Route 66 RV Guide | First-Timer’s Road Map

Overview

There's something magical about Route 66 that pulls at the American soul. This legendary highway stretches 2,448 miles from the heart of Chicago to the Pacific shores of Santa Monica, weaving through eight states and countless chapters of American history. The Classic Journey offers the perfect balance: unhurried enough to discover hidden gems, yet structured enough to cover this legendary highway's entire length without feeling rushed.

Duration

18 Days

Distance

2,448 miles

Start / End

Chicago / Los Angeles

State / Region

From Chicago to Santa Monica, A Route 66 RV Road Map for First-Timers: From Chicago to Santa Monica in 18 Days

Route - 2,448 miles

Day	Location	Distance	Duration
01	Chicago to Kankakee, IL	45 miles	1 hour 30 minutes
02	Kankakee to Springfield, IL	155 miles	3 hours 30 minutes
03	Springfield to St. Louis, MO	100 miles	3 hours
04	St. Louis to Cuba, MO	90 miles	1 hour 30 minutes
05	--
06	Springfield to Tulsa, OK	70 miles	1 hour 30 minutes
07	--
08	Tulsa to Amarillo, TX	370 miles	6 hours and 30 minutes
09	--
10	Amarillo to Tucumcari, NM	115 miles	3 hours
11	Tucumcari to Santa Fe/Albuquerque, NM	175 miles	4 hours
12	Albuquerque to Gallup, NM	140 miles	3 hours
13	Gallup to Holbrook, AZ	95 miles	2 hours
14	Holbrook to Holbrook	95 miles	2 hours
15	Williams to Kingman, AZ	115 miles	3 hours
16	Kingman to Needles, CA	150 miles	3 hours 30 minutes
17	Needles to Barstow, CA	150 miles	4 hours
18	Barstow to Santa Monica, CA	140 miles	4 hours

Day 1

Chicago to Kankakee, IL

Day 1: Chicago to Kankakee, IL (45 miles)

Route 66 officially begins at Grant Park in downtown Chicago, where Adams Street meets Michigan Avenue. The towering skyscrapers frame the official Route 66 "Begin" sign, your first photo opportunity before embarking on this cross-country adventure. Chicago's energy pulses around you: commuters rushing to work, tourists snapping photos, and street performers entertaining crowds.

The legendary Lou Mitchell's Restaurant at 565 W Jackson Boulevard has fueled travelers since 1923. Step inside and you're transported to a different era. Black-and-white checkered floors gleam under pendant lights. The air carries the intoxicating aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon. Waitresses greet regulars by name while delivering generous portions of buttermilk pancakes, skillets loaded with hash browns, and coffee strong enough to power any road trip. Don't miss the complimentary Milk Duds and donut holes, a tradition that's delighted travelers for decades.

As you navigate out of Chicago, the urban landscape gradually softens. Steel and glass give way to brick bungalows, then suburban centers, then finally open farmland stretching in perfectly geometric patterns. Kankakee marks your first overnight stop, a manageable distance perfect for getting comfortable with RV driving.

Overnight: Kankakee South KOA Holiday

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Day 2

Kankakee to Springfield, IL

Day 2: Kankakee to Springfield, IL (155 miles)

Wilmington introduces Route 66's quirky roadside culture with the Gemini Giant, a 28-foot green spaceman clutching a silver rocket ship. Built in 1965 during America's space-age fascination, this fiberglass guardian stands outside the defunct Launching Pad Drive-In. His friendly green face grins down at travelers, creating irresistible photo opportunities.

Pontiac deserves extended exploration. The Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum occupies a restored building downtown, packed floor-to-ceiling with treasures. Vintage gas pumps line the walls, hand-painted road signs advertise long-closed motor courts, and a recreated 1940s streetscape features period storefronts.

Springfield mixes Lincoln history with Route 66 nostalgia. The Cozy Dog Drive In allegedly invented America's corn dog here in 1946. The family still runs the restaurant, serving hot dogs dipped in cornmeal batter and fried golden brown. Red vinyl booths line the walls beneath memorabilia celebrating both the Cozy Dog legacy and Route 66 history.

