Route 66 by motorhome: the ultimate American road trip

Historic Route 66 covers around 2,450 miles and crosses eight US states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

The classic Route 66 road trip runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, although you can travel in either direction. Starting in Chicago means gradually moving from the Midwest towards the deserts of the Southwest and finally the Pacific coast.

Route 66 at a glance

Chicago → Springfield, Illinois → St Louis → Springfield, Missouri → Tulsa → Oklahoma City → Amarillo → Santa Fe → Albuquerque → Flagstaff → Grand Canyon → Las Vegas → Los Angeles and Santa Monica

This classic itinerary takes you from the Midwest to the Pacific, combining historic Route 66 towns, major cities and memorable landscapes along the way. Travelling by motorhome gives you the flexibility to stop where you like and adapt the route as you go.

Allow at least two weeks, although three weeks is ideal. This gives you enough time to explore the historic road, make worthwhile detours and enjoy the major stops without rushing.

As a general rule, try not to plan much more than 120 to 150 miles of driving per day. Some days will inevitably be longer, but keeping your average manageable makes the trip much more enjoyable.

You don't have to follow every mile of the historic road either. If you're short on time or want to skip a slower section, you can use Interstate 40 before joining Route 66 again later.

Costs vary depending on your vehicle, the season and how many campsites versus free overnight stops you use, but here's a rough daily estimate for two people travelling in a mid-size motorhome:

CamperDays tip: Fuel is often cheaper away from national parks and tourist hotspots, so it's worth filling up in an ordinary town rather than waiting until you're right next to a big attraction.

On top of your daily budget, factor in flights, one-way rental fees if you're not returning the motorhome to Chicago, and entrance fees for national parks such as the Grand Canyon or Petrified Forest.

Route 66 is generally safe to explore independently, but remember that it's a historic road rather than one continuous modern highway. A little preparation will make the journey easier.

• Navigation: Only parts of the original Route 66 remain, so navigation apps may direct you onto Interstate highways instead.

• Road conditions: Historic sections can be narrow, uneven or affected by potholes. Take your time, particularly in a larger motorhome.

• Fuel: Petrol stations can be far apart in remote areas, especially in the Southwest. Fill up whenever you have the opportunity.

• Opening hours: Shops, attractions and petrol stations in smaller towns may close earlier than expected.

• Wildlife: Avoid driving around dawn, dusk and after dark where possible, particularly near national parks.

• Rental restrictions: Check your rental conditions before using smaller or unpaved roads, as restrictions vary between rental companies.

Route 66 crosses several climate zones, so there's no single month with perfect weather everywhere.

Generally, late spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are excellent choices. Temperatures are often more comfortable and you'll avoid some of the busiest summer travel periods.

You can also drive Route 66 between June and August, but expect high temperatures in the Southwest. Campsites around popular destinations and national parks can fill quickly during summer, so booking key overnight stops ahead is sensible.

1. Start your Route 66 road trip in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is worth more than simply picking up your motorhome and leaving. Give yourself one or two nights to explore the city before setting off.

Many North American rental companies don't allow you to collect your vehicle on the same day as an international flight, so spending your first night in Chicago also makes practical sense.

Some highlights include:

• The Art Institute of Chicago

• An architecture cruise on the Chicago River

• Millennium Park and Grant Park

• The waterfront along Lake Michigan

• Views across the city from one of Chicago's observation decks

• The city's famous jazz and blues clubs

• Chicago's excellent food scene

The Green Mill is one of the city's classic venues for live jazz, while Blue Chicago is a good choice for blues.

When you're ready to leave, head towards the historic Route 66 starting point around East Adams Street. From here, the journey west begins.

2. Chicago to Springfield, Illinois

The first stretch introduces you to the roadside Americana that makes Route 66 so distinctive.

In Joliet, you'll find reminders of the enormous fibreglass advertising figures known as Muffler Men. Continue to Pontiac for the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, where old signs and memorabilia tell the story of the Mother Road.

