Few road trips capture the spirit of America quite like Route 66. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, the legendary Mother Road passes through eight states, linking big cities, small-town America, historic communities and some of the country's most spectacular landscapes.
For generations of travellers, Route 66 has represented freedom, adventure and the open road. Today, a Route 66 road trip offers the chance to experience classic diners, vintage motels, quirky roadside attractions, historic towns and iconic American scenery while following one of the world's most famous highways.
Whether you're planning a Route 66 self-drive holiday, looking for a Route 66 fly drive from the UK or would prefer to experience the journey as part of an escorted tour, this guide will help you plan your adventure along America's Mother Road.
What is Route 66?
Historic Route 66 was established in 1926 as part of America's growing federal highway system. Running for approximately 2,400 miles from Chicago to the Pacific Coast, it crossed Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
The highway quickly became an important route for motorists, businesses and communities across the country. During the 1930s, Route 66 became associated with families travelling west during the Dust Bowl, while the post-war years saw the rise of road trips, motels, diners and roadside attractions that helped create the distinctive culture now associated with the Mother Road.
Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985 following the development of the Interstate Highway System. However, much of its history, character and roadside culture has survived, with historic alignments, museums, businesses and attractions continuing to welcome visitors today.
The National Park Service describes Route 66 as a powerful symbol of mobility, freedom and the American Dream.
Where Does Route 66 Start and Finish?
Traditionally, Route 66 begins in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in Santa Monica, California.
Chicago provides an exciting starting point for a Route 66 road trip, with its impressive architecture, museums, lakefront and famous food scene. From there, the route heads west through the heart of America before reaching the deserts and red-rock landscapes of the Southwest.
The historic journey finishes at Santa Monica Pier, where travellers can celebrate completing their cross-country adventure beside the Pacific Ocean.
It's worth remembering that Route 66 is no longer a single continuous highway. Since it was decommissioned, travellers often use a combination of historic Route 66 sections, modern roads and signed Historic Route 66 alignments to recreate the journey.
Which States Does Route 66 Pass Through?
One of the attractions of a Route 66 holiday is the sheer variety of landscapes and communities along the way.
The historic route crosses eight states:
1. Illinois
2. Missouri
3. Kansas
4. Oklahoma
5. Texas
6. New Mexico
7. Arizona
8. California
Each state offers something different, from Midwestern cities and farmland to the wide-open plains of Texas, the colourful landscapes of New Mexico, the deserts of Arizona and the Pacific coastline of California.
Best Places to Visit on Route 66
Chicago, Illinois
Start your Route 66 adventure in the Windy City. Chicago is one of America's great cities and provides plenty to see before you begin driving west.
Visit Millennium Park and Cloud Gate, explore the Magnificent Mile, enjoy the city's famous architecture or take a river cruise before standing at the historic Route 66 starting point.
For many travellers, spending a couple of nights in Chicago is the perfect way to begin a Route 66 holiday.
St. Louis, Missouri
Continue west towards St. Louis, home to the spectacular Gateway Arch overlooking the Mississippi River.
The city is an important stop on Route 66 and offers a mixture of historic attractions, museums, restaurants and parks. The Gateway Arch is particularly impressive and provides spectacular views across the city and river.
Springfield, Missouri
Springfield has a particularly strong connection with Route 66 and is often recognised as the birthplace of the historic highway.
This is a great place to discover classic Route 66 attractions and learn more about the road's history while enjoying the character of the Ozarks.
Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma contains some of the longest remaining drivable sections of Route 66.
Around Tulsa and Oklahoma City, look out for historic bridges, vintage service stations, roadside attractions and Route 66 landmarks. The famous Blue Whale of Catoosa is one of the road's most recognisable roadside attractions.
Oklahoma City also provides the opportunity to explore the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
Amarillo, Texas
Route 66 takes you across the Texas Panhandle towards Amarillo, where the landscape opens into the vast plains of the Great Plains.
One of the most famous attractions is Cadillac Ranch, where ten colourful Cadillac cars are buried nose-first in the ground. Visitors are encouraged to add their own artwork to the vehicles, making the attraction constantly evolve.
Nearby, historic Route 66 landmarks in Shamrock, McLean and Groom provide plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
As you enter New Mexico, the scenery begins to change dramatically.
