100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
Route 66. The Mother Road and a legend that attracts many motorcyclists and admirers of America every year. The original interstate highway was opened in 1926, and since the 1990s, when it began to be used as the Historic Route 66 attraction, it has frequently appeared in travel agency programs as a standalone tour to America.
Table of Contents
- Guide: Road Trip on Route 66 by Car or Motorcycle
- How Much Does a Road Trip on Route 66 Cost
- 9 Tips for Planning a Route 66 Road Trip
- Itinerary for a 16-Day Route 66 Road Trip
- Arrival in Chicago
- Chicago – Pontiac
- Pontiac – St. Louis
- St. Louis – Springfield
- Springfield – Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma – Amarillo
- Amarillo – Santa Fe
- Santa Fe – Albuquerque
- Albuquerque – Holbrook
- Holbrook – Flagstaff
- Flagstaff – Grand Canyon – Kingman
- Kingman – Las Vegas
- Las Vegas – Yucca Valley
- Yucca Valley – Los Angeles
- Los Angeles
- Departure from Los Angeles
Guide: Road Trip on Route 66 by Car or Motorcycle
In our itinerary, we describe the greatest attractions you must visit during a self-guided journey along Route 66. We will drive into the city of gambling – Las Vegas, and take a look at the Grand Canyon from the South Rim.
Accommodation along the route is planned in highly-rated hotels with breakfast, many of which are stylish and offer a true Route 66 atmosphere.
Our journey will begin in the largest city in the state of Illinois – Chicago. It is precisely here that America’s most famous road officially begins, leading all the way to sunny California. It is also possible to travel in the opposite direction, from Los Angeles to Chicago.
Along the way, we will pass dozens of small towns where time has stood still. We will see old gas stations and motels, which don’t need detailed descriptions here. It is entirely up to you where you take a break and step back into history.
How Much Does a Road Trip on Route 66 Cost
I estimate the lowest possible costs for a Route 66 road trip at per person. The prerequisite is a discounted flight ticket under , sharing accommodation and car rental costs among four people, eating in cheap fast-food chains, and spending modestly.
If you don’t necessarily want to watch every dollar in your wallet, a road trip on Route 66 will cost you an amount exceeding .
Flight Tickets to the USA
You can buy a discounted flight ticket (e.g., from Europe to Chicago with a return from Los Angeles) starting from –. Lower prices usually come with the trade-off of multiple layovers or departures from neighboring countries; the main season is from June to September, when prices are higher.
Alternatively, you can buy a round-trip ticket to Chicago. To this, purchase a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to Chicago via Southwest; prices start at and include two checked bags. I recommend watching for special offers and buying the ticket about 3 months in advance.
Car Rental in the USA
For renting a car for 15 days, you will pay at least (Intermediate class and a car like a Toyota RAV4 or Buick Encore). The price already includes the fee for returning the car at a different location. However, it is influenced by a wide range of factors, from the rental agency and season to current demand. The same car a few weeks later could cost you .
I recommend calculating an estimated rental price for individual car classes. The calculation is free and does not require entering an email. Before departure, be sure to read advice on renting a car in the USA and driving in America.
Gasoline Prices
The closer you get to California, the higher the gas prices. While a liter in Tulsa costs around ( per gallon), near Los Angeles you will pay up to per liter ( per gallon). With an average consumption of 26 MPG (9 liters per ), count on costs of per 1 km.
In the USA, prices are listed in gallons, where 1 gallon corresponds to 3.78 liters.
Accommodation Along the Way
For a night in a cheaper American motel, you will pay to ; a total of four people can sleep in two Queen or King beds. You can save money by booking a single room. Expect basic amenities, usually free parking and internet, and sometimes breakfast.
Check motels via Booking; a decent standard starts at a rating of 7.0 with at least 100 reviews. Book either in advance or on the spot.
Food and Dining
The cheapest meals in fast food chains like Subway and McDonald’s will cost you at least per day, including a drink. More demanding diners will pay around including coffee.
Travel Insurance
For travel insurance to the USA for 16 days, international travelers will pay a relatively small amount. I recommend choosing insurance with a medical treatment limit of at least , but ideally an unlimited limit.
I have good experience with travel insurance from major providers or credit card benefits.
