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.
14
number of days
3,510 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Chicago
Distance 3,510 km
Driving time 34.7 h
Pace: fast
1,052.9 kWh
Airports
ORD
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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
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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!
St. Louis - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
St. Louis - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
St. Louis - United States - North America - Road Trip - Pixabay
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2
St. Louis
- Tulsa
Distance 639 km
Driving time 6.1 h
Pace: fast
191.6 kWh
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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.
Tulsa - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Tulsa
- Amarillo
Distance 589 km
Driving time 5.6 h
Pace: fast
176.7 kWh
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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!
Amarillo - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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4
Amarillo
- Albuquerque
Distance 465 km
Driving time 4.5 h
Pace: fast
139.4 kWh
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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!
Albuquerque - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Albuquerque
- Flagstaff
Distance 517 km
Driving time 4.9 h
Pace: fast
155.1 kWh
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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!
Flagstaff - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Flagstaff
- Los Angeles
Distance 757 km
Driving time 7.7 h
Pace: fast
227.0 kWh
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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!
Los Angeles - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
Los Angeles - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
Los Angeles - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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7
Los Angeles
- Santa Monica
Distance 23 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
6.9 kWh
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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 - United States - North America - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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Santa Monica
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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
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Start:
Chicago
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End:
Santa Monica
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Distance:
3,510 km
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Stay:
14 days
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Getting there:
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an epic journey along the legendary Route 66 for an immersive slice of Americana. Stretching from the bustling streets of Chicago to the sun-kissed shores of Santa Monica, this 2,448-mile (3,940 km) odyssey traverses a tapestry of landscapes and provides a window into the diverse soul of the United States.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Chicago: Start your Road Trip in the Windy City, celebrated for its architectural marvels, blues music, and culinary delights like Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza.
- St. Louis: Marvel at the Gateway Arch, standing at 630 feet (192 meters), this stainless-steel monument is the world's tallest arch and represents the westward expansion of the United States.
- Amarillo: Delve into the heart of Texas culture and make a pit stop at the iconic Cadillac Ranch, an art installation featuring ten graffiti-covered Cadillac cars half-buried nose-first in the ground.
- Albuquerque: Experience the blend of Native American and Spanish cultures in the historic Old Town and venture to the ancient Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inhabited for over a thousand years.
- Flagstaff: This lively mountain town offers access to the majestic Grand Canyon National Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- Santa Monica: Complete your journey at the historic Santa Monica Pier, which marks the end of Route 66 and features an amusement park, aquarium, and stunning ocean views.
Best Time to Go:
The prime time to travel Route 66 is from April to October when you'll enjoy temperate weather, making it ideal for exploring attractions and engaging in outdoor activities.
Potential Risks:
Despite generally excellent Road conditions, travelers should stay vigilant for sudden weather changes and routinely check their vehicles to prevent breakdowns in remote stretches.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Route 66 traverses eight states—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—and crosses three time zones.
- Affectionately dubbed the `Main Street of America` and the `Mother Road,` Route 66 played a significant role in American history, particularly during the Dust Bowl migration.
- A variety of accommodations can be found, from retro motels preserving the vintage charm of the 1950s to scenic campgrounds for nature enthusiasts.
- The route is dotted with nostalgic Roadside attractions, classic diners, and vintage gas stations that capture the kitschy and eclectic spirit of classic American Road Trips.
A good choice for:
Route 66 is more than a Road—it's a journey through the cultural heartland of America, stitching together a narrative of history, migration, and the pursuit of dreams. Whether you're an avid explorer or embarking on your first Road Trip, the Mother Road offers adventure, historical landmarks, and the quintessential freedom of the open Road. Take your time to immerse yourself in the local flavors, connect with fellow travelers, and collect memories that will echo through your life's journey.
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