Your Route 66 Questions Answered

Which way round should you drive? Route 66 is a personal choice. There’s no right or wrong way!

We personally prefer the short flight home, so we prefer to travel from LA to Chicago. In our experience, we find the one-way fee cheaper, and we don't see the same people at every attraction, also if we choose to detour to Memphis we can do that from multiple points in Oklahoma

 The amount of money you'll need really depends on your spending preferences. It varies based on the car you rent, the type of accommodation you select, and your expenses for food and activities. Ultimately, you can tailor the experience to be as budget-friendly or as lavish as you desire! 

 We generally felt quite safe while driving along Route 66, but like any other place, it's important to stay alert and exercise caution when necessary. Here are some safety tips to consider:

 1. Avoid driving after dark on Route 66, as many roads are quite remote. 

2. If your vehicle breaks down, remain inside and keep the doors locked. 

3. Don’t leave valuables visible in your parked car. 

4. When reserving accommodations—be it a hotel, motel, campsite, or apartment—research the neighborhood. Consider whether it’s safe to stay overnight and if there might be a better area to choose. For instance, there are parts of Albuquerque that I wouldn’t recommend for a stay. I’ll provide more details on accommodations later in this guide. 

5. Never leave items in your vehicle overnight. 

6. Stay informed about the weather conditions. You'll be traveling through regions at risk for tornadoes, dust storms, wildfires, flash floods, and thunderstorms. Keep an eye on the news and weather forecasts. If there’s a warning issued, you may receive an alert on your phone from the state with safety instructions. Be sure to follow their guidance.

 When driving Route 66, do not use Google maps, or other SatNavs. They will just lead you onto the Interstates. The best advice from us to you is to purchase the EZ66 guide. It is £28.00 from our store but it will be your bible on Route 66. It has the whole route from Chicago to Los Angles, both directions, with every turn, junction, roadside attraction, you name it!  Also the  Author will happily sign it for you at his studio in Chandler

 Route 66 traverses eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. 

 In his Pulitzer Prize-winning 1939 novel “The Grapes of Wrath,” John Steinbeck wrote a chapter about Dust Bowl migrants traveling Route 66, which he nicknamed “The Mother Road." The highway is also sometimes called "The Will Rogers Highway" and "The Main Street of America" .

 You need around three weeks or more to complete Route 66. There is no perfect time to drive Route 66. Due to its sheer size, you're likely to experience some adverse weather conditions, whatever the month. 

You can embark on a journey along Route 66 anytime throughout the year; however, winter weather can pose challenges, including heavy snow and icy roads that may disrupt your travel plans. Additionally, keep in mind that some attractions may be closed or operate on reduced hours during early spring and late autumn. The best time for a road trip on Route 66 is from May to October, with May, June, September, and October being our top recommendations. While July and August are popular months for travel, it’s important to consider that the western states often experience very high temperatures during this period  this item.

 The straightforward answer is no. Renting a motorhome involves fees for mileage packages, and considering a trip along Route 66, which spans over 2,400 miles, this could amount to nearly $1,000. On top of that, you have to factor in the rental cost of the vehicle, campsite fees for each night, the fuel you’ll need for the journey, and a substantial one-way drop-off fee. Therefore, it is significantly more economical to rent a car and stay in hotels or motels along Route 66. Additionally, finding and reserving campsites ahead of time along the route can be quite challenging. 

 Along most of Route 66 and its neighboring roads, gas stations are typically available every 30 miles or so. However, in more remote regions like Arizona, you'll encounter fewer fuel options, so it's wise to fill up frequently and keep the fuel gauge above the halfway mark. If you're planning a side trip to the Grand Canyon, consider refueling in Kingman to dodge higher prices in the desert. At most gas stations in the US, you'll need to pay for your fuel before filling up.