Route 66 isn't just a relic of the past; it's a living highway system woven into the American landscape. While the federal government officially decommissioned the iconic route in 1985, roughly 85 percent of the original alignment remains drivable today. You can still pack your bags, start an engine, and traverse the asphalt that stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, experiencing vintage motels, neon signs, and quirky roadside attractions along the way.
Driving this historic corridor requires more than just following a modern GPS. Because the original road was bypassed by modern interstates, segments are discontinuous, hidden behind frontage roads, or designated under various state and county route numbers. Understanding how to navigate these gaps transforms a frustrating wrong turn into an authentic adventure. Whether you're planning a full cross-country journey or a weekend cruise through a single state, knowing what to expect keeps your trip on track.
The History and Decommissioning of Route 66
Established in 1926, Route 66 was one of the original federal routes within the United States Numbered Highway System. Spanning nearly 2,400 miles across eight states—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—it connected rural communities to major metropolitan centers. It served as a primary migration path during the Dust Bowl and fueled the post-World War II tourism boom.
By the late 20th century, the two-lane highway couldn't handle escalating traffic volumes. The Interstate Highway System offered faster, multi-lane alternatives that bypassed small towns entirely. Towns that relied on passing motorists saw businesses dry up. In 1985, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials decertified the route, removing its signs from federal maps.
State historical societies and passionate preservationists stepped in immediately. Today, organizations like the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program work to document, protect, and restore remaining architectural and cultural landmarks. Brown "Historic Route 66" signs now guide drivers along most surviving segments.
Mapping the Modern Route: Surviving Alignments by Region
Navigating Route 66 today isn't as simple as typing "Route 66" into a navigation app. Standard mapping software often defaults to Interstate 40 or Interstate 55. To stay on the historic path, you need a physical map book or a specialized GPS app loaded with turn-by-turn alignments.
The Midwest: Illinois and Missouri
Your journey begins on Adams Street in downtown Chicago, marked by an official "Start" sign. From there, the road cuts through small Illinois towns like Joliet and Wilmington, home to the giant Gemini Giant fiberglass spaceman.
Crossing the Mississippi River into St. Louis, Missouri, you encounter urban alignments that wind through neighborhoods before hitting the Ozarks. Missouri contains some of the longest continuous stretches of the original 1926-to-1930 roadbed, featuring hand-laid concrete slabs known as "U.S. 66 spoon bread" pavement.
The Plains: Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas
Kansas holds the shortest section of Route 66—just 13 miles—but packs a punch with the historic Williams Store in Riverton. Oklahoma boasts the longest drivable stretch of any state, with over 400 miles of accessible alignment, including the iconic Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton.
Texas brings you into the flat expanse of the Panhandle. Amarillo features the famous Cadillac Ranch, where half-buried junk cars invite visitors to spray-paint graffiti on vintage metal.
The Southwest: New Mexico, Arizona, and California
New Mexico delivers dramatic desert vistas and deep Native American heritage. Albuquerque and Gallup feature neon-lit motels that have operated for decades. In Arizona, you can drive the longest surviving uninterrupted stretch of the old road between Seligman and Kingman.
California marks the final leg, descending from the Mojave Desert through the San Gabriel Mountains and ending at the Santa Monica Pier. While sections in Los Angeles are swallowed by modern urban sprawl, driving down Santa Monica Boulevard to the ocean provides a definitive sense of completion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Route 66 Trip
Planning a road trip along this historic corridor comes with unique challenges. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a smooth journey.
- Trusting standard GPS blindly: Relying entirely on modern routing apps will put you on fast-moving interstates and make you miss the historic alignments entirely. Use dedicated guidebooks alongside your mapping tools.
- Rushing the itinerary: Trying to drive the entire route in four or five days leaves you spending all your time behind the wheel. Allocate at least two weeks for a leisurely pace, or tackle the journey in regional chunks.
- Ignoring seasonal weather extremes: The desert Southwest gets dangerously hot in the summer, while parts of the Midwest experience heavy winter snows. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable driving conditions.
- Skipping local visitor centers: Small-town chambers of commerce and local museums hold insider knowledge about hidden sights, newly paved segments, and local diners that corporate travel sites miss.
Essential Gear and Preparation
You don't need a vintage convertible to drive Route 66, but preparing your vehicle makes a difference. Many surviving segments feature cracked asphalt, gravel patches, or potholes. Check your tires, brakes, and cooling system before departure.
Pack an offline map backup. Cell service can drop out in remote stretches of New Mexico, Arizona, and the Mojave Desert. Bring cash for cash-only roadside diners and quirky souvenir stands that don't take cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive the entire length of Route 66 today?
Yes, you can drive about 85 percent of the original alignment. Some sections have been completely obliterated by modern freeways or private property development, but state detour signs easily route you around these gaps.
How long does it take to drive Route 66?
Driving the full 2,400 miles comfortably takes between 10 and 14 days. This allows time for stops at roadside attractions, museums, and local eateries without spending every daylight hour driving.
Which state has the best-preserved sections?
Oklahoma and Arizona offer the longest and most intact continuous driving stretches. Arizona's segment between Seligman and Oatman feels particularly frozen in time.
Is Route 66 safe for solo travelers?
The route is generally very safe and welcoming. Small-town hospitality remains a hallmark of the journey. Standard road trip precautions—keeping your gas tank filled and letting someone know your itinerary—are all you need.