Visa and ESTA
For trips up to 90 days, international tourists can use the Visa Waiver Program (colloquially ESTA). Just fill out the form and pay an administrative fee of . In 99% of cases, the trip to the USA is approved immediately, after which an authorization fee of is deducted from the card (totaling ). Persons who have resided in the USA illegally or visited certain high-risk countries may have problems with approval.
Entrance Fees and Pocket Money
Additionally, count on costs of at least . If you don’t want to watch every dollar during the trip, plan specifically for spending around .
9 Tips for Planning a Route 66 Road Trip
1️⃣ Plan Your Route 66 Road Trip Up to 1 Year in Advance
Prepare for the journey up to a year ahead. Identify interesting places along the route, monitor flight prices, and order tickets. Some attractions are sold out weeks in advance, and creating a program on the spot usually results in wasted time.
2️⃣ When to Go on a Route 66 Road Trip
The best time for a road trip on Route 66 is from late April to early July and from late August to mid-October. The main season runs during the summer months. Attractions and roads are full of families with children, accommodation and car prices tend to be higher, and temperatures in some places can be unbearable. In winter, some sections may be harder to drive.
3️⃣ Clarify What You Expect from the Trip
Do you want to see as many places as possible at the cost of waking up early and demanding drives? Or do you want to enjoy the journey and not stress over an alarm clock? Make this clear in time and adapt the program to your decision.
4️⃣ Save Interesting Places to Google Maps
Mark the places you want to visit during the road trip with a star in Google Maps. You can then easily display them on your phone and start navigation.
5️⃣ Be Prepared for Changes in the Schedule
The longer the road trip, the more likely delays will occur, forcing changes in the program. Decide in advance which places you can skip and what you want to see at all costs. I recommend keeping the last day as a reserve. The minimum length of a Route 66 road trip is roughly 7 days, with 14 days being optimal.
6️⃣ Where to Rent a Car for the Road Trip
I recommend comparing offers from dozens of companies via RentalCars.com, which offers a lowest price guarantee and full insurance included. At pickup, you can then decline offers from the salesperson who would like to make a few hundred extra dollars. You will get a clear idea after a no-obligation calculation.
7️⃣ One-Way Rental Fee
Some rental companies charge a fee for returning the car at a different location, amounting to up to . This compensates them for the cost of transporting the vehicle back to the rental location. Most people travel from Chicago to Los Angeles, so by choosing the opposite direction, you might save on this fee with a bit of luck.
8️⃣ Rotate Drivers
List at least two drivers in the car rental agreement and take turns during the journey. Fatigue can hit one driver, endangering the entire expedition. I do not recommend driving the car without the driver being listed in the contract. In the event of an accident, the insurance is invalid.
9️⃣ Free Navigation and Route 66 Maps
Upon arrival, buy an American SIM card with a data plan or activate an eSIM. Use the Google Maps app as navigation with up-to-date road condition information. If you don’t have data available, download the necessary area to offline mode at the motel. You won’t need an internet connection during the drive.
Itinerary for a 16-Day Route 66 Road Trip
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Arrival in Chicago
The first day involves the flight to Chicago. After arriving at the airport and checking in, we will pick up the reserved car or motorcycle at the rental agency. In case of a morning arrival, we will use the free afternoon to visit Millennium Park.
Subsequently, we will check into the highly-rated 3* City Suites Hotel.
- Route: / 0:45 h
- Accommodation: City Suites Hotel, Chicago
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Chicago – Pontiac
We cannot start the following day anywhere else but with breakfast at the famous Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant. After breakfast, we will move to the starting point of our journey – the beginning of Route 66. The sign is a magnet for tourists, so you will find it easily.
After taking several photos at the Route 66 Begin sign, we will move to the nearby Navy Pier, a pier for cruise ships featuring plenty of shops and restaurants. Then, we start our Route 66 trip by driving to Pontiac, away.
In the meantime, we will stop in Wilmington at the Gemini Giant and visit a historic gas station in Dwight. If we have time left, we will check out the Route 66 Museum in Pontiac. Otherwise, we’ll save the museum visit for the next day.
Accommodation at Quality Inn Pontiac.
- Route: / 2:33 h
- Accommodation: Quality Inn Pontiac
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Pontiac – St. Louis
After breakfast, our first stop awaits in Atlanta at the statue of Paul Bunyon – the guy with the hotdog. Before we reach St. Louis, we’ll check out the historic Belvidere Motel in Litchfield, where we’ll take a coffee break.
