Route 66 is turning 100 years old in 2026. This legendary highway stretches 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. It passes through eight states and hundreds of towns. In June 2026, the excitement around the Route 66 Centennial is at an all-time high. Millions of road trippers from the USA, UK, and all over the world are planning their journey on America's most famous road. This checklist covers everything you need to know before you hit the road.
Why Route 66 Is Still the Most Iconic Road in the World
Route 66 was officially established on November 11, 1926. That makes 2026 its 100th birthday. People call it many things. The Mother Road. America's Main Street. The Will Rogers Highway. But no matter what you call it, Route 66 holds a special place in the heart of anyone who loves the open road.
This highway was built during a time when America was growing fast. It connected the Midwest to the West Coast. During the Great Depression, thousands of families drove Route 66 to escape poverty and start new lives in California. During the 1950s and 1960s, it became a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the American dream.
Today, Route 66 is no longer an official US highway. It was decommissioned in 1985. But the road never died. Tourists, road trip lovers, and history fans from around the world still drive it every year. And in 2026, with the Centennial celebrations in full swing, more people than ever are making the trip.
The Route 66 Centennial: What Is Happening in 2026
The 100th anniversary of Route 66 is being celebrated across all eight states along the route. Events, festivals, and special exhibitions are happening from spring through fall 2026.
The Route 66 Centennial Commission has been coordinating celebrations at the federal, state, and local level. Major events are scheduled in Chicago, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles. Small towns along the route are also hosting their own local celebrations, car shows, parades, and historical exhibitions.
This is the best possible year to drive Route 66. Attractions are freshly restored. New visitor centers are open. And the atmosphere along the entire highway is electric with centennial energy.
Your Complete Route 66 Road Trip Checklist
Step 1: Plan Your Direction
The classic Route 66 road trip goes from east to west, starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica. This is the direction most people drive because it feels like following the sunrise into the sunset.
However, some travelers prefer driving west to east, from Santa Monica to Chicago. This direction gives you a different perspective and helps you avoid driving into the sun during afternoon hours in the desert.
Decide your direction before you book anything. It affects your accommodation choices, your driving schedule, and how you experience each state.
Step 2: Know the Eight States You Will Cross
Route 66 passes through eight states. Each one has its own personality, landmarks, and must-see stops. Here they are in order from east to west:
Illinois is where it all begins. Chicago's Grant Park is the traditional starting point. From there, the road takes you through small towns like Joliet, Pontiac, and Litchfield before crossing into Missouri.
Missouri gives you the Ozark Mountains, the city of St. Louis with its famous Gateway Arch, and charming small towns like Cuba and Carthage.
Kansas is only a tiny sliver of Route 66. You pass through just 13 miles of the state, but the small town of Galena and its restored gas station are worth a stop.
Oklahoma has more original Route 66 pavement than any other state. Tulsa and Oklahoma City are the big stops, but the small towns here, like Sapulpa, Stroud, and Elk City, tell the real story of the Mother Road.
Texas gives you the famous Texas Panhandle. Amarillo is the main city. The highlight here is Cadillac Ranch, where ten Cadillac cars are buried nose-first in a field. It is one of the most photographed spots on the entire route.
New Mexico brings stunning desert landscapes, Native American culture, and the city of Albuquerque. The historic town of Santa Fe is a short detour from the main route and is absolutely worth the extra miles.
Arizona is where Route 66 gets truly spectacular. You pass through the Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest, and the iconic town of Kingman. The famous Wigwam Motel in Holbrook is a must-stay. And of course, the Grand Canyon is just a short drive away.
California is the grand finale. You cross the Mojave Desert, pass through towns like Barstow and San Bernardino, and finally arrive at the Santa Monica Pier, where a sign marks the official end of Route 66.
Step 3: Decide How Many Days You Need
Driving Route 66 nonstop would take about two to three days. But nobody should drive it that fast. You will miss everything that makes it special.
Most road trip experts recommend taking two to three weeks to drive the full route. This gives you time to explore towns, visit attractions, eat at local diners, and actually enjoy the experience.
If you only have one week, pick a section. The Oklahoma to Arizona stretch offers some of the most concentrated Route 66 history and scenery. The Chicago to St. Louis section is great for history lovers.
Step 4: Choose the Right Vehicle
Route 66 is mostly on normal paved roads, so you do not need a special vehicle. But some things are worth thinking about:
Fuel efficiency matters because some stretches in New Mexico, Arizona, and the Mojave Desert have very few gas stations. If you are driving a large truck or SUV with poor fuel economy, plan your fill-ups carefully.