Overnight: Springfield KOA Holiday

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Day 3

Springfield to St. Louis, MO

Day 3: Springfield to St. Louis, MO (100 miles)

Begin with the Chain of Rocks Bridge, one of Route 66's engineering marvels. This mile-long span crosses the Mississippi River with a dramatic 22-degree bend mid-river. Walk onto the bridge and stand at the midpoint where it angles sharply as the Mississippi flows below, the St. Louis skyline rises in the distance, and you're crossing from one world into another.

St. Louis announces itself with the Gateway Arch dominating the skyline. The 630-foot stainless steel arch catches sunlight, gleaming against the blue sky. The Gateway Arch National Park offers tram rides to the top with views stretching for miles across the city, river, and endless American landscape beyond.

The must-visit stop remains Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a St. Louis institution since 1929. The menu's star is the "concrete" frozen custard so thick that servers demonstrate by turning it upside down without spilling. The texture is impossibly creamy, richer than ice cream, cold and satisfying.

Overnight: Sundermeier RV Park

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Route 66. Chicago to Santa Monica in 18 Days. Day 4

Days 4 - 5

St. Louis to Cuba, MO

Day 4: St. Louis to Cuba, MO (90 miles)

Missouri welcomes you with rolling Ozark foothills covered in dense oak and hickory forests. Cuba proclaims itself "Route 66 Mural City" with over a dozen massive murals decorating downtown buildings, each depicting scenes from Route 66's golden age. Walking downtown Cuba feels like stepping into a 1950s postcard brought to life.

The Wagon Wheel Motel still operates with its vintage neon sign maintained in working order. The sign towers above the property with glowing neon, creating magical photo opportunities as it flickers to life against a deepening blue sky.

Outside Cuba, Meramec Caverns beckon with underground wonders. The guided tour descends through seven levels of limestone formations with massive stalactites hanging from ceilings and stalagmites rising from floors. The "Stage Curtains" formation resembles draped velvet frozen in stone. The cave maintains constant 60°F temperature year-round, a cool relief during summer.

Overnight: Meramec Caverns Campground

Day 5: Cuba to Springfield, MO (135 miles)

Lebanon houses the Route 66 Museum with photographs documenting how the highway transformed rural communities. The museum progresses chronologically through decades with period displays showing the road's evolution from dirt paths to paved highway to Interstate replacement.

Springfield, Missouri, represents a significant urban center with deep Route 66 roots. The downtown district features Art Deco buildings with decorative facades, vintage theaters with restored marquees, and modern development respecting historic character. This city offers excellent grocery shopping and supply opportunities for the journey ahead.

Overnight: Springfield/Route 66 KOA Holiday

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Route 66. Chicago to Santa Monica in 18 Days. Day 6

Days 6 - 7

Springfield to Tulsa, OK

Day 6: Springfield to Joplin, MO (70 miles)

The short distance allows leisurely exploration. Carthage features the beautifully restored Boots Court Motel with Art Deco architecture and period neon illuminating at night. The town square centers on the magnificent Jasper County Courthouse, a Romanesque Revival structure completed in 1895.

Joplin suffered devastating tornado damage in 2011 but rebuilt with remarkable resilience. Downtown features powerful murals depicting the community's recovery alongside Route 66 heritage artwork, demonstrating a community that refused to disappear.

Overnight:Joplin KOA Journey

Day 7: Joplin to Tulsa, OK (120 miles)

Oklahoma maintains more drivable miles of original Route 66 pavement than any other state. Route 66 dips into Kansas for four miles at Galena, where Cars on the Route visitor center features a vintage tow truck that inspired Mater in Pixar's "Cars" movie.

The landscape opens dramatically into Great Plains territory. Catoosa delivers the Blue Whale, built in the 1970s as an anniversary gift. This massive concrete whale sits beside a pond, its bright blue paint refreshed regularly by volunteers, creating beloved photo opportunities.

Tulsa represents Oklahoma's most cosmopolitan city, built on oil wealth. Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios embraces retro space-age aesthetics with a towering spaceman statue. The Greenwood District preserves the legacy of "Black Wall Street," with the Greenwood Rising History Center documenting the tragic 1921 massacre through powerful exhibits.

