Settings -
£
$
¥
$
¥
HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesEpic Route 66
Route 66

Epic Route 66

Chicago - St. Louis - Tulsa - Amarillo - Albuquerque - Flagstaff - Los Angeles - Santa Monica

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Urban life Urban life
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Beach Beach
Culture Culture
Epic Route 66 ACTIVATE MAP Stages7 km3,510 h/stage5.0

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Epic Route 66 in United States?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 630EUR drive & more 475EUR sleep & more 1,111EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,594EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,224EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 756EUR drive & more 638EUR sleep & more 1,661EUR eat & more 1,512EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,811EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,567EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,260EUR drive & more 850EUR sleep & more 2,772EUR eat & more 2,016EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 5,638EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 6,898EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 3,150EUR drive & more 950EUR sleep & more 770EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,728EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,878EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
Share this link.

Epic Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary

Experience the Epic Route 66 and discover the iconic sights and attractions of the United States. Starting in Chicago, the route will take you through St. Louis, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and finally ending in Santa Monica. The total distance of this road trip is 3510km and it is recommended to take 14 days to complete the journey. The best time of the year to drive is from April to October, when the weather is the best for sightseeing. Along the way, you will get to witness the beautiful landscapes, including deserts, forests, and mountain ranges. There are also several UNESCO Heritage Monuments to explore, such as the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The overall road conditions are excellent, so you can be sure to have a safe and smooth journey. This road trip is suitable for any driver, and you can manage it on a moderate budget. With Epic Route 66, you can be sure to have an unforgettable experience and make lasting memories.
number of days 14 number of days
route length 3,510 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Chicago

Distance 3,510 km Driving time 34.7 h Pace: fast 1,052.9 kWh Airports ORD
[detailsContainer]
Chicago is an iconic city in the United States, and a great starting point for the Epic Route 66 road trip. Here you’ll find a mix of museums, parks and attractions, as well as a vibrant nightlife and a great food scene. Start your tour of the city at Millennium Park, a 24.5-acre public park with plenty of attractions, including the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, the Crown Fountain, and the Lurie Garden. To get a view of the city, head to the Willis Tower or the John Hancock Center. Be sure to visit Navy Pier, a 3,300-foot-long pier full of shops, restaurants, and attractions like a 15-story Ferris wheel. For a unique experience, visit the Museum of Science and Industry, which offers interactive exhibits, a model railroad, a planetarium and much more. If you’re arriving by air, the closest international airport is Chicago O’Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD). There are a number of car rental companies available at the airport, so you can easily pick up a car to start your road trip. Chicago is a vibrant city with plenty of things to see and do. From the city’s iconic skyline to its world-class museums, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Start your Epic Route 66 road trip in Chicago and explore all the city has to offer!

1 Chicago - St. Louis

Distance 520 km Driving time 5.5 h Pace: fast 156.1 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape interesting cultural site accommodation options UNESCO World Heritage Site camper parking available camping sites
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Chicago to St. Louis? This 323-mile drive will take you fewer than 6 hours and you can discover some of the most interesting sites along the way. Start your journey in Chicago and make sure to take a few pictures of the famous Willis Tower and the Magnificent Mile. Then, you can head to Springfield to see the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue your drive to the city of Bloomington and make a stop at the Miller Park Zoo. Then, you can drive to Decatur and visit the Rock Springs Conservation Area. Finally, you can end your journey in St. Louis and explore the Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden and the St. Louis Zoo. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip adventure!

2 St. Louis - Tulsa

Distance 639 km Driving time 6.1 h Pace: fast 191.6 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips accommodation options camper parking available camping sites
[detailsContainer]
Welcome, road-trippers! We are excited to invite you to a spectacular journey from St. Louis to Tulsa - a distance of 397mi that can be covered in less than 7 hours. Start your journey in St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, and explore the iconic Gateway Arch, the Missouri History Museum and the St. Louis Zoo. As you continue your journey, you will pass through the Ozark Mountains and the Mark Twain National Forest, and you will have the opportunity to visit the town of Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66. Finally, arrive in Tulsa, the Oil Capital of the World, and discover its unique attractions, such as the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Tulsa Zoo. We hope you have a wonderful journey! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please visit the "Itinerary" of this stage.

