs a story worth telling, head into Meramec Caverns, trace the formations shaped over thousands of years and picture the moments when outlaws once used these caves to disappear.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Kansas: The shortest stretch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Just 13 miles, Kansas is the shortest stretch of Route 66, but it still leaves an impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Galena, one of the first small towns you pass through, you\u2019ll find one of the route\u2019s more memorable roadside attractions: a rusting tow truck said to have inspired Mater from the Disney movie Cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Later on, drive through Baxter Springs \u2014 past the historic arched Rainbow Bridge and a retro Route 66 gas station that feels unchanged from the road\u2019s early days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Cars on the Route, Rainbow Bridge, Baxter Springs Phillips 66 Station<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Rainbow](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Rainbow-Bridge-Baxter-Springs-Kansas-1-1024x576.jpg\")
Take a slow walk across Rainbow Bridge, admire its graceful arch design and let the quiet Kansas views set the mood for hand-in-hand moments and deep road trip conversations.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Oklahoma: Oklahoma City and the heart of the Mother Road<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Oklahoma is often considered the heart of Route 66, with more miles of the original road than any other state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Tulsa, visit the iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa and then stop at the Gathering Place, a large riverside park perfect for a relaxing break from the drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just before Oklahoma City, Pops 66 Soda Ranch stands out with its towering bottle-shaped sign and hundreds of sodas inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oklahoma City itself makes a natural overnight stop, with the Oklahoma City National Memorial a powerful and moving place to pause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the city, smaller towns like Stroud and Chandler carry that same sense of the historic road, where stretches of the old Rogers Highway still operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Blue Whale of Catoosa, Pops 66 Soda Ranch, Oklahoma City National Memorial, Stroud, Route 66 Interpretive Center<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- $ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oklahoma City Downtown<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$ The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$$ Omni Oklahoma City Hotel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Texas: The Panhandle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Route 66 cuts across the top of Texas through the Panhandle with long, straight stretches of road, distant horizons, and a landscape shaped by Dust Bowl history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting in Shamrock, the U-Drop Inn \u2014 a striking art deco building on the National Register \u2014 stands as one of the most distinctive stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further west, in Amarillo, you\u2019ll find Cadillac Ranch, a unique spot where visitors are encouraged to leave their own mark with spray paint across an art installation of cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And make sure to check out Midpoint Caf\u00e9, marking the exact halfway point of the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, the Midpoint Caf\u00e9, Adrian<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- $ Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Amarillo<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$ Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$$ The Barfield, Autograph Collection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
New Mexico: Santa Fe and the high desert<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New Mexico is one of the most visually striking parts of Route 66, where the road runs through high desert landscapes and open skies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further west, Albuquerque brings a different energy, with historic Old Town, local markets, and views out to the surrounding desert. From here, a detour to Santa Fe is well worth it, known for its adobe architecture, art galleries, and standout food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Near the Arizona border, Petrified Forest National Park is a place where fossilized trees lie peppered across the desert, reached along some of the route\u2019s most scenic byways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Blue Swallow Motel, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Petrified Forest National Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- $ El Rey Court<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$ Blue Swallow Motel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$$ Rosewood Inn Of the Anasazi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Santa-Fe-New-Mexico-1024x576.jpg\")
Turn your stop in Santa Fe into a laid-back wander, picking up artisan souvenirs, dipping into local snacks and soaking in a city that blends culture with every corner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Arizona: The Wild West stretch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The landscape shifts in Arizona, with red rock, wide, dramatic horizons, and towns that feel closely tied to the Wild West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watch the color change as you drive through Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arrive at Winslow, known for the \u201cStanding on a Corner\u201d stop. And then, Meteor Crater \u2014 a huge, perfectly preserved impact site you can walk around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flagstaff offers a lively stop and a base for a Grand Canyon detour, before the road leads to Williams, a walkable, nostalgic Route 66 town and gateway to the railway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, don’t miss Seligman, lined with colorful murals, retro signage, and neon lights; it’s been linked to the inspiration behind Radiator Springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Petrified Forest National Park, Painted Desert, Meteor Crater, Seligman<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- $ Historic Route 66 Motel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$ Wigwam Motel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$$ High Country Motor Lodge – Flagstaff Hotel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Petrified](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/RRIXK70-1024x576.jpg\")
