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- USA Route 66
Route 66 holidays: Enjoy an unforgettable adventure
Experience the excitement of travelling along Route 66 highway. This highway stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, taking you through small-town America, quirky roadside attractions and breathtaking landscapes. Drive through the Grand Canyon, explore ghost towns and snap photos with giant roadside statues.
Are you ready to hit the road? Pack your bags, fuel up and start planning your Route 66 holiday.
How to plan for a Route 66 road trip
Planning a Route 66 road trip is all about embracing the open road. First, decide how much time you have. If you want to get the full Route 66 road trip experience, you need at least two weeks. Route 66 is about 2,448 miles. If you are short on time, pick a section, like the Southwest for desert landscapes and the Midwest for classic diners.
Get your car ready. Driving through Route 66 in a classic convertible is the dream, but any car in good condition will do the trick. With your car ready, you need a playlist with road trip tunes and a Route 66 map (GPS isn't always reliable).
Book hotels in advance for busy spots like Santa Fe and Flagstaff, but always leave room for spontaneous stops. Whether you are travelling with a group of friends or exploring the highway alone, the Route 66 experience is about the journey, not the destination. So take it slow and enjoy every stop.
When is the best time to go on the Route 66 holiday?
Timing is everything when it comes to a Route 66 road trip. The best months to hit the highway are April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is just right. You can cruise with the windows down, soaking up the sights without melting in the heat or shivering in the cold.
Driving through Route 66 between April and June is a great time to enjoy the pleasant temperatures as you pass through Oklahoma, Texas and Arizona. It's also a great time to explore the neon-lit towns and roadside attractions before the peak summer crowds roll in. September and October are autumn months, bringing autumn foliage to Illinois and Missouri. You will avoid the summer holidays in the Grand Canyon detour or Santa Fe's historic plaza.
Summer (July and August) can be fun but scorching, especially in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, where temperatures can hit 38°C. Winter is not ideal. Snow and icy roads in the Midwest make driving tricky, and some attractions may be closed.
What side trips can you take on Route 66?
If you have extra time, you can explore other destinations and attractions easily accessible from Route 66. Here are a few spots to keep in mind:
Grand Canyon National Park: About 59 miles from Williams or 79 miles from Flagstaff
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: 30 miles from Amarillo
Turquoise Trail: 32 miles from Albuquerque
Joshua Tree National Park: 90 miles from Barstow
Lake Havasu: 43 miles from Needles
Must-see towns and attractions along Route 66
Seligman, Arizona
Seligman is a nostalgic town often called the 'Birthplace of Route 66'. With diners and neon signs lining the streets, it's a paradise for road trip enthusiasts. Stop by Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In for a burger experience, then explore the Route 66 memorabilia shops.
Tucumcari, New Mexico
Famous for its neon-lit motels, Tucumcari is a classic Route 66 stop. The Blue Swallow Motel, with its neon sign, is a must for retro lovers. Visit the Tucumcari Historical Museum to explore old West artefacts, then snap photos of the murals around town. In the evening, take a drive down Route 66 and watch the neon signs light up the desert sky.
Cadillac Ranch in Texas
Just outside Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch is a roadside attraction featuring ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs buried nose-first in the desert. You can bring spray paint and leave your own colourful marks on the cars. It's an ever-changing public art piece and a fun, interactive experience that captures the free spirit of Route 66.
The Gateway Arch in Missouri
The Gateway Arch is a monument in the US, located in St Louis, and marks the 'Gateway to the West'. Take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. Nearby, stroll through the Museum of Westward Expansion or take a riverboat cruise for a scenic view.
FAQs about Route 66 holidays
Q: How much would a Route 66 trip cost?
A: A Route 66 road trip can cost anywhere from £2,000 to £4,500 per person, depending on your travel style. Car rental starts at £50 per day, plus fuel, which could total around £600 to £1,000 for the whole trip. Budget for £80 to £150 per night for motels, with luxury stays costing more. Food averages £30 to £50 per day, while attractions and entertainment can add another £200 to £500. Flights to the US from the UK range from £500 to £1,000 return ticket. If you're on a tight budget, camping and fast food can help keep costs lower.
Q: What month is best for Route 66?
A: The best month for a Route 66 road trip is September. The weather is still warm but not scorching, making long drives and outdoor stops more comfortable. You'll also avoid the peak summer crowds, meaning fewer queues at famous attractions and better availability at classic motels. Plus, autumn brings stunning scenery, especially in parts of Illinois and Missouri.
Q: Can you do Route 66 in 2 weeks?
A: Yes. You can definitely do Route 66 in two weeks, but be ready for an action-packed adventure. With around 2,400 miles to cover, you'll need to average 170 miles per day, allowing time for stops at famous diners, roadside attractions and historic towns. You can prioritise key sights like Cadillac Ranch and Santa Monica Pier for side trips.
Q: What is the best section of Route 66 to travel?
A: One of the best sections of Route 66 is the stretch through Arizona, especially from Flagstaff to Kingman. This route takes you past Meteor Crater, Winslow's "Standin' on the Corner" Park, Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert. The drive through the curvy Sitgreaves Pass into Oatman, a quirky Wild West town with roaming burros, is a highlight.
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