A convertible or open-top vehicle is wonderful for the desert sections where the sky is huge and the scenery is breathtaking. Many travelers rent convertibles specifically for this trip.
Motorcycles are extremely popular on Route 66. The road has a huge biking culture, especially around the Centennial year. If you ride, this is the ultimate motorcycle road trip.
Electric vehicles can handle Route 66 in 2026 better than ever before. Charging infrastructure has improved significantly along the route. But plan your charging stops in advance because rural stretches still have limited options.
Step 5: Book Accommodation Early for 2026
Because 2026 is the Centennial year, accommodation along Route 66 is booking up fast. Do not leave this until the last minute.
The most iconic places to stay on Route 66 include:
The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona. You sleep in a concrete teepee-shaped room. It sounds quirky. It is absolutely wonderful.
The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. This is one of the best-preserved neon-lit motels from the golden age of Route 66. Staying here feels like stepping back into the 1950s.
The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri. A charming historic motel that has been carefully restored and maintained.
The Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri. A beloved Route 66 landmark run by the same family for decades.
Camping is also a great option in states like Arizona and New Mexico. Campgrounds near the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert are stunning. The night skies in the desert are unlike anything you will see elsewhere.
For those who want more comfort, every major city along the route has modern hotels with all the usual amenities.
Step 6: The Must-See Stops on Route 66
There are hundreds of attractions along Route 66. Here are the ones that should be on every traveler's list in 2026:
Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois. The starting line. Take a photo at the Route 66 Begin sign and let the adventure start.
Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri. This 630-foot stainless steel arch is one of the most recognizable landmarks in America. You can ride a tram to the top for incredible views.
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas. Ten Cadillacs buried in a field, covered in graffiti. It sounds strange. It is actually brilliant. Bring a can of spray paint and add your mark.
Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, New Mexico. A stunning circular pool of perfectly blue water. It is a hidden gem that most people drive past without knowing it is there.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona. Ancient trees turned to colorful stone over millions of years. It is one of the most surreal landscapes you will ever see.
Painted Desert, Arizona. Just next to the Petrified Forest. Layers of red, orange, purple, and pink rock that glow like fire at sunrise and sunset.
Standin' on the Corner Park, Winslow, Arizona. Made famous by the Eagles song "Take It Easy." There is a bronze statue of a man with a guitar. Every road tripper stops here.
Historic Route 66 in Williams, Arizona. This small town has kept its Route 66 character better than almost anywhere else. The main street feels like a time capsule from the 1950s.
The End of the Trail sign, Santa Monica Pier, California. The finish line. The Pacific Ocean stretching out before you. The sense of achievement is real.
Step 7: Eat at the Classic Diners
No Route 66 road trip is complete without eating at the classic roadside diners and drive-ins that have been serving travelers for decades. Food is a huge part of the Route 66 experience.
Lou Mitchell's in Chicago, Illinois has been serving breakfast since 1923. It is the perfect place to fuel up before starting your journey.
Cozy Dog Drive In, Springfield, Illinois claims to be the birthplace of the corn dog. Whether or not that is true, the food is great and the vintage decor is a treat.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo, Texas is famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge. If you finish the entire steak and all the sides in under an hour, it is free. Most people do not finish it. All people enjoy trying.
Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In, Seligman, Arizona is a beloved stop run by the Delgadillo family for generations. The humor, the food, and the old-school charm make it unforgettable.
Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe, Victorville, California is a simple diner that has been feeding Route 66 travelers since 1947. The burgers are straightforward and delicious.
Step 8: Visit the Centennial Events in 2026
Because this is the 100th anniversary year, there are special events happening all along the route. Here are some highlights:
The Route 66 Centennial Festival in Chicago is one of the biggest kickoff events of the year. Car shows, live music, historical exhibitions, and organized group drives are all part of the celebration.
The International Route 66 Festival in Tulsa, Oklahoma is drawing visitors from dozens of countries. Tulsa has one of the strongest Route 66 preservation communities in the world.
Car shows and cruise nights are happening in nearly every town along the route throughout the summer of 2026. Classic American cars from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s are the stars of these events.
The Centennial Commemorative Drive is an organized group road trip from Chicago to Santa Monica happening in the fall of 2026. Hundreds of drivers travel together in convoy, stopping at events along the way.
Local museum exhibitions in towns like Pontiac, Illinois and Clinton, Oklahoma are showcasing the history of Route 66 with newly curated displays and interactive exhibits.
Step 9: Understand the History as You Drive
Route 66 is not just a pretty road. It carries deep history. Understanding that history makes the drive richer.