3 Tulsa - Amarillo

Distance 589 km Driving time 5.6 h Pace: fast 176.7 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options camper parking available camping sites
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Start your journey in Tulsa, Oklahoma and make your way to Amarillo, Texas. This 366-mile journey will take you less than 6 hours to complete, and you’ll be able to explore some of the most interesting sites along the way. In Tulsa, be sure to check out the Philbrook Museum of Art, which is housed in an Italian-style villa and gardens. The museum houses an impressive collection of Native American art, as well as a variety of European and American artworks. As you make your way down the highway, be sure to stop at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Here, you’ll learn about the history of the iconic U.S. Route 66 and be able to explore a variety of exhibits about the culture and history of the Mother Road. The last stop on your journey is Amarillo, Texas. Here, you can explore the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of the American Quarter Horse. You can also visit the Cadillac Ranch, an art installation made up of 10 vintage Cadillacs. Along the way, be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites and other attractions. More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

4 Amarillo - Albuquerque

Distance 465 km Driving time 4.5 h Pace: fast 139.4 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options camper parking available camping sites
[detailsContainer]
Let the road trip begin! Embark on a journey from Amarillo to Albuquerque, a 289-mile drive that will take you fewer than five hours. Along the way, you will find plenty of interesting places to visit. In Amarillo, don't miss the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, the Amarillo Zoo, and the Don Harrington Discovery Center. As you drive, be sure to keep an eye out for the scenic road. Once you arrive in Albuquerque, you'll find plenty to explore, from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the ABQ BioPark Zoo. You'll also want to take in the stunning views from the Sandia Peak Tramway and the Petroglyph National Monument. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

5 Albuquerque - Flagstaff

Distance 517 km Driving time 4.9 h Pace: fast 155.1 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options attractive landscape camper parking available camping sites
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Albuquerque to Flagstaff? This 321 mi drive is the perfect way to explore the Southwest! Along the way, you'll be able to take in some of the most stunning landscapes, historical sites, and picturesque roads. Start your journey in Albuquerque, where you can explore the city's cultural heritage, visit the Old Town, and take a hot air balloon ride. Then, hit the road and drive to the Petrified Forest National Park to witness the breathtaking views of the Painted Desert. Next, make your way to the Wupatki National Monument, where you'll find ancient ruins and majestic views. After that, drive to the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and explore the incredible volcanic landscape. Finally, make your way to Flagstaff, where you can explore the Lowell Observatory and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This journey will take you fewer than 5 hours, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the amazing sights along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

6 Flagstaff - Los Angeles

Distance 757 km Driving time 7.7 h Pace: fast 227.0 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options camper parking available camping sites
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Flagstaff to Los Angeles? This 470mi journey will take you no more than 8 hours of driving and will be full of interesting places to explore. Start your journey in Flagstaff, a city surrounded by mountains, pine forests and beautiful landscapes. Make sure to visit the Museum of Northern Arizona and the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park to learn more about the local culture and history. Continue your journey and drive through the scenic Route 66 and the Mojave Desert. Make sure to stop in Kingman and enjoy the view of the Hualapai Mountains. Finally, you will reach Los Angeles, the city of stars. Make sure to visit the iconic Hollywood Sign and the Universal Studios Hollywood. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an amazing road trip from Flagstaff to Los Angeles!

7 Los Angeles - Santa Monica

Distance 23 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: fast 6.9 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for a road trip from Los Angeles to Santa Monica? This route is only 14 miles long and takes less than an hour of driving, so you can easily explore the most interesting places in both cities. In Los Angeles, start your journey with a visit to the iconic Hollywood Sign. Then, take a walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and take a selfie with your favorite celebrity's star. Afterward, you can explore the Universal Studios Hollywood and take a tour of the movie sets. Continue your journey to Santa Monica and experience the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Here you can enjoy the carnival rides, the beach, and the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Don't forget to take a picture of the iconic Ferris wheel! Lastly, you can explore the Third Street Promenade, the lively shopping and dining area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Santa Monica

[detailsContainer]
Santa Monica is the perfect ending point for your Epic Route 66 road trip. Located on the coast of California, this beachside city is filled with attractions and activities that will make your trip one to remember. Start off your visit by taking a stroll down the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can take in the sights of the Pacific Ocean and the amusement park rides. Take a dip in the ocean or rent a bike to explore the beachfront. Don’t miss out on a visit to the famous Muscle Beach, where you can watch bodybuilders flexing their muscles. If you’re looking for a bit of history, you can explore the iconic Third Street Promenade, which features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and street performers. For an even more interesting journey, you can take a drive down Santa Monica Boulevard, where you’ll find a variety of historic buildings that were once part of the original Route 66. For those looking to explore beyond the city limits, Santa Monica is conveniently located just a few miles away from Los Angeles International Airport (IATA code LAX). From there, you can take off to any destination in the world. In Santa Monica, you’ll find something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax at the beach or explore the city’s rich history, you’ll find something to make your trip a memorable one.