Overnight: Tulsa RV Ranch

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Route 66. Chicago to Santa Monica in 18 Days. Day 8

Days 8 - 9

Tulsa to Amarillo, TX

Day 8: Tulsa to Oklahoma City, OK (110 miles)

Stroud hosts the Rock Cafe, built from creek bed stones in 1939. This authentic diner survived a 2008 fire thanks to community support. The owner inspired Sally Carrera in Pixar's "Cars" movie.

Arcadia brings contemporary roadside spectacle with Pops. The 66-foot LED soda bottle sculpture changes colors throughout the day. Inside, over 700 varieties of soda from around the world fill coolers, a 21st-century homage to roadside attractions.

Oklahoma City sprawls across the prairie as Oklahoma's capital. The Oklahoma City National Memorial honors the 168 victims of the 1995 bombing with 168 empty chairs and the Survivor Tree symbolizing resilience.

Overnight: Oklahoma City East KOA

Day 9: Oklahoma City to Amarillo, TX (260 miles)

Clinton operates the official Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, arguably the finest state facility anywhere along the highway. Recreated storefronts show how businesses evolved through decades, while vintage vehicles and personal stories bring the Mother Road to life.

The Texas state line brings dramatic changes, a flatter, more arid landscape with a bigger sky. Shamrock features the magnificent U-Drop Inn, an Art Deco masterpiece built in 1936 with distinctive green-and-white tile work gleaming in the Texas sun.

Amarillo brings Texas personality. West of town, Cadillac Ranch features ten Cadillacs buried nose-down in a wheat field. Visitors bring spray paint and add their mark to this constantly evolving art installation.

Overnight: Amarillo KOA Journey

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Day 10

Amarillo to Tucumcari, NM

Day 10: Amarillo to Tucumcari, NM (115 miles)

Adrian, Texas, occupies Route 66's geographic midpoint. The Midpoint Café marks equal distances to Chicago and Los Angeles. Order the famous "Ugly Crust" pie and reflect on reaching the journey's halfway point.

New Mexico announces itself with dramatic mesas rising from plains. Tucumcari earned its title as "Neon Capital of Route 66." The Blue Swallow Motel stands as the crown jewel, as its neon blue swallow glows brilliantly against the desert night sky, representing motor court architecture at its finest.

Overnight: Tucumcari Mountain Road RV Park

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Day 11

Tucumcari to Santa Fe/Albuquerque, NM

Day 11: Tucumcari to Santa Fe/Albuquerque, NM (175 miles)

Santa Rosa's Blue Hole, an 81-foot-deep natural artesian spring, maintains a constant 64°F temperature year-round, popular with scuba divers despite being 1,000 miles from any ocean. The water glows bright blue-green with remarkable clarity.

Today's route can detour north to Santa Fe, America's oldest capital (founded 1610). The plaza features adobe buildings with the Palace of the Governors portal hosting Native American artisans selling handmade jewelry and pottery. Canyon Road stretches through the arts district with over 100 galleries. New Mexican cuisine reaches its finest expression here with red and green chile seasoning nearly everything.

Alternatively, continue to Albuquerque, where Old Town preserves Spanish colonial architecture surrounding a traditional plaza. San Felipe de Neri Church (built 1793) anchors the historic district.4,255

Overnight: Santa Fe Skies RV Park or Albuquerque North KOA Journey

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Day 12

Albuquerque to Gallup, NM

Day 12: Albuquerque to Gallup, NM (140 miles)

El Malpais National Monument protects volcanic badlands where lava flows created otherworldly black rock formations contrasting dramatically with the blue sky. Lava tube caves invite exploration while scenic drives access overlooks across the harsh terrain.

Gallup serves as the gateway to Native American country. Richardson's Trading Company (operating since 1913) fills massive warehouse space with Navajo rugs, pottery, and jewelry. The El Rancho Hotel hosted Hollywood stars filming Westerns during the 1940s and 1950s; the lobby features autographed photos of John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, and dozens of others.

