The 14‑Day Motorcycle Route 66 Itinerary offers a deeper ride into the Mother Road. With balanced mileage, biker‑friendly motels, and iconic detours like the Grand Canyon and Oatman’s wild burros, this two‑week journey blends freedom, culture, and authentic roadside stops for riders who want the full experience.
Day 1: Chicago → Springfield, IL (~200 miles, 4.5 hrs)
- 08:00 AM - Route 66 Begin Sign, Chicago
- 09:00 AM - Lou Mitchell's Breakfast
- 10:30 AM - Joliet Area Historical Museum
- 01:00 PM - Pontiac Route 66 Museum
- 03:30 PM - Cozy Dog Drive-In, Springfield
- Fuel Stops: Dwight (~90 mi), Lincoln (~160 mi).
- Lunch: Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket.
- Dinner: Cozy Dog Drive In.
- Overnight: Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, Springfield
Day 2: Springfield → St. Louis, MO (~100 miles, 2 hrs)
- 09:00 AM - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
- 11:30 AM - Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center
- 02:00 PM - Chain of Rocks Bridge
- 04:00 PM - Gateway Arch, St. Louis
- Fuel Stop: Litchfield (~50 mi).
- Lunch: Ariston Cafe
- Dinner: Pappy's Smokehouse.
- Overnight: Red Roof Inn, St. Louis.
Day 3: St. Louis, MO -> Rolla, MO (110 miles)
- 09:00 AM - Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
- 11:00 AM - Meramec Caverns
- 01:00 PM - Lunch in Cuba (Wagon Wheel Cafe)
- 03:00 PM - Fanning 66 O
- Fuel Stops: St. Clair (~50 mi), Cuba (~80
- Lunch: Missouri Hick BBQ
- Dinner: Alex's Pizza Palace
- Overnight: Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba
Day 4: Rolla, MO -> Tulsa, OK (280 miles)
- 09:00 AM - Uranus Fudge Factory
- 11:30 AM - Lebanon Route 66 Museum
- 02:00 PM - Cars on the Route, Galena
- 04:00 PM - Blue Whale of Catoosa
- Fuel Stops: Lebanon (~60 mi), Vinita (~200 mi)
- Lunch: Nelson's Old Riverton Store
- Dinner: El Rancho Grande, Tulsa
- Overnight: Campbell Hotel, Tulsa
Day 5: Tulsa, OK -> Oklahoma City, OK (120 miles)
- 09:00 AM - Rock Cafe, Stroud
- 11:00 AM - Round Barn, Arcadia
- 01:00 PM - Pops Soda Ranch
- 03:00 PM - Oklahoma State Capitol
- Fuel Stop: Stroud (~50 mi), Arcadia (~90 mi)
- Lunch: Rock Cafe
- Dinner: Tucker's Onion Burgers
- Overnight: Colcord Hotel, Oklahoma City
Day 6: Oklahoma City, OK -> Amarillo, TX (260 miles)
- 09:00 AM - Lucille's Historic Gas Station
- 12:00 PM - Route 66 Museum, Clinton
- 03:00 PM - U-Drop Inn, Shamrock
- 05:00 PM - Cadillac
- Fuel Stops: Elk City (~110 mi), Shamrock (~200 mi)
- Lunch: Lucille's Roadhouse
- Dinner: The Big Texan Steak Ranch
- Overnight: Big Texan Motel, Amarillo
Day 7: Amarillo, TX -> Tucumcari, NM (120 miles)
- 09:00 AM - Big Texan Steak Ranch
- 11:00 AM - Midpoint Cafe, Adrian
- 01:00 PM - Tucumcari murals & Tee Pee Curios
- Fuel Stops: Adrian (~50 mi), Tucumcari (~110 mi)
- Lunch: Watson's BBQ
- Dinner: Del's Restaurant
- Overnight: Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari
Day 8: Tucumcari, NM -> Albuquerque, NM (180 miles)
- 09:00 AM - Route 66 Auto Museum, Santa Rosa
- 12:00 PM - Blue Hole, Santa Rosa
- 03:00 PM - Route 66 Diner, Albuquerque
- 05:00 PM - Old Town Albuquerqu
- Fuel Stop: Santa Rosa (~60 mi), Moriarty (~130 mi)
- Lunch: Comet II Drive-In
- Dinner: El Pinto Restaurant
- Overnight: Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Day 9: Albuquerque, NM -> Holbrook, AZ (320 miles)