Hungry? Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield has been serving its famous corn dogs since the 1940s and is a Route 66 institution.

Springfield itself is closely associated with Abraham Lincoln. At Oak Ridge Cemetery, you can visit the Lincoln Tomb, the final resting place of the 16th US president.

3. Springfield, Illinois to St Louis, Missouri

Before leaving Illinois, stop in Litchfield for a slice of classic Route 66 nostalgia. The Ariston Café dates back to 1935 and is one of the road's best known historic restaurants.

Continue towards the Mississippi and St Louis, where the enormous Gateway Arch dominates the skyline. You can travel to the top for sweeping views across the city and river.

St Louis is also famous for barbecue and blues. Spend the evening trying the city's ribs or visit one of its live music venues. The National Blues Museum is another worthwhile stop if you're interested in the history of the genre.

Where to stay: The St Louis West KOA Holiday is close to Historic Route 66 and offers facilities for motorhomes as well as a range of leisure facilities.

4. St Louis to Springfield, Missouri

This section of Route 66 is packed with roadside nostalgia.

In Cuba, you'll pass the historic Wagon Wheel Motel, one of the oldest continuously operating motels along Route 66. Its neon sign is still an original feature.

Further west, Springfield's Route 66 Car Museum has a collection ranging from early 20th century vehicles to classic sports cars.

Springfield also claims an important place in Route 66 history. In 1926, officials here proposed the number 66 for the new highway between Chicago and Los Angeles, earning Springfield its reputation as the birthplace of Route 66.

5. Springfield, Missouri to Tulsa, Oklahoma

Film fans should consider a stop at the historic 66 Drive In Theatre in Carthage. Dating from 1949, the drive in still captures the atmosphere of classic American road trips.

The route then briefly passes through Kansas. Stop at the Old Riverton Store, which is almost as old as Route 66 itself, before visiting the nearby Rainbow Bridge, one of the historic bridges along the route.

Once you cross into Oklahoma, look out for the Ribbon Road, one of the oldest surviving sections associated with Route 66.

Around Tulsa, you'll find several places to stay, including campsites beside the water that can be particularly appealing during hot summer days.

6. Tulsa to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Tulsa embraces its Route 66 heritage with restored petrol stations, retro diners, neon signs and enormous roadside statues.

One of the best places to see on the historic road is Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, overlooking the Arkansas River and the old Route 66 bridge.

From Tulsa, continue to Oklahoma City. The state capital combines skyscrapers with strong cowboy and Western heritage. Explore the restaurants and neon signs around the historic Uptown 23rd District, then leave the motorhome parked while you discover more of the city on foot.

7. Oklahoma City to Amarillo, Texas

Welcome to Texas!

One of the first memorable stops is the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café, an Art Deco landmark that once served Route 66 travellers as a petrol station and café.

Continue west towards Groom, where the deliberately tilted Leaning Tower of Texas makes an easy roadside photo stop.

Near Amarillo, two attractions are particularly worth your time. Palo Duro Canyon offers dramatic red rock landscapes, while Cadillac Ranch is one of Route 66's most recognisable art installations. Ten Cadillacs are buried nose first in the ground, creating one of the quirkiest sights along the Mother Road.

For a more rural overnight stay, look for campsites and farm stays outside Amarillo. They're a good way to experience the wide open landscapes and dark night skies of Texas.

8. Amarillo, Texas to Santa Fe, New Mexico

West of Amarillo, Route 66 stretches through seemingly endless plains and desert.

At Adrian, you'll reach the traditional midpoint of Route 66 — roughly halfway between Chicago and Los Angeles, and a classic place to stop for a photo before continuing west.

Near the Texas and New Mexico border, Glenrio offers a glimpse into Route 66's past. Once a busy roadside community with cafés, shops and accommodation, it's now largely abandoned.

Continue through Tucumcari, another town packed with Route 66 history, before heading towards Santa Fe.

Santa Fe feels completely different from the towns you've passed so far. Its distinctive adobe style architecture and strong arts scene give the city a character of its own. With galleries, museums and independent shops throughout the centre, it's worth spending at least one night here.