After touring the historic motel, we’ll drive to Collinsville, which has the world’s largest ketchup bottle.
In the evening, we will stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites St. Louis Westport.
- Route: / 3:35 h
- Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites, St. Louis
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St. Louis – Springfield
After breakfast, we head to the historic bridge in St. Louis – Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
Along the way from St. Louis, a short distance from the small town of Stanton, lie the Meramec Caverns. If we skip this attraction, we have the option to visit Fantastic Caverns in Springfield. Admission per person is .
For tonight, we will stay at the Sleep Inn Medical District.
- Route: / 4:32 h
- Accommodation: Sleep Inn Medical District, Springfield
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Springfield – Oklahoma City
Today a longer drive into Oklahoma awaits us.
Our first stop on Route 66 will be Galena Cars on the Route, a historic gas station featuring vintage cars.
In Foyil, we’ll check out the world’s largest totem pole, in Arcadia the historic Round Barn from the 1920s, and conversely, the oldest store on Route 66, The Old Riverton Store, opened in Riverton in 1925.
While driving through the town of Tulsa, we’ll take a break and tour the Gilcrease Museum. The museum showcases Native American culture and features a beautiful garden.
Upon arrival in Oklahoma City, we’ll drive through the Bricktown district, which is full of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it an ideal place for lunch.
After lunch, we will visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. We will also have the opportunity to visit other renowned museums in Oklahoma, such as the Museum of Osteology or the Science Museum.
Accommodation at motel Super 8.
- Route: / 5:26 h
- Accommodation: Super 8 Oklahoma City
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Oklahoma – Amarillo
Few people know that Oklahoma lies on enormous oil reserves. Over 1,000 oil pumps operate here to this day, and we will surely pass some of them along the way. Today’s first stop will be in the town of Clinton, where we’ll visit the Route 66 Museum.
Subsequently, a drive of roughly to the city of Amarillo awaits us.
In this city, we will stay for the day at Quality Inn West Medical Center and set out to explore one or more of the following attractions: Cadillac Ranch, the Botanical Garden, and the car museum Bill’s Backyard Classics.
- Route: / 5:00 h
- Accommodation: Quality Inn West Medical Center, Amarillo
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Amarillo – Santa Fe
Today might be a bit more demanding.
You have the option to drive to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, away; it’s like a smaller Grand Canyon. Admission is a symbolic .
Upon returning to Route 66, we’ll take a break at the historic and renowned MidPoint Café in Adrian. Roughly two and a half hours from Amarillo, we will visit the Santa Rosa Blue Hole. It is one of the most popular diving spots in the USA.
Upon arrival in Santa Fe, we’ll head to the oldest church in the USA, San Miguel Mission. We’ll have dinner at Cowgirl Hall of Fame, which serves famous steaks and ribs.
Accommodation at La Quinta Inn Santa Fe. We’ll leave the visit to the city itself for the next day.
- Route: / 5:38 h
- Accommodation: La Quinta Inn, Santa Fe
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Santa Fe – Albuquerque
In the morning, we will visit The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Saint Francis Cathedral).
Shopping and a tour of the historic site The Plaza. The Plaza is a place surrounded by souvenir shops where you can also purchase quality Native American jewelry. For those who don’t want to visit a museum or want to save money, we recommend Canyon Road, a long avenue lined with dozens of private galleries and studios.
Subsequently, we will move to Albuquerque, away, where we will take the long Sandia Peak Tramway up into the Sandia Mountains. The tramway was long considered the longest aerial tramway in the world. The ride to the top will take us 15 minutes, ascending . A ticket costs approximately .
We definitely shouldn’t skip the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, where we’ll find information about the origins of the Pueblo civilization and the cultural impacts of Spanish colonization.
Overnight stay at Days Inn & Suites Albuquerque North.
- Route: / 2:30 h
- Accommodation: Days Inn & Suites, Albuquerque
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Albuquerque – Holbrook
Less than west of Albuquerque, we’ll make a stop at the old Native American settlement of Acoma Pueblo, nicknamed Sky City. Admission is including tax. Be careful with photography; a fee applies.