Overnight: USA RV Park

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Day 13

Gallup to Holbrook, AZ

Day 13: Gallup to Holbrook, AZ (95 miles)

Petrified Forest National Park protects the world's largest concentration of petrified wood, ancient trees transformed to stone over 225 million years. The Painted Desert displays colorful badlands in layers of red, orange, purple, and white that shift throughout the day as sunlight angles change.

The petrified logs display remarkable colors from different mineral inclusions during fossilization. A portion of the original Route 66 pavement remains preserved within the park; walking this weathered concrete provides a powerful connection to both ancient geology and highway history.

Holbrook brings Route 66 kitsch at the Wigwam Motel, fifteen concrete teepees built in 1950. The motel operates as working lodging with interiors maintaining period character and vintage furniture.

Overnight: Holbrook KOA Journey

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Day 14

Holbrook to Holbrook

Day 14: Holbrook to Flagstaff, AZ (95 miles)

Winslow gained fame from the Eagles' song "Take It Easy." The town created Standin' on the Corner Park with a statue and mural depicting "a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford."La Posada Hotel, designed by Mary Colter in 1930, represents one of the Southwest's finest Fred Harvey Company hotels with magnificently restored Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet elevation surrounded by the world's largest ponderosa pine forest. The Lowell Observatory discovered Pluto here in 1930, maintaining its reputation as a working research facility with evening programs allowing viewing through historic telescopes.

Williams (30 miles west) was the last Route 66 town bypassed in 1984. The downtown preserves vintage motels and diners with a historic walking tour exploring vintage architecture and restored storefronts.

The Grand Canyon's South Rim sits 60 miles north and is one of Earth's most spectacular natural wonders. Worthy of the detour!

Overnight: Williams/Circle Pines KOA

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Day 15

Williams to Kingman, AZ

Day 15: Williams to Kingman, AZ (115 miles)

Seligman launched the modern Route 66 preservation movement when Angel Delgadillo founded the Historic Route 66 Association in 1978. Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In serves burgers with pranks and Route 66 attitude in the town that inspired Pixar's fictional Radiator Springs.

Kingman features the Powerhouse Visitor Center and Route 66 Museum documenting Arizona's highway history with exhibits spanning multiple eras. The downtown area preserves significant portions of the original Route 66 corridor with vintage buildings and neon signs.

Overnight: Kingman KOA Journey

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Day 16

Kingman to Needles, CA

Day 16: Kingman to Needles, CA (150 miles)

The road to Oatman climbs through the Black Mountains via tight switchbacks. Gold discoveries in 1902 created this boom town where wild burros (descendants of miners' pack animals) roam Main Street. The burros are friendly and accustomed to tourists offering carrots. RVs over 30 feet should bypass Oatman via Interstate 40 due to narrow roads and steep grades.

Needles, California, marks the Golden State entry. The town sits on the Colorado River, forming the California-Arizona border. The Mojave Desert stretches ahead, harsh, beautiful, and challenging.

Overnight: Needles Marina Park

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Day 17

Needles to Barstow, CA

Day 17: Needles to Barstow, CA (150 miles)

The Mojave Desert stretches across this section with Joshua trees, creosote bushes, and mountains shimmering in the heat. Roy's Motel & Café in Amboy represents Route 66 desert architecture with period neon and vintage signs. Amboy Crater offers opportunities to explore a 6,000-year-old volcanic cinder cone rising from the desert floor.

Barstow features the Mother Road Museum and historic Harvey House, celebrating railroad-era hospitality that preceded Route 66. The town serves as a junction point where desert routes converge.

Overnight: Barstow/Calico KOA Journey

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Day 18

Barstow to Santa Monica, CA

Day 18: Barstow to Santa Monica, CA (140 miles)

The final day follows historic Route 66 alignments through the Cajon Pass, a dramatic descent from high desert into the Los Angeles Basin. Temperature rises, humidity increases, and suddenly Southern California's urban sprawl appears stretching toward the Pacific.

Pass through San Bernardino, Pasadena, and countless communities that grew along Route 66's path. The Original McDonald's Museum site in San Bernardino honors the first Golden Arches franchise, bookending your journey from classic Americana to modern pop culture.

Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean represent the journey's end. The Santa Monica Pier extends into the ocean with an amusement park, aquarium, and restaurants. At the western end, the official "End of the Trail" Route 66 sign marks the culmination of 2,448 miles.

