Route 66
Chicago to California
Route 66
Below is a brief guide to the eight states commonly associated with the historic Route 66, including a selection of towns and cities you might like to consider visiting. Do bear in mind that every traveller’s route could differ, and you may discover wonderful places beyond this short list.
No matter which stops you choose, you may find that each state—and indeed each city—holds its own particular charm. Whether lingering in a dusty roadside café or marvelling at a neon-lit motel sign, you could very well feel the echoes of countless explorers and dreamers who once traversed this fabled American highway.
Distance and Journey time
The classic Route 66 stretches approximately 2,400 miles (around 3,900 kilometres) from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. If you were to drive nearly non-stop with only brief breaks, you might complete this journey in about four or five days. However, many travellers tend to spend one or two weeks—or even longer—to fully experience the historic sites, roadside diners, and small-town charm that embody the essence of this iconic American highway.
Embarking on a journey along Route 66 might feel like stepping back in time, as though you are tracing the footsteps of countless travellers who once journeyed across the vast American heartland. This legendary highway, historically running from Chicago to Santa Monica, crosses eight states—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—offering a tapestry of scenes and stories that could leave you with a lasting sense of wonder.
(01)
The journey often begins in Chicago, a city that may strike you as both sprawling and culturally vibrant. Heading south-west, you could encounter Joliet, known for its atmospheric old prison and art deco theatre. Further along, you may pass Bloomington, a college town with historic appeal, and Springfield, the Illinois state capital, brimming with Abraham Lincoln history.
Illinois
(02)
This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing. Once you've added your content, you can customize its design by using different colors and fonts.
Missouri
(03)
You may only travel a scant 13 miles through Kansas, yet the charm of Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs might linger far beyond your brief visit. These towns can offer a glimpse of classic Americana, from antique shops to restored service stations, reminding you of Route 66’s storied past.
Kansas
(04)
A longer stretch of road might now lie before you, unfolding through Tulsa, where art deco architecture could add a note of elegance to your journey. Oklahoma City is another key stop, boasting cultural districts and a thriving cowboy heritage. Along the way, smaller communities such as Claremore, Arcadia, and Clinton might provide intriguing snapshots of life on the old Mother Road.
Oklahoma
(05)
Crossing into the Lone Star State, you may find yourself captivated by the vastness of the plains. Amarillo stands out for its hearty Texan spirit and the famous Cadillac Ranch, where half-buried cars pop out from the earth in a spray-painted spectacle. Onward, Adrian might claim to be the midpoint of Route 66—a quiet place that nonetheless intrigues many travellers seeking that perfect roadside photo.
Texas
(06)
A longer stretch of road might now lie before you, unfolding through Tulsa, where art deco architecture could add a note of elegance to your journey. Oklahoma City is another key stop, boasting cultural districts and a thriving cowboy heritage. Along the way, smaller communities such as Claremore, Arcadia, and Clinton might provide intriguing snapshots of life on the old Mother Road.
Oklahoma
(07)
Here, the scenery begins to shift into desert landscapes and vibrant adobe-style buildings. You could pause in Tucumcari to admire its vintage neon signs or explore Santa Rosa for its serene Blue Hole, a natural swimming spot. Albuquerque often impresses visitors with its mix of Hispanic and Native American cultural influences. If time allows, you might wander off-route to Santa Fe, discovering its art galleries and adobe architecture.
New Mexico
(08)
Finally, the journey might culminate in California. Passing through Needles and Barstow, you could notice the dramatic shift towards palm trees and the warmth of the Mojave Desert. Eventually, the lure of the Pacific Ocean may guide you towards Los Angeles and its many sprawling suburbs, before you finish at Santa Monica Pier. There, a sign marking the “End of the Trail” serves as a bittersweet finale to the historic Route 66 adventure.