The road was commissioned in 1926 as part of the new US Highway system. It was one of the first highways in America to be completely paved.
During the Great Depression in the 1930s, Route 66 became the path of survival for hundreds of thousands of families who lost their farms and homes. John Steinbeck wrote about these families in his famous novel The Grapes of Wrath, calling Route 66 "The Mother Road." That nickname stuck.
After World War Two, Route 66 boomed. American car culture exploded. Motels, diners, and roadside attractions popped up all along the highway to serve the growing wave of travelers. This was the golden era of Route 66.
In the 1970s and 1980s, new Interstate highways bypassed the smaller towns on Route 66. Traffic dropped. Businesses closed. Towns shrank. Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985.
But the road found new life as a tourist destination. People from Japan, Germany, the UK, Australia, and all over the world started making pilgrimages to drive the Mother Road. Today, international tourists are among the most devoted Route 66 travelers.
Step 10: Practical Tips for the Road
Here are some simple but important tips that will make your Route 66 trip smoother:
Download an offline map. Cell service disappears in rural Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Google Maps works offline if you download the area in advance.
Get a Route 66 guidebook. Physical guidebooks are still valuable on this trip. They list attractions, motels, and diners that do not always show up online.
Fill your gas tank at every opportunity. There are stretches in New Mexico and the Mojave Desert where gas stations are 50 miles or more apart.
Carry cash. Many small diners, motels, and attraction vendors on Route 66 do not accept cards or prefer cash.
Take your time at small towns. The big landmarks are wonderful. But the real magic of Route 66 is found in small towns where a friendly local will tell you stories you cannot read anywhere.
Photograph everything. Route 66 is one of the most photogenic roads in the world. Neon signs, vintage cars, desert landscapes, painted murals, and quirky roadside sculptures reward every photographer.
Start driving early in the morning. Desert stretches are brutal in the afternoon heat, especially in July. Starting early means you get the best light for photos and cooler temperatures.
Step 11: Travel Insurance and Safety
If you are traveling from outside the United States, travel insurance is essential. Medical care in the US is extremely expensive without coverage.
Drive defensively on two-lane stretches of Route 66. Some sections are narrow with no shoulder. Trucks can appear quickly around curves.
Check weather forecasts daily. The Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma are in Tornado Alley. Arizona and New Mexico can have intense summer monsoons. Being prepared for weather changes keeps you safe.
The Cultural Impact of Route 66
Route 66 is not just a road. It is a cultural phenomenon. It has been celebrated in songs, movies, TV shows, and books for nearly 100 years.
The 1960 TV show Route 66 made the highway famous to a generation of Americans. Nat King Cole recorded a song called "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" in 1946, and it has been covered hundreds of times since. The Pixar movie Cars was inspired by Route 66 and the small towns that were bypassed by Interstate highways.
For international visitors, Route 66 represents something almost mythological. It is the road they grew up seeing in American movies and TV shows. Driving it in person, in the Centennial year, is a dream come true for millions of people around the world.
Why 2026 Is the Best Year to Drive Route 66
There has never been a better year to drive Route 66 than 2026. Here is why:
Restoration efforts have reached their peak. Historic neon signs that were dark for decades are glowing again. Old motels that were falling apart have been lovingly restored. Museums have expanded their collections.
The Centennial events mean that communities along the route are more welcoming, more organized, and more excited about visitors than ever before.
And there is a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere. Being on Route 66 during its 100th anniversary year, surrounded by other travelers who share your passion for this road, is something you will never forget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When was Route 66 established? Route 66 was officially established on November 11, 1926, making 2026 its 100th anniversary.
Q2: How long is Route 66? The full route is approximately 2,400 miles long, stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.
Q3: How many days do I need to drive Route 66? Most travelers take two to three weeks to drive the full route comfortably. One week is enough to cover a significant section of the road.
Q4: Which states does Route 66 pass through? Route 66 passes through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Q5: Is Route 66 still drivable today? Yes. Most of Route 66 is still accessible. Some small sections have been absorbed into Interstate highways, but the vast majority of the original road can still be driven.
Q6: What are the must-see stops on Route 66? Top stops include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, the Petrified Forest in Arizona, the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, and the Santa Monica Pier in California.
Q7: Are there special events for the Route 66 Centennial in 2026? Yes. Festivals, car shows, organized group drives, museum exhibitions, and community celebrations are happening throughout 2026 in cities and towns along the entire route.
Q8: Is Route 66 suitable for international visitors? Absolutely. Route 66 is one of the most popular road trips for international visitors, especially from the UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia. A valid driver's license from your home country is generally accepted in the US.