Albuquerque's Central Avenue follows the historic Route 66 corridor and is packed with reminders of the road's heyday. Explore Old Town, discover New Mexico's distinctive architecture and culture, or visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre to learn more about the region's Indigenous heritage.
Petrified Forest and Painted Desert, Arizona
Arizona provides some of the most spectacular scenery of the entire Route 66 journey.
Petrified Forest National Park is particularly significant because it contains the only section of historic Route 66 within the US National Park System.
The park combines colourful desert scenery, ancient petrified wood and fascinating evidence of thousands of years of human history. The nearby Painted Desert provides some unforgettable views.
Holbrook and the Wigwam Motel
Holbrook is home to one of the most recognisable places to stay on Route 66: the Wigwam Motel.
Its distinctive concrete teepee-shaped rooms have become synonymous with the nostalgic character of the Mother Road and make for an unforgettable Route 66 photo opportunity.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Surrounded by Ponderosa pine forests and dramatic mountain scenery, Flagstaff offers a very different experience from the desert landscapes further east.
The city is also ideally placed for exploring nearby national monuments and the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon
Although the Grand Canyon is not directly on every historic Route 66 alignment, it is one of the most popular additions to a Route 66 road trip.
The South Rim provides spectacular viewpoints across one of America's greatest natural wonders. Allow plenty of time to explore the viewpoints, walk sections of the Rim Trail and simply take in the scale of the canyon.
Seligman and Kingman, Arizona
West of the Grand Canyon, Seligman and Kingman are two of the best-known Route 66 communities in Arizona.
Seligman is closely associated with the preservation of Route 66 and its classic roadside character. Continue towards Kingman to discover historic diners, motels, signs and other reminders of the Mother Road.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is not officially on Historic Route 66, but it makes an excellent addition to a Route 66 holiday.
A short detour allows you to combine the nostalgia of the Mother Road with the bright lights, entertainment and attractions of the Las Vegas Strip.
From Las Vegas, you can also explore the surrounding desert landscapes, including Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire.
Santa Monica, California
The final stage of your Route 66 journey takes you across California towards the Pacific Ocean.
Follow the route through communities including Barstow and Pasadena before reaching Santa Monica.
Finish your road trip at Santa Monica Pier, where the famous End of the Trail sign marks the traditional western end of Route 66.
After thousands of miles across America, there's no better place to celebrate completing your Route 66 road trip than beside the Pacific.
Best Route 66 Roadside Attractions
Part of the fun of Route 66 is discovering the unusual attractions along the way. Unlike a traditional sightseeing holiday, the journey itself is the attraction.
Some of the most memorable stops include:
* Gemini Giant, Wilmington, Illinois
* Route 66 attractions in Springfield, Illinois
* Gateway Arch, St. Louis
* Meramec Caverns, Missouri
* Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma
* Route 66 landmarks around Tulsa
* Route 66 Museum, Clinton, Oklahoma
* U-Drop Inn, Shamrock, Texas
* Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo
* Route 66 Midpoint Café, Adrian, Texas
* Historic Route 66 through Albuquerque
* Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
* Wigwam Motel, Holbrook
* Meteor Crater, Arizona
* Historic Route 66 in Seligman
* Kingman, Arizona
* Hoover Dam
* Calico Ghost Town, California
* Santa Monica Pier
When is the Best Time to Drive Route 66?
The best time for a Route 66 road trip generally depends on what you want to experience and which parts of the route you plan to visit.
Spring and autumn can be particularly appealing for a long-distance road trip, offering comfortable conditions across many sections of the route. Summer is popular for American road trips but temperatures can become extremely hot in parts of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
If you're planning to include the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas or desert attractions, it is particularly important to consider temperatures when choosing your travel dates.
Always check conditions for the specific areas you're visiting, as Route 66 crosses several different climate zones.
How Long Do You Need for a Route 66 Road Trip?
There is no single answer to how long a Route 66 holiday should take.
A faster journey can cover the route in around two weeks, but many travellers prefer to allow three weeks or more so they have additional time to explore smaller towns, museums, roadside attractions and historic sections of the road.
Our 16-day Route 66 self-drive holiday provides a carefully planned introduction to the Mother Road, travelling from Chicago to Los Angeles with stops including St. Louis, Springfield, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Holbrook, Flagstaff, Las Vegas and Santa Monica.
