Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 is the ultimate American road trip. This 10‑day essentials itinerary slows the pace compared to the classic 7‑day plan, giving you more time to enjoy iconic landmarks, quirky roadside attractions, and authentic motels along the way. With daily mileage, suggested times, and overnight stays at legendary Route 66 lodgings, this guide ensures your journey is both memorable and manageable.
10‑Day Route 66 Essentials Itinerary with Times and Overnight Stays
Day 1: Chicago → Springfield, IL (~200 miles, ~3–4 hrs)
- 08:00 AM – Breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s, Chicago
- 09:00 AM – Depart Chicago, stop in Joliet for Route 66 Welcome Center
- 11:00 AM – Pontiac Route 66 Museum & murals
- 02:00 PM – Arrive Springfield, Cozy Dog Drive‑In
- Overnight: Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, Springfield
Day 2: Springfield → St. Louis (~100 miles, ~2 hrs)
- 09:00 AM – Depart Springfield
- 11:00 AM – Chain of Rocks Bridge photo stop
- 01:00 PM – Lunch downtown St. Louis
- 02:00 PM – Gateway Arch visit
- Overnight: Holiday Inn St Louis SW – Route 66 • La Quinta Inn & Suites • Wayside Motel
Day 3: St. Louis → Rolla (~110 miles, ~2 hrs)
- 09:00 AM – Depart St. Louis
- 10:00 AM – Meramec Caverns tour
- 12:00 PM – Lunch in Cuba, MO (murals + Wagon Wheel Motel café)
- 02:00 PM – Arrive Rolla, explore local Route 66 sites
- Overnight: Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba
Day 4: Rolla → Tulsa (~280 miles, ~5 hrs)
- 08:00 AM – Depart Rolla
- 11:00 AM – Springfield Route 66 Car Museum
- 02:00 PM – Blue Whale of Catoosa stop
- 04:00 PM – Arrive Tulsa
- Overnight: Campbell Hotel (historic boutique Route 66 hotel)
Day 5: Tulsa → Oklahoma City (~120 miles, ~2–3 hrs)
- 09:00 AM – Depart Tulsa, Route 66 Historical Village
- 11:00 AM – Lunch at Rock Café, Stroud
- 01:00 PM – Round Barn, Arcadia
- 02:00 PM – Pops Soda Ranch
- 03:00 PM – Arrive Oklahoma City, Cowboy Museum
- Overnight: Skirvin Hilton (historic downtown OKC hotel)
Day 6: Oklahoma City → Amarillo (~260 miles, ~4–5 hrs)
- 08:00 AM – Depart OKC, stop at Lucille’s Gas Station (~09:30 AM)
- 11:00 AM – Clinton Route 66 Museum
- 01:00 PM – Lunch en route
- 04:00 PM – Cadillac Ranch (bring spray paint!)
- 05:00 PM – Arrive Amarillo
- Overnight: Big Texan Motel (western‑themed, next to Big Texan Steak Ranch)
Day 7: Amarillo → Tucumcari (~120 miles, ~2 hrs)
- 09:00 AM – Depart Amarillo
- 10:00 AM – Midpoint Café (Adrian, TX)
- 12:00 PM – Arrive Tucumcari, explore murals, Tee Pee Curios
- Overnight: Blue Swallow Motel (iconic neon) • Motel Safari (retro classic)
Day 8: Tucumcari → Albuquerque (~180 miles, ~3 hrs)
- 09:00 AM – Depart Tucumcari
- 11:00 AM – Santa Rosa Auto Museum
- 02:00 PM – Arrive Albuquerque, enjoy neon signs and Route 66 Diner
- Overnight: Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town • El Vado Motel (revived Route 66 landmark)
Day 9: Albuquerque → Flagstaff (~320 miles, ~5–6 hrs)
- 08:00 AM – Breakfast at Route 66 Diner
- 10:00 AM – Gallup murals stop
- 12:00 PM – Drive through Petrified Forest National Park
- 02:00 PM – Wigwam Motel, Holbrook (sleep in a teepee!)
- 05:00 PM – Arrive Flagstaff
- Overnight: Wigwam Motel, Holbrook • Little America Hotel, Flagstaff
Day 10: Flagstaff → Santa Monica (~460 miles, ~7–8 hrs)
- 07:00 AM – Depart Flagstaff, stop at Meteor Crater (~08:00 AM)
- 10:00 AM – Seligman (burger + Route 66 revival town)
- 12:00 PM – Hackberry General Store
- 02:00 PM – Oatman burros
- 06:00 PM – Arrive Santa Monica Pier, Route 66 End Sign
- Overnight: Fairmont Miramar Hotel (luxury near pier) • Sea Shore Motel (budget, walking distance to End Sign)
Insider Tips
- Book Blue Swallow, Wigwam, Motel Safari, and El Vado well in advance—they’re iconic and fill up quickly.
- Mix retro motels with modern hotels for balance.
- Treat overnight stays as part of the Route 66 experience, not just stopovers.
Ready to hit the Mother Road?
Pick your itinerary, fuel up, and start your Route 66 adventure today.