Watch the sun set over the Pacific with the pier's neon lights flickering to life, a powerful conclusion to one of America's greatest road trips.

RV Return:El Monte RV Los Angeles Location

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Trip Details

Day 1 Extras

Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook stands as one of Route 66's enduring treasures. This 1940s roadhouse has served fried chicken to travelers for generations, its vintage neon sign glowing like a beacon.

Joliet Area Historical Museum explores the region's transportation history from the Illinois & Michigan Canal to Route 66. Collections include vintage automobiles and regional memorabilia.

Day 2 Extras

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers world-class exhibits using theatrical presentations and immersive displays to bring Lincoln's era to life.

Route 66 Drive-In Theatre (seasonal) screens double features under the stars, maintaining 1950s-era authenticity.

Day 3 Extras

City Museum defies easy description, a 600,000-square-foot playground occupying a former shoe factory transformed into an interactive art installation. Climb through repurposed architecture, slide down multi-story slides, and explore caves and tunnels.

The Hill neighborhood represents St. Louis's Italian heritage with family-owned restaurants serving authentic cuisine, including toasted ravioli (a St. Louis invention).

Day 4 Extras

Onondaga Cave State Park offers another spectacular cave system with different formations, including massive lily pads and an underground river.

Fanning 66 Outpost houses the "World's Largest Rocking Chair" (42 feet tall) alongside a general store packed with Route 66 souvenirs.

Day 5 Extras

Fantastic Caverns offers America's only ride-through cave tour aboard a Jeep-drawn tram.

Gillioz Theatre downtown sparkles with restored 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture hosting concerts and special events.

Day 6 Extras

Grand Falls near Joplin flows over limestone, creating Missouri's largest continuously flowing waterfall.

Day 7 Extras

Gilcrease Museum houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of American West art, including works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.

Ed Galloway's Totem Pole Park near Chelsea showcases hand-carved totems and folk art sculptures including a 90-foot totem pole.

Day 8 Extras

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum houses world-class Western art collections and the moving American Cowboy Gallery celebrating rodeo culture.

Bricktown entertainment district features restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues in a revitalized warehouse district with canal water taxi service.

Day 9 Extras

Big Texan Steak Ranch offers the famous 72-ounce steak challenge and quality steaks in an atmosphere dripping with Texas personality.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park plunges 800 feet deep, exposing colorful rock layers in the "Grand Canyon of Texas."

Day 10 Extras

Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum houses one of North America's largest collections of life-size bronze prehistoric skeletons.

Tee Pee Curios features an iconic neon teepee structure glowing brilliantly after sunset.

Day 11 Extras

Meow Wolf represents an immersive, psychedelic art installation unlike anything else—explore impossible spaces combining art, storytelling, and technology.

Sandia Peak Tramway climbs 2.7 miles from Albuquerque's desert floor to 10,378 feet in elevation with spectacular views across four states.

Day 12 Extras

Acoma Pueblo (Sky City) sits atop a 367-foot mesa, continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. Guided tours led by Acoma people provide rare opportunities to visit this ancient settlement.

Day 13 Extras

Meteor Crater near Winslow showcases one of Earth's best-preserved meteorite impact sites, nearly one mile across and 550 feet deep, created 50,000 years ago.

Jack Rabbit Trading Post features the giant "Here It Is" billboard that became a Route 66 icon through decades of roadside advertising.

Day 14 Extras

Walnut Canyon National Monument preserves ancient cliff dwellings with a one-mile trail descending into the canyon, passing 25 cliff dwelling rooms.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument features lava fields and scenic desert vistas from relatively recent volcanic activity.

Day 15 Extras

Hackberry General Store represents one of Route 66's most photogenic stops, a restored service station with vintage cars and memorabilia filling the lot.

Hualapai Mountain Park offers cooler temperatures and pine forests at a higher elevation with hiking trails and scenic views.

Day 16 Extras

London Bridge in Lake Havasu City features the actual London Bridge relocated from England in 1971, creating one of Arizona's most unexpected attractions.