Fancy something different with the boys? Drive out near Petrified Forest, step into the darkness and let the still, ancient landscape turn your road trip into a quiet but spooky memory.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Tip from the author:<\/strong> If you only have time for one detour on the entire Route 66 road trip, make it the Grand Canyon. Williams puts you just an hour from the South Rim.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
California: Mojave Desert to the Santa Monica Pier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The final stretch into California takes you across the Mojave Desert, where the road eventually meets the Pacific Ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting in Needles, it\u2019s worth fueling up before the desert crossing. From here, the drive opens into long, quiet stretches of the Mojave, which are stark, vast, and beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Along the way, Roy’s Motel and Caf\u00e9 stands as one of the most photographed stops on the route, its faded neon lights still intact. Not far from here, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch offers a more eccentric stop \u2014 a forest of glass bottles turned into art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, the road leads into Los Angeles and out to Santa Monica Pier, the official endpoint of this iconic highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Needles, Mojave Desert, Roy\u2019s Motel and Caf\u00e9, Elmer\u2019s Bottle Tree Ranch, Santa Monica Pier<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- $ HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$ The Ambrose Hotel Santa Monica<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $$$ Shutters on the Beach<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/RAGKIRH-1024x576.jpg\")
Neon lights flickering, waves rolling in and music drifting through the air, step onto Santa Monica Pier and celebrate the end of your journey with photos, rides and that long-awaited ocean moment.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Mojave](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Mojave-Desert-Mojave-California-1024x576.jpg\")
Swap dusty expectations for bursts of colour as you pass Mojave wildflowers, step out for a quick wander and capture a side of the desert most travellers miss.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Must-see Route 66 roadside attractions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The greatest joys of Route 66 come from the sheer density of quirky, unexpected, and truly iconic roadside stops \u2014 this section highlights the ones that should be on every road tripper’s list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ten classic Cadillac cars are buried nose-first in the Texas plains, covered in layers of spray paint. Bring your own can and add to the canvas as it constantly changes. Go to Cadillac Ranch<\/a> at sunrise or golden hour, when the colors and light are at their best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cadillac](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/RRO905B-1024x576.jpg\")
Grab a spray can, tag your name across the half-buried Cadillacs and turn your stop at Cadillac Ranch into a hands-on moment that\u2019s part art, part road trip ritual.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The Blue Whale, Catoosa, Oklahoma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In short: a bright blue 80-foot whale sitting in a small pond. In the 1970s, this simple, but long-beloved roadside attraction was once a slide and popular swimming spot for families. Now, it\u2019s easy to explore, just cross the little bridge and take it in from every angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, Arizona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A working motel made up of concrete teepee cabins, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the 1950s, it\u2019s one of the most distinctive stops on the historic road \u2014 with vintage details and classic cars parked outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stop at the Blue Swallow Motel<\/a>\u2014 a beautifully preserved 1939 stay listed on the National Register, still welcoming guests today. Its glowing neon sign feels straight out of the 1950s, lighting up a stretch of Route 66 where vintage gas stations and old-school details make the road feel genuinely alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/The-Blue-Swallow-Motel-Tucumcari-New-Mexico-1024x576.jpg\")
Chasing that old-school Route 66 feel? Check into the Blue Swallow Motel, watch the neon glow at dusk and enjoy a slow evening that feels straight out of the 1950s.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Meteor Crater, Arizona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Just off I-40 near Winslow, Meteor Crater is one of the best-preserved impact sites in the world \u2014 nearly a mile wide and 550 feet deep. Standing on the rim, look out to vast, otherworldly natural beauty \u2014 it\u2019s hard to grasp the scale until you see it for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/R9C016Q-1024x576.jpg\")
Standing on the rim, wind cutting across a mile-wide crater and nothing but vast Arizona land around you, take it in slowly and capture a moment that makes your whole road trip feel small.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Tips for driving Route 66<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A bit of practical planning makes all the difference on Route 66 \u2014 from navigation to timing, make the most of your drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Navigation is different here:<\/strong> Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985 and can’t be searched as a single route on Google Maps. Use a dedicated guidebook \u2014 the EZ66 Guide for Travelers is widely recommended \u2014 or a Route 66-specific app alongside offline maps as a backup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allow more time than you think:<\/strong> Route 66 is all about slow travel. Even if the daily mileage looks manageable, the stops add up fast \u2014 and you’ll find yourself wanting to linger. Build flexibility into the itinerary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fuel up early and often:<\/strong> There are long stretches \u2014 particularly through the Mojave Desert and rural Oklahoma and Texas \u2014 where gas stations are sparse. Fill up whenever you have the chance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Book accommodation in advance for peak stops:<\/strong> Iconic stays like the Wigwam Motel and Blue Swallow Motel book out well in advance. If staying in one is on the list, lock it in early.