Driving Route 66 may seem like an easy adventure, but the journey requires more preparation than you may expect. Parts of the original road vanished long ago, weather conditions vary widely by state and choosing the best Route 66 vehicle for your trip are all things to consider. Every journey along the Mother Road is different and unforgettable, but planning ahead helps make it safe, smooth and stress-free. These tips will help you plan yours.
What You’ll Learn:
- The best time of year to drive Route 66 and how much time to allow for your trip
- How to navigate Route 66 from a mix of frontage roads, small-town main streets, rural highways and occasional stretches of interstate
- How to choose the best Route 66 vehicle for your adventure
An American icon, Route 66 is more than just a road trip. Covering approximately 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, the “Mother Road” is on the bucket list of numerous road trippers. This year, as this iconic road celebrates its 100th anniversary, even more travelers are expected to travel Route 66. I was fortunate to travel the entire length of Route 66 last spring with my friend, Vanessa.
Best Time of Year to Drive Route 66
The best time to drive Route 66 depends on which part of the route you plan to cover. If you’re only traveling one section, choose your dates based on that region’s typical weather. For instance, winter snow can affect the stretch from Chicago to Missouri, while summer heat in New Mexico and Arizona can be extreme.
If your schedule allows for the full Route 66 drive, spring and fall are usually the best seasons, with milder temperatures across both the Midwest and the Southwest. We took our trip in late April and early May and had sunny weather for most of the journey.
Navigating Route 66
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Officially decommissioned in 1985, parts of the original Route 66 were abandoned, bypassed or folded into Interstate 40. If you want your Route 66 trip to follow the old alignment as closely as possible, bring a detailed guidebook. My favorite is EZ66 Guide for Travelers by Route 66 historian Jerry McClanahan. The maps are easy to follow, even when the route suddenly shifts onto old frontage roads or through tiny towns you’d otherwise miss. It also highlights quirky roadside stops and the famous Route 66 “Giants” scattered along the route.
Of course, if you’re driving, you won’t have time to check every detail of the book from the road. For that reason, it’s always a great idea (and much more fun) to travel with a friend. For my trip, Vanessa drove and I navigated. It worked well for us because she prefers to be in charge of the road and I love reading the roadside attraction details and telling her where to go and when to stop. It became part road trip, part treasure hunt and a living example of our friendship!
Determining the Length of Your Route 66 Trip
Deciding how much time to spend on your Route 66 adventure depends on your travel style and the time you have available. Vanessa and I covered all of Route 66 in about two weeks. We focused on roadside attractions, vintage Route 66 motels where neon signs welcomed us and locally owned diners with a Route 66 vibe. We skipped most museums but did detour for a helicopter ride above the Grand Canyon.
Here are some general ways to decide how long your trip should take.
- One week: Focus on a specific section, such as Arizona or New Mexico.
- Two weeks: Cover the entire route but limit your detours to nearby attractions.
- Three weeks or more: Explore attractions, museums, state parks and historic towns in depth.
Best Route 66 Vehicle for Your Adventure
The ideal Route 66 vehicle blends comfort, reliability and personality. Some travelers want the nostalgia of a classic car, while others prefer the confidence and convenience of a modern vehicle with the latest safety features. Fortunately, there are excellent choices in both categories.
Classic Cars
For travelers chasing the authentic Route 66 atmosphere, a 1965-1968 Ford Mustang is hard to beat. The Mustang combines iconic style with simple mechanics. It’s also a practical choice as parts are available if you experience any mechanical issues.
Another standout classic is the Chevrolet Corvette, particularly the sleek models from the 1960s. With sporty performance and unmistakable American style, this is an attention-getter for sure.
For those who prioritize comfort and nostalgia, the Cadillac Eldorado may be the ultimate Route 66 cruiser. The massive tailfins, chrome accents and soft ride perfectly complement the retro atmosphere of the Mother Road.
Today’s Road Trip Winners
Of course, not everyone wants the unpredictability that can come with driving a classic car across several states. Modern vehicles offer comfort, technology and reliability while still capturing the adventurous spirit of Route 66.
The newly released Mazda CX-50 offers all the latest bells and whistles and looks sharp driving across the country on Route 66. But the best thing about this vehicle is the technology it provides. The new Mazda CX-50 lets you plan a road trip route using Google technology before you step inside the vehicle. With Route 66’s starts and stops, this is a huge advantage.
Another excellent option is Subaru. One of Subaru’s biggest advantages is its standard all-wheel-drive system, which adds confidence in unexpected weather. Subaru vehicles provide stability and traction without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Comfort is another major reason many road trippers choose Subaru models like the Outback, Forester or Crosstrek. Each of these provides ample space for luggage, camping gear and souvenirs collected along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Driving the full length of historic U.S. Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica typically takes about two to three weeks if you want to enjoy the experience instead of rushing through it. The route covers roughly 2,400 miles across eight states.
The best vehicle depends on the kind of adventure you want. Many travelers love vintage cars for the nostalgic feel, especially classics like the Ford Mustang. Others prefer modern SUVs or crossovers for comfort and reliability. Vehicles with good fuel economy, comfortable seating and plenty of cargo space are ideal because some stretches of Route 66 are long and remote.
Much of the original road is still drivable, but not all of it. Since Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, some sections were replaced by interstate highways while others remain as frontage roads, city streets or preserved historic byways.
Popular Route 66 attractions include Cadillac Ranch, the Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Arizona and the tiny mining town of Oatman where burros roam the streets. Classic neon signs, retro diners and roadside oddities also capture the spirit of Route 66.
Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to travel Route 66 because temperatures are milder across the Southwest deserts and Midwest plains. Summer can bring extreme heat in places like Arizona and Texas, while winter weather can create snow or icy conditions in higher elevations. April through June and September through October usually offer the most comfortable road trip conditions.
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