Where to stay: Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers views across the surrounding landscape and puts you within easy reach of the city and nearby walking trails.

9. Santa Fe to Albuquerque, New Mexico

The drive between Santa Fe and Albuquerque takes you through desert plateaus, canyons and wide open landscapes.

In Albuquerque, historic Route 66 follows Central Avenue through several of the city's main neighbourhoods, including Old Town, Downtown and Nob Hill.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is one of the most worthwhile places to visit if you want to learn more about Pueblo history and cultures in New Mexico.

Fans of Breaking Bad will also recognise locations around the city, while Nob Hill offers plenty of modern shops, restaurants and bars.

CamperDays tip: Travelling in early October? Albuquerque's International Balloon Fiesta is one of the city's biggest events, with hundreds of hot air balloons taking to the sky. Book campsites well ahead if your trip lines up with it.

10. Albuquerque to Flagstaff, Arizona

Cross into Arizona and the landscapes become even more dramatic.

A highlight of this section is Petrified Forest National Park, where a scenic road takes you through the colourful Painted Desert and landscapes scattered with ancient petrified wood.

There are no developed campsites inside Petrified Forest National Park, so check current National Park Service information and nearby overnight options before travelling.

Continue through Holbrook, famous for its enormous roadside tipis, and on towards Flagstaff.

Flagstaff has a relaxed historic centre, plenty of old Route 66 neon and a lively atmosphere thanks partly to Northern Arizona University. More importantly for your Route 66 itinerary, it's an excellent base for one of the road trip's most worthwhile detours.

11. Route 66 detour to the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon isn't technically on Route 66, but when you're this close, it's difficult to justify skipping it.

From Flagstaff, allow roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the South Rim, depending on your route and traffic. Arrive early if possible, particularly during the busy summer season.

Once there, you can explore viewpoints along the rim or choose one of the park's hiking trails. Conditions can be demanding, especially in summer, so take plenty of water and check current trail and weather information before setting out.

Where to stay: Mather Campground puts you close to the South Rim and can accommodate motorhomes. A free park shuttle stops nearby, so it's easy to leave your vehicle at the campsite and explore on foot. Popular campsites can book up well in advance, particularly during peak season.

12. Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, Nevada

Return towards Route 66 and continue through Williams, a small town packed with retro motels, cafés and historic buildings.

Further west, Seligman is another Route 66 classic. Stop at Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive In before continuing towards Kingman, home to the Arizona Route 66 Museum.

If you have time, make a detour to Oatman, an old mining town where burros roam through the streets.

Then comes a dramatic change of scenery: Las Vegas.

After days of desert highways and small towns, the enormous hotels, casinos and neon signs of the Strip feel almost surreal. Explore the modern Strip, then head to Fremont Street for a taste of old Vegas.

Several motorhome parks around Las Vegas cater for larger vehicles. Facilities, prices and distance from the Strip vary, so it's worth comparing your options before choosing where to stay.

13. Las Vegas to Los Angeles and Santa Monica

After Las Vegas, leave the neon behind and head back into the desert.

A detour through Joshua Tree National Park is a memorable way to break up the journey towards the Californian coast. Huge rock formations, distinctive Joshua trees and dark night skies make it particularly rewarding if you can spend the night.

Then it's time for the Pacific.

After around 2,450 miles, you'll reach Santa Monica, where the Route 66 End of the Trail sign near the pier marks the symbolic end of the Mother Road.

Take a walk along the beach, dip your feet in the Pacific and give yourself a little time to explore Los Angeles before returning to your motorhome.

Route 66 is a road trip that's best enjoyed without rushing. Allow two to three weeks to explore the historic towns, major cities and spectacular landscapes between Chicago and California.

Before booking, compare the vehicle, mileage allowance, insurance and included equipment, as these can vary considerably between rental companies.

Then all that's left is to head west and follow the Mother Road to the Pacific.

Compare campers now and start planning your Route 66 adventure.

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