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pick the right car:<\/strong> Route 66 is largely paved, but some original stretches are rougher dirt roads. A comfortable, reliable car is more practical for the full drive, especially over longer distances \u2014 though renting something with character through Turo<\/a> is a fun way to match the feel of the route.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cash is king in places:<\/strong> Some diners, roadside attractions, and souvenir shops along the route are cash-only. Keep some on hand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Time it right:<\/strong> Late spring and early fall are the sweet spots \u2014 mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer brings brutal heat to Arizona, New Mexico, and the Mojave.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Tip from the author:<\/strong> Don’t try to see everything \u2014 you can’t, and you’ll exhaust yourself trying. Pick a handful of stops in each state that genuinely excite you, and let everything else be a happy surprise.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions about the Route 66 road trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How long does it take to drive Route 66?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Driving Route 66 takes around 2\u20133 weeks if you want to experience it properly. You can do it in 10\u201314 days, but with over 2,400 miles to cover, that usually means rushing past the smaller stops that make the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which direction should you drive Route 66?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most people drive Route 66 east to west, with Chicago as the official starting point and Santa Monica Pier as the ending point. You\u2019re following the original route, the landscapes open up as you go, and ending at the Pacific Ocean makes the whole trip feel complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How many states does Route 66 pass through?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Route 66 passes through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When is the best time to drive Route 66?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The best time to drive Route 66 is spring (April\u2013June) or autumn (September\u2013October), when temperatures are milder. Summer can be extremely hot in desert areas, while winter can bring snow in parts of the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you navigate Route 66 with Google Maps?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Google Maps can help with general navigation, but it won\u2019t follow the historic Route 66. For a more accurate drive, use a dedicated guidebook like the EZ66 Guide for Travelers or a Route 66\u2013specific app, with offline maps as a backup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is the best car for a Route 66 road trip?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The best car for a Route 66 road trip comes down to how you want it to feel. A comfortable, fuel-efficient car makes the long stretches easy, a convertible turns open desert roads into part of the experience, while an SUV or minivan gives you the space to spread out and settle into the drive. With so many choices on Turo<\/a>, choose the exact car that fits your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is Route 66 worth driving?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes, Route 66 is absolutely worth driving. It’s a drive with incredible scale \u2014 from city streets to open plains, desert stretches, into mountain towns \u2014 and the feeling of crossing an entire country mile by mile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final word: Why the Route 66 road trip belongs on your bucket list<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Route 66 is the ultimate road trip through American history, pop culture, and the kind of open-road freedom the country was built on. It keeps revealing something new: old diners, faded motels, roadside stops, and towns that feel suspended in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Route 66 is never about rushing from A to B \u2014 it\u2019s about everything you discover in between. And with the 2026 Centennial marking 100 years of its existence, now is the time. This is a once-in-a-generation chance to experience it while its stories still feel alive and unfiltered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hit Route 66 with Turo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The right car has a huge impact on a Route 66 road trip \u2014 whether it\u2019s a roomy SUV for the long haul and all your road trip snacks, or something with classic American character to match the road. With Turo\u2019s flexible, convenient pickup options<\/a> and huge range of cars, it\u2019s easy to make it your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Kia](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Kia-K5-rental-near-Route-66-on-Turo-1024x576.jpg\")
Turo\u2019s wide selection from local hosts makes booking a Kia K5 for Route 66 easy, while its smooth ride, fuel efficiency and comfortable cabin keep the drive relaxed from Chicago to Santa Monica and beyond.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n - Allow more time than you think:<\/strong> Route 66 is all about slow travel. Even if the daily mileage looks manageable, the stops add up fast \u2014 and you’ll find yourself wanting to linger. Build flexibility into the itinerary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Navigation is different here:<\/strong> Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985 and can’t be searched as a single route on Google Maps. Use a dedicated guidebook \u2014 the EZ66 Guide for Travelers is widely recommended \u2014 or a Route 66-specific app alongside offline maps as a backup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Needles, Mojave Desert, Roy\u2019s Motel and Caf\u00e9, Elmer\u2019s Bottle Tree Ranch, Santa Monica Pier<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Petrified Forest National Park, Painted Desert, Meteor Crater, Seligman<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Blue Swallow Motel, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Petrified Forest National Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, the Midpoint Caf\u00e9, Adrian<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Blue Whale of Catoosa, Pops 66 Soda Ranch, Oklahoma City National Memorial, Stroud, Route 66 Interpretive Center<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Cars on the Route, Rainbow Bridge, Baxter Springs Phillips 66 Station<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Gateway Arch, Cuba, Meramec Caverns, Springfield<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where to stay:<\/strong>\n
- Total distance:<\/strong> 2,448 miles across eight states<\/li>\n\n\n\n