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge protects wetlands along the Colorado River with birdwatching and nature trails.

Day 17 Extras

Calico Ghost Town preserves an 1880s silver mining town with restored buildings, mine tours, and living history demonstrations.

Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande showcases a forest of hand-made metal "trees" decorated with colorful glass bottles that sparkle in sunlight.

Day 18 Extras

Santa Monica Beach stretches for miles with bike paths, volleyball courts, and the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym.

Third Street Promenade offers pedestrian-only shopping and dining with street performers entertaining crowds.

Best Time to Travel Route 66

Spring (April through May): Ideal conditions with desert wildflowers blooming throughout New Mexico and Arizona. Temperatures remain comfortable across all states, and crowds stay manageable.

Fall (September through October): Route 66's second-best season delivers comfortable temperatures, spectacular light quality, and thinner crowds than summer. Fall colors appear in Missouri and Illinois.

Depending on your preferences, winter and summer could be acceptable, but be aware of the following:

Winter (November through March): Lowest rental rates and minimal crowds appeal to budget travelers. Snow becomes possible in Flagstaff, Williams, and other high-elevation areas. Some attractions reduce hours or close seasonally.

Summer (June through August): Maximum daylight hours benefit travelers wanting extended exploration time. Desert temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, requiring early morning driving and afternoon rest periods. Campgrounds require advance reservations.

RV Rental Requirements & Considerations

Class C Motorhomes provide optimal Route 66 balance: comfortable for extended journeys yet maneuverable through small-town streets and vintage parking lots. Full kitchens and bathrooms ensure self-sufficiency across remote stretches.

Class A Motorhomes deliver maximum comfort with spacious interiors perfect for families or groups. Tight turns in Oatman, Seligman, and Williams can challenge larger rigs exceeding 35 feet.

Class B Campervans work well for couples seeking fuel efficiency and easy parking. These compact vehicles navigate urban areas effortlessly while providing essential amenities.

Explore options at El Monte RV Rentals.

Essential Features

Air conditioning proves critical for desert sections where temperatures exceed 100°F. All El Monte RV rentals include unlimited generator use, ensuring reliable power throughout the journey. Backup cameras help navigate tight vintage parking lots.

Practical Road Trip Tips

Start driving early each day (7:00 or 8:00 AM) to beat the afternoon heat in desert sections. Complete driving by mid-afternoon, allowing time for campground setup and attraction visits.

Stock groceries and supplies in major cities: Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. Rural stretches offer limited shopping options.

Historic Route 66 alignments sometimes feature narrow roads or rough pavement. Use judgment based on RV size and comfort level. Brown Route 66 signs mark preserved sections worth following.

All El Monte RV rentals include 24/7 roadside assistance, providing peace of mind across remote sections.

Route 66 Road Trip FAQs

Eighteen days provides excellent pacing for the full Route 66 experience. This timeframe allows daily distances averaging 136 miles with ample time for attractions, photography, and spontaneous discoveries. Travelers seeking faster pace can complete Route 66 in seven to ten days, though this requires longer driving days with fewer stops.

Yes, with exceptions. Most Route 66 alignments accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. The Oatman road challenges vehicles over 30 feet with steep switchbacks and tight turns. Large RVs should bypass Oatman via Interstate 40.

Yes, especially for summer travel. Reserve KOA and popular campgrounds two to three months in advance during peak season (June through August). Spring and fall offer more flexibility, though reservations near national parks remain recommended.

Route 66 represents American road trip mythology. This highway connected the agricultural heartland to California during the Great Depression and post-war prosperity. Small towns thrived on traveler services, creating unique roadside culture with attention-grabbing architecture, neon signs, and personalized service. Today's Route 66 journey offers authentic connection to American history and small-town character increasingly rare in modern travel.

Conclusion

Route 66 represents more than a highway. This legendary road tells America's story through small towns, vintage motels, roadside diners, and the open road stretching toward new horizons. From Chicago's bustling streets through agricultural heartland, across endless plains to dramatic deserts, then through mountain forests to Pacific shores, Route 66 delivers unmatched variety and authentic American experiences.

