Route 66 by car is one of the most iconic road travel routes in the US Spanning 3862 kilometers, 8 states and 3 time zones, the route begins in Chicago, the eastern state of the country, to Santa Monica on the West Coast , traversing different cities while experiencing America’s best road trip.
Safety tips for traveling Route 66 by car
Preparation for Route 66 by car begins with how you will approach the mother road, also called “The Mother Road .” Since there are so many roads along Route 66, it is possible to drive almost any type of vehicle. However, with 15% of the roads gone, many old routes have been reduced to dirt and gravel.
Since Route 66 runs through cities and on narrow, winding roads , motorhomes are not recommended for traveling, as these vehicles can make driving and parking a daily challenge on what should be an enjoyable road trip. Plus, much of the fun of driving Route 66 includes eating at a roadside restaurant and staying in quirky motels .
Safety tips while driving
Driving on Route 66 is synonymous with composure and responsibility behind the wheel. There are many two-lane sections that you should pay special attention to; When driving on roads, stay to the right and use the left lane to pass . These roads have sharp curves and slower speed limits, requiring more effort and attention to the road.
Be especially careful when driving on Native American lands , as each community has its own guidelines, rules, and judicial system. Also, many people walk on the roads in these communities, so drive carefully and pay close attention to speed limits.
If you drive your own car, the ideal is to have a previous inspection in the workshop : it is important to check the correct operation of belts, lights and indicators; check all fluid levels, including oil, brakes, coolant, and power steering; make sure the tires have a tread of at least 2/32 inches and check the tire pressure before and during the trip; and check tire pressure when cold, as hot tires expand and can produce a false PSI reading.
If the car you drive breaks down, you should stand on the right side of the road, and in case it stops due to a fault, put it in neutral, push it to the right side of the road and turn on the hazard lights while waiting for help. ; if it’s nighttime, turn on the interior dome light and keep the vehicle moving to avoid draining the battery while you wait for help to arrive.
In case you are left in the middle of the road without nearby accommodation, you must be prepared for any type of weather: always travel with water, blankets, a first aid kit and non-perishable foods such as protein bars or cans of preserves .
Tips for driving in the desert
The desert is a place of extremes and can be deadly, so it is important that you go prepared to travel Route 66 by car:
- Be careful when driving on dirt roads and avoid stepping on soft sand ; it is very easy to get stuck with the car.
- Pay attention to flash floods and avoid driving through flooded areas.
- Do not rely on GPS in remote desert areas , as the directions are very unreliable. It is always best to have a printed map on hand to serve as a guide.
- Always travel with plenty of water, gasoline and layers of clothing (20 ° C days can drop to -6 ° C at night).
Do not run out of gas
When driving on Route 66, don’t let the gas tank drop more than half and fill it up with gas in major cities whenever possible. Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma have several small cities with gas stations, but in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California there are long stretches of Route 66 with limited or no service.
What is the best route to follow?
We suggest driving Route 66 from east to west. The route was originally built to allow travelers to reach the western US, so it’s best to enjoy the journey as planned. Chicago is the official starting point of Route 66 and ends in Santa Monica .
However, you can also choose to only do parts of Route 66 by car – some travelers choose to start in Chicago and go all the way to Kansas and Oklahoma , where you’ll find the oldest and most authentic parts of the route. However, some join the route closer to the west coast in Flagstaff, Arizona, Santa Fe, or New Mexico and drive to Santa Monica .
Although the original road no longer exists, you can still travel the historic route and we recommend that you stay on it as long as possible for an authentic experience. If you end up taking a few detours and wasting too much time, just pull out onto the interstate to get back on track.
What are the best places to visit on Route 66 by car?
Route 66 promises exactly what you imagine a classic US trip would look like: lots of old gas stations, American restaurants, vintage neon signs, 1950s motels, and plenty of unusual and eye-catching roadside attractions that will take you away. They will keep you entertained while you take a break from driving.
Oklahoma
The oldest part of Route 66 can be found in Oklahoma, so add this state to your itinerary to explore this part of the US Some of the most iconic places in this area are The Milk Bottle Grocery and the Blue Whale of Catoosa .
The Official Route 66 Museum is located in Clinton Oklahoma and here you can discover the classic images, myths and stories about the history of “The Mother Road”. From its conception and what was needed to make the road a reality, to its status as one of the most famous roadtrips in the world today, this museum tells the entire history of Route 66 accompanied by a soundtrack composed of songs from the Most popular jazz musicians of the 1950s.
Cadillac Ranch, Texas
Located just 16 kilometers southwest of the city of Amarillo in the state of Texas, this famous attraction composed of 10 Cadillac cars, covered in graffiti and half buried in the ground , is the perfect enclave to take iconic photos of Route 66 in car. The ranch is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free.
Albuquerque
Albuquerque , located in the heart of New Mexico, is one of the oldest cities in the United States where diverse cultures and traditions converge.
Known as the “world capital of hot air balloons” , in this city with large expanses of desert, you will have different leisure options: you can take its tram to the Sierra de Sandia , where you will find a great restaurant at the top with excellent views; And if you feel like stretching your legs after some time driving on the highway, there are also many walking routes that you can do around its mountains .
Vernon’s speakeasy in Albuquerque is also a must-see for local cuisine. You’ll need to book in advance and get a password that will allow you to enter this well-hidden restaurant for the true speakeasy experience.
When in Albuquerque, you can also visit Santa Fe , a 45-minute drive away. Here you can stay in haciendas with an authentic rural style to rest during your trip along Route 66 by car.
Arizona
There is so much to see in Arizona that it is worth taking some time off to visit. Not exactly on Route 66, but not too far away, is the Grand Canyon , which is worth taking a detour. You can also take the opportunity to visit Bearizona Park in Williams , Arizona, a natural reserve with wild fauna to take car tours among bison, mountain goats, wolves, among other species.
Sedona is another one of the Arizona towns that is worth visiting. It is a town located in the Arizona desert near Flagstaff, surrounded by deep canyons, pine forests and reddish rock hills .
If you want to take a walk and discover the culture of the area, in the northern part of town you will find spas, art galleries, restaurants and new age-style shops. If you prefer nature, there are several trails outside of Red Rock State Park , from where you can hike, have a picnic or watch birds.
