Embarking on a road trip along Route 66 can be an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. This iconic highway spans over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. The question of how long such a journey would take is a prevalent one among travelers planning their Route 66 adventure.
The answer to this question will vary depending on several factors such as the route taken, pace of travel, and number of stops made along the way. However, the average duration for completing a full journey along Route 66 is estimated to be about two weeks.
Factors Affecting the Duration
The time it takes to complete a road trip on Route 66 depends largely on individual preferences. Some travelers may prefer to take their time and explore every stop and attraction along the way while others may opt for a faster pace with fewer stops.
Another factor that affects the duration of the trip is the route taken. There are different options available for travelers; some may choose to stick entirely to Route 66 while others may opt for alternative routes that bypass certain sections of the highway.
The Itinerary
To determine how long your road trip will take, you need to have an itinerary in place. This itinerary should include all intended stops and activities along your chosen route. Below we have provided some sample itineraries with estimated travel times:
Two-Week Itinerary:
- Day One: Chicago – Springfield (200 miles)
- Day Two: Springfield – St Louis (100 miles)
- Day Three: St Louis – Springfield (215 miles)
- Day Four: Springfield – Tulsa (200 miles)
- Day Five: Tulsa – Oklahoma City (100 miles)
- Day Six: Oklahoma City – Amarillo (260 miles)
- Day Seven: Amarillo – Santa Fe (290 miles)
- Day Eight: Santa Fe – Albuquerque (60 miles)
- Day Nine: Albuquerque – Holbrook (285 miles)
- Day Ten: Holbrook – Grand Canyon (150 miles)
- Day Eleven: Grand Canyon – Las Vegas (280 miles)
- Day Twelve: Las Vegas – Los Angeles (270 miles)
- Day Thirteen: Los Angeles – San Bernardino (60 miles)
- Day Fourteen: San Bernardino – Santa Monica Pier – End of Route 66! (80 miles)
Three-Week Itinerary:
- Days 1-4: Chicago to St. Louis, with stops at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and the Gateway Arch
- Days 5-8: Tulsa to Amarillo, with stops at the Cadillac Ranch and the Big Texas Steak Ranch
- Days 9-12: Albuquerque to Flagstaff, with stops at Meteor Crater and Winslow, Arizona
- Days 13-16: Flagstaff to Kingman, with stops at Seligman and Hackberry General Store
- Days 17-20: Kingman to Santa Monica, with stops at Oatman and Joshua Tree National Park
Tips for a Successful Road Trip on Route 66:
- Pack light and bring only essentials.
- Maintain your vehicle regularly.
- Carefully plan out your route beforehand.
- Create a budget for accommodation, food, and activities.
- Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs along your journey.
With proper planning, a road trip along Route 66 can be an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for years to come. Remember to take your time, enjoy the journey, and make memories that will last a lifetime.