In Gallup, we’ll rest and visit the Bill Malone Trading Company. After roughly an hour’s drive, we’ll reach Petrified Forest National Park. A road runs through the park, allowing you to drive across it entirely.
We’ll definitely stop at the Painted Desert and take an easy hike with views of the petrified dunes. There are countless opportunities for hiking here.
For today, we will stay at the Hotel Howard Johnson Holbrook.
- Route: / 4:09 h
- Accommodation: Hotel Howard Johnson, Holbrook
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Holbrook – Flagstaff
In Winslow, we’ll stop at the most sought-after attraction, Standin’ on the Corner Park; taking a photo with the Route 66 sign here is mandatory.
After leaving Winslow, we’ll drive to look at the Meteor Crater; admission is . When bought online, it’s .
Upon arrival in Flagstaff, we’ll treat ourselves to lunch, and afterwards, we’ll head to Wupatki National Monument, where Native American ruins are located. In the evening hours, we’ll visit Lowell Observatory, where we’ll have the opportunity to view the night sky.
We’ll spend the night at Travelodge Kings House.
- Route: / 4:02 h
- Accommodation: Travelodge Kings House, Flagstaff
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Flagstaff – Grand Canyon – Kingman
An early morning transfer to one of the goals of this trip, Grand Canyon National Park.
After nearly a full day of touring the Grand Canyon, we’ll head to Williams, where we’ll drive through the main district. At the Circle K gas station, there is a large Route 66 sign on the garage, where we must take a photo.
If we have time, we can visit the historic Pete’s Rt 66 Gas Station Museum. Once we pass through the main street, we’ll join Route 66 and drive to the town of Seligman, where time has stood still. There are countless souvenir shops here selling items you won’t buy anywhere else.
Then, just a drive to Kingman awaits us, followed by an overnight stay at Quality Inn Kingman.
- Route: / 4:28 h
- Accommodation: Quality Inn, Kingman
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Kingman – Las Vegas
After breakfast, we don’t need to linger in Kingman and will set off for Sin City.
In Vegas, we’ll have the chance to shop at Las Vegas North Premium Outlets and swim at Lake Mead.
Nature lovers can head out to the nearby Red Rock Canyon or take a trip to Hoover Dam.
In the evening, a walk along the Strip, visiting the biggest attractions like the Bellagio fountains, Caesars Palace, or the gondolas at the Venetian hotel. At the same time, we’ll try our luck in one of the local casinos.
Overnight stay at Ellis Island Casino Hotel.
- Route: / 3:22 h
- Accommodation: Ellis Island Casino Hotel, Las Vegas
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Las Vegas – Yucca Valley
From Las Vegas, we will drive roughly two hours to Needles, where we will rejoin Route 66. Passing through the town of Amboy, we will head to Joshua Tree National Park, where an unforgettable spectacle of Joshua trees awaits us.
We’ll check out the visitor center and restock on water; hydration should not be underestimated in these areas.
After touring the park, we will stay in Yucca Valley.
- Route: / 4:01 h
- Accommodation: Motel Super 8, Yucca Valley
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Yucca Valley – Los Angeles
In the morning after breakfast, we’ll drive to Victorville, where we will rejoin Route 66.
We’ll drive to San Bernardino and from there continue to Pasadena. Our journey will further continue through Hollywood and Beverly Hills to the end of our trip at Santa Monica Pier. Upon arrival at the pier, we will conclude our long journey.
We must not forget a photo at the sign marking the End of Route 66 and treat ourselves to a walk along the promenade.
- Route: / 3:57 h
- Accommodation: Diamond Inn, Los Angeles
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Los Angeles
A full-day tour of individual attractions. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, the most expensive museum in the world, the Getty Center, or the Universal Studios theme park.
We recommend an All You Can Eat lunch at Diamond Buffet & Grill.
- Accommodation: Diamond Inn, Los Angeles
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Departure from Los Angeles
Driving on Route 66 must be enjoyed, so the unwritten rule here is mainly not to rush. During the journey, we will cover nearly , pass through 8 states and three time zones.
Locals at gas stations will strike up a conversation with you and ask where you are headed. A friendly and calm atmosphere prevails everywhere. If you are in a hurry, you can always join the interstate highway that runs alongside Route 66 to speed up your journey.
However, there are things you cannot count on or influence. There may be road closures due to construction or unfavorable weather.
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