The Mother Road
Route 66, State by State
About 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica across eight states: where it runs, what to see and how long to plan.
The Eight States
Route 66 at a Glance
Approximate mileage of the historic alignment in each state, from east to west, with a few highlights and our detailed guide for each section.
| State | Approx. miles | Highlights | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 300 | Chicago start, Pontiac, Springfield | Coming soon |
| Missouri | 315 | St. Louis, Cuba, Joplin | Coming soon |
| Kansas | 13 | Galena, Baxter Springs | Coming soon |
| Oklahoma | 400 | Tulsa, Catoosa, Oklahoma City | Coming soon |
| Texas | 180 | Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch, Adrian midpoint | Coming soon |
| New Mexico | 380 to 490 | Tucumcari, Santa Fe loop, Albuquerque, Gallup | Coming soon |
| Arizona | 400 | Petrified Forest, Winslow, Seligman, Kingman | Coming soon |
| California | 315 | Mojave Desert, Barstow, Santa Monica Pier | Coming soon |
Before You Go
How Long Does It Take?
Two weeks is a comfortable pace for the whole road, with time for museums, diners and detours. One state makes a great long weekend.
On the Road
Stops Worth the Brake
Classic diners, quirky roadside attractions and small-town museums, listed from Illinois to California.
Road Notes
Questions Before You Go
How long is Route 66?
About 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, across eight states. Plan two weeks to drive it without rushing, or pick one state for a shorter trip.
How many hours a day should we drive?
Four to five hours of driving a day is a comfortable pace: it leaves time for viewpoints, museums and long lunches. Beyond seven hours, the trip becomes a transfer.
What is the best season for a road trip in the USA?
Late spring and early fall are the sweet spots almost everywhere: mild weather, fewer crowds and open mountain roads. Desert routes are best avoided in the heat of July and August.
Should we rent a car or take our own?
Your own car is cheapest for a loop near home. For a one-way route or a trip abroad, a rental makes sense: compare one-way drop fees and insurance before you book.
Which apps help plan a road trip?
A route planner for stops and distances, offline maps for areas without signal, a weather app and a fuel price app cover most needs. Our planning guides compare them.
Can we suggest a route?
Yes, write to us from the contact page: we add new itineraries based on the routes readers ask about most.