This 18-day journey provides a perfect timeframe: long enough to savor experiences and discover hidden gems, structured enough to cover the full 2,448 miles without exhaustion. You'll meet locals keeping Route 66's spirit alive, photograph neon glowing against desert nights, and understand why this highway captured America's imagination.

Traveling in an El Monte RV means experiencing Route 66 with legendary freedom. Your accommodations travel with you, stopping wherever inspiration strikes. Morning coffee at a vintage diner, afternoon exploration of natural wonders, and evening campfires under western stars create the authentic Route 66 experience generations of travelers have cherished.

Ready to start planning your Route 66 adventure? Explore RV options at El Monte RV Rentals and check current promotions at Rental Deals. For extended journeys, review Long-Term Rental options that provide excellent value for multi-week trips.

The Mother Road awaits.

Click here to get your road trip map.

Chicago to Santa Monica in 18 Days

Overview

Route - 2,448 miles

Chicago to Kankakee, IL

Day 1: Chicago to Kankakee, IL (45 miles)

Kankakee to Springfield, IL

Day 2: Kankakee to Springfield, IL (155 miles)

Springfield to St. Louis, MO

Day 3: Springfield to St. Louis, MO (100 miles)

St. Louis to Cuba, MO

Day 4: St. Louis to Cuba, MO (90 miles)

Day 5: Cuba to Springfield, MO (135 miles)

Springfield to Tulsa, OK

Day 6: Springfield to Joplin, MO (70 miles)

Day 7: Joplin to Tulsa, OK (120 miles)

Tulsa to Amarillo, TX

Day 8: Tulsa to Oklahoma City, OK (110 miles)

Day 9: Oklahoma City to Amarillo, TX (260 miles)

Amarillo to Tucumcari, NM

Day 10: Amarillo to Tucumcari, NM (115 miles)

Tucumcari to Santa Fe/Albuquerque, NM

Day 11: Tucumcari to Santa Fe/Albuquerque, NM (175 miles)

Albuquerque to Gallup, NM

Day 12: Albuquerque to Gallup, NM (140 miles)

Gallup to Holbrook, AZ

Day 13: Gallup to Holbrook, AZ (95 miles)

Holbrook to Holbrook

Day 14: Holbrook to Flagstaff, AZ (95 miles)

Williams to Kingman, AZ

Day 15: Williams to Kingman, AZ (115 miles)

Kingman to Needles, CA

Day 16: Kingman to Needles, CA (150 miles)

Needles to Barstow, CA

Day 17: Needles to Barstow, CA (150 miles)

Barstow to Santa Monica, CA

Day 18: Barstow to Santa Monica, CA (140 miles)

Trip Details

Day 1: Chicago to Kankakee, IL

Day 1 Extras

Day 2: Kankakee to Springfield, IL

Day 2 Extras

Day 3: Springfield to St. Louis, MO

Day 3 Extras

Days 4 to 5: St. Louis to Cuba, MO

Day 4 Extras

Day 5 Extras

Days 6 to 7: Springfield to Tulsa, OK

Day 6 Extras

Day 7 Extras

Days 8 to 9: Tulsa to Amarillo, TX

Day 8 Extras

Day 9 Extras

Day 10: Amarillo to Tucumcari, NM

Day 10 Extras

Day 11: Tucumcari to Santa Fe/Albuquerque, NM

Day 11 Extras

Day 12: Albuquerque to Gallup, NM

Day 12 Extras

Day 13: Gallup to Holbrook, AZ

Day 13 Extras

Day 14: Holbrook to Holbrook

Day 14 Extras

Day 15: Williams to Kingman, AZ

Day 15 Extras

Day 16: Kingman to Needles, CA

Day 16 Extras

Day 17: Needles to Barstow, CA

Day 17 Extras

Day 18: Barstow to Santa Monica, CA

Day 18 Extras

Chicago to Santa Monica in 18 Days. Climate & Weather Expectations

Best Time to Travel Route 66

RV Rental Requirements & Considerations

Essential Features

Route 66 Road Trip FAQs

How long does it take to drive Route 66?

Can large RVs drive the entire route?

Should I make campground reservations in advance?

What makes Route 66 special compared to other road trips?

Conclusion