- 09:00 AM - Route 66 Diner
- 12:00 PM - Laguna Pueblo
- 03:00 PM - Petrified Forest National Park
- 05:00 PM - Wigwam Motel, Holbrook
- Fuel Stop: Gallup (~140 mi), Petrified Forest (~280 mi)
- Lunch: Earl's Restaurant, Gallup
- Dinner: Butterfield Stage Co Steakhouse
- Overnight: Wigwam Motel, Holbrook
Day 10: Holbrook, AZ -> Williams, AZ (180 miles)
- 09:00 AM - Meteor Crater
- 12:00 PM - Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff
- 03:00 PM - Williams Route 66 Main Street
- Fuel Stop: Winslow (~60 mi), Flagstaff (~120 mi)
- Lunch: Galaxy Diner
- Dinner: Cruiser's Route 66 Cafe
- Overnight: Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, Williams
Day 11: Flagstaff → Williams (~60 miles, 1.5 hrs)
- 09:00 AM - Drive to Grand Canyon
- 12:00 PM - South Rim Viewpoints
- 04:00 PM - Return to Williams
- Fuel Stop: Tusayan (~60 mi)
- Lunch: El Tovar Dining Room
- Dinner: Pine Country Restaurant
- Overnight: Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, Williams
Day 12: Williams, AZ -> Kingman, AZ (150 miles)
- AM - Seligman Route 66 shops
- 12:00 PM - Hackberry General Store
- 03:00 PM - Kingman Powerhouse Museum
- Fuel Stop: Seligman (~60 mi), Peach Springs (~100 mi)
- Lunch: Delgadillo's Snow Cap
- Dinner: Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner
- Overnight: El Trovatore Motel, Kingman
Day 13: Kingman, AZ -> Needles, CA (90 miles)
- 09:00 AM - Cool Springs Station
- 12:00 PM - Oatman burros & shops
- 03:00 PM - Colorado River sunset
- Fuel Stop: Oatman (~60 mi)
- Lunch: Olive Oatman Restaurant
- Dinner: Juicy's Famous River Cafe
- Overnight: Rio del Sol Inn, Needles
Day 14: Needles, CA -> Santa Monica, CA (300 miles)
- 09:00 AM - Mojave Desert drive
- 12:00 PM - Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Barstow
- 03:00 PM - Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
- 05:00 PM - Route 66 End of Trail Sign, Santa Monica
- 06:00 PM - Santa Monica Pier
- Fuel Stops: Barstow (~140 mi), San Bernardino (~220 mi)
- Lunch: Peggy Sue's 50's Diner
- Dinner: The Lobster, Santa Monica
- Overnight: Fairmont Miramar Hotel, Santa Monica
Travel Tips and Notes
- Emergency Contacts:
- Keep a list of emergency numbers and roadside assistance info.
- Prepare Your Motorcycle:
- Ensure your bike is in top condition before the trip. Check tires, brakes, oil, and lights.
- Pack Light and Smart:
- Bring essential gear including rain gear, layered clothing, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.
- Plan Fuel Stops:
- Some stretches of Route 66 are remote; plan fuel stops carefully.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested:
- Riding can be tiring; take breaks and drink plenty of water.
- Respect Local Laws:
- Speed limits and helmet laws vary by state.
- Safety First:
- Wear protective gear and ride defensively.
- Weather Awareness:
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Navigation:
- Use both GPS and physical maps; cell service can be spotty.
- Accommodation Booking:
- Reserve lodging in advance, especially in popular towns.
- Local Culture:
- Take time to explore local diners, museums, and roadside attractions.
Ready to hit the Mother Road?
Pick your itinerary, fuel up, and start your Route 66 adventure today.