Route 66 Self-Drive or Escorted Tour?
There are two great ways to experience Route 66.
Route 66 Self-Drive Holiday
A Route 66 self-drive holiday gives you the freedom to explore America's Mother Road at your own pace.
You can stop for photographs, visit roadside attractions, spend longer in places that catch your imagination and enjoy the classic American road trip experience.
Our 16-day Route 66 self-drive itinerary includes flights, accommodation and car hire, taking you from Chicago to Los Angeles while allowing time for major highlights including the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.
Explore our Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip for the full itinerary.
Route 66 Escorted Tour
If you'd prefer someone else to take care of the driving and logistics, an escorted Route 66 tour is an excellent alternative.
Travelling as part of a group means you can concentrate on the scenery, history and attractions along the Mother Road while enjoying the reassurance of an organised itinerary.
Our 15-day Historic Route 66 escorted tour provides another way to experience this legendary American road.
View our Historic Route 66 15-Day Escorted Tour for more details.
Route 66 Centennial: 100 Years of the Mother Road
2026 is a particularly exciting year to visit Route 66 because the historic highway celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Route 66 was established in 1926, making 2026 its centennial year. Communities across the eight Route 66 states are marking the occasion with events, festivals, exhibitions, celebrations and special activities.
For travellers, the centenary provides an especially memorable time to experience the Mother Road and discover the towns and communities that have worked to preserve its history.
However, the centenary is about more than simply celebrating an old road. Route 66 represents a major chapter in American travel history and the development of roadside tourism. Its legacy can still be seen in the diners, motels, service stations, museums and attractions that continue to welcome travellers today.
If you're considering a Route 66 holiday in 2026, the centenary makes this a particularly special year to make the journey.
Route 66 Travel Tips
Plan your route, but leave room for spontaneity
One of the joys of Route 66 is stopping at unexpected places. Have a general itinerary but allow time to explore roadside attractions, small towns and historic sites.
Don't expect to follow one continuous road
Historic Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985, so modern travellers follow a combination of preserved sections, historic alignments and current roads.
Allow time for the major attractions
The Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Chicago, Las Vegas and Santa Monica all deserve more than a quick stop.
Look out for the signs
Historic Route 66 signs and shields are among the best souvenirs of the journey. Keep your camera ready as you travel through the smaller towns and preserved sections of the road.
Book accommodation in advance
Popular Route 66 destinations can become busy, particularly during peak travel periods and the 2026 centenary celebrations.
Enjoy the journey
Route 66 isn't simply about reaching California. The roadside diners, historic motels, quirky attractions and small towns are what make the journey special.
Frequently Asked Questions About Route 66
Is Route 66 still open?
Historic Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, so it no longer exists as one continuous US highway. However, many historic sections remain accessible and are preserved as Historic Route 66, allowing travellers to recreate much of the original journey.
How many states does Route 66 cross?
Historic Route 66 crossed eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
How long is Route 66?
The original Route 66 was approximately 2,400 miles long, running from Chicago to the Pacific Coast.
Is Route 66 suitable for a first-time USA road trip?
Absolutely. Route 66 is one of the most iconic American road trips and offers a fantastic introduction to the country's cities, landscapes, history and roadside culture.
Can I drive Route 66 from the UK?
Yes. A Route 66 fly drive is a popular option for UK travellers. Flying into Chicago and returning from Los Angeles allows you to travel west across America without having to return your car to the starting point.
Should I choose a Route 66 self-drive or escorted tour?
It depends on the type of holiday you prefer. A self-drive gives you greater freedom and flexibility, while an escorted tour allows you to sit back and enjoy the journey as part of an organised group.
Start Planning Your Route 66 Holiday
Whether you're dreaming of driving America's Mother Road yourself or would prefer to experience it with an escorted group, Route 66 offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the United States.
From Chicago's skyline to the Gateway Arch, the roadside attractions of Oklahoma and Texas, the deserts of Arizona, the Grand Canyon and the bright lights of Las Vegas, every section of the journey offers something new.
And finally, after crossing America from east to west, you can celebrate your Route 66 adventure at Santa Monica Pier beside the Pacific Ocean.
Ready to get your kicks on Route 66? Explore our Route 66 self-drive holiday or discover our Historic Route 66 escorted tour and start planning your American road trip.