Epic Route 66 Road Trip at a glance

No doubt our Epic Route 66 will become an ideal inspiration for your future travels.
Our itinerary can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting beauty spots.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around United States, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a list of elements to remember to make your road trip safe. These tips will surely become useful for travellers who are interested in renting a car or camper hire in United States.
There are a number of traffic rules to be bore in mind while driving around United States. When moving around United States in a car, try to stay away from spirits at any cost. Travellers should remember that the amount of alcohol that the driver can consume is rather low and cannot exceed 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum permissible speed, which is 40km/h, when travelling around the build-up areas may lead to a speeding ticket. If you are aiming for undeveloped areas, you should keep in mind that the maximum car speed is 72km/h. When travelling on motorways, you can drive at the speed limit of 129km/h. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit heavily increase your safety.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip. The total expenses during the whole itinerary will vary depending on the budget option of your choice. Below, you will find the budget possibilities.
If you’d like to benefit from the cheapest option to cover the planned 8 stages while travelling around United States, it can cost around 475 EUR. Travel expenses connected with economy accommodation options will cost up to roughly 1,111 EUR. Tourists should also take into consideration the fact that they will spend more or less 1,008 EUR for food and restaurants in this option. Travellers will have to pay approximately 630 EUR if they opt for the budget rental car option as well. Thus, going for car rental will increase the costs of the road trip from approximately 2,594 EUR to about 3,224 EUR.
Tourists who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay roughly 638 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the tour. Those who are considering standard accommodation should be ready to pay roughly 1,661 EUR. 1,512 EUR is the amount of money that you need to pay for restaurants and food within the standard range of services. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire car should expect a cost of around 756 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 4,567 EUR for holidaymakers who would like to try car hire and 3,811 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
Drivers who are searching for the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium offer. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 6,898 EUR for holidayers who are considering car hire and 3,811 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium rental vehicle should expect a cost of more or less 1,260 EUR. In the premium option of the tour, you have to spend the maximum of 850 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the tour. You should expect to pay more or less 2,016 EUR for food and restaurants and roughly 2,772 EUR for accommodation if you are searching for the exclusive standard of services during your itinerary.
Our trip will also become interesting for all camper lovers, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. Holidaymakers have to pay approximately 3,150 EUR for camper hire service. If you are wondering about the gasoline costs for the whole trip, they will amount to more or less 950 EUR. Drivers who are considering camper hire should expect to pay more or less 770 EUR for accommodation and roughly 1,008 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the above-mentioned details in a straightforward way.
The presented 8 stages stages are perfect for exploration in a vehicle in the period between May and October. If you like Epic Route 66, check out other beautiful road trips that are available on our website. Hopefully, the great diversity of ideas will definitely cater to the needs of the most demanding holidaymakers.

Facts for safer driving in United States

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

Recommended trips

Sierra Nevada Road Trip Sierra Nevada Road Trip
Sierra Nevada Road Trip
North America - United States
1,891 km 70 km/h 9 days roadtrip
Sacramento to Lost Coast Road Trip Sacramento to Lost Coast Road Trip
Sacramento to Lost Coast Road Trip
North America - United States
437 km 62 km/h 3 days roadtrip
White Sands  Panoramic Road White Sands  Panoramic Road
White Sands Panoramic Road
North America - United States
24 km 44 km/h 1 days scenic
Taos Panoramic Road Taos Panoramic Road
Taos Panoramic Road
North America - United States
267 km 60 km/h 1 days scenic
New York to Alaska Road Trip New York to Alaska Road Trip
New York to Alaska Road Trip
North America - United States
9,387 km 90 km/h 28 days roadtrip
West Route 66 Road Trip West Route 66 Road Trip
West Route 66 Road Trip
North America - United States
3,903 km 92 km/h 14 days roadtrip