Want to drive a section of Route 66, but don't have 15 days to drive from Chicago to Los Angeles? We've designed a more practical plan for you: starting from Los Angeles, spend 3-5 days driving the best-preserved and most classic "California + Arizona section" of Route 66, a total of about 800 kilometers, and you can even connect Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon along the way. In this article, we'll organize the route, attractions, car types, gas stations, interstate car return, and more for you all in one go.
Highlight the finishing touches:
What is Route 66? Why is it a popular route for road trips in the United States?
Route 66, built in 1926, is the first highway in the United States connecting Chicago and Los Angeles. Stretching over 3,900 kilometers, it is also known as the "Mother Road." During the Great Depression, countless Americans migrated westward along this route in search of a new life; it later became a symbol of American road trip culture. The town of Oil Cars in Pixar's animated film *Cars* was inspired by the gradually declining towns along Route 66.
Why is it worth driving this route again today? Because what this road offers isn't pristine tourist facilities, but rather nostalgic towns, abandoned gas stations, hand-painted neon signs, and an endless desert highway experience—things you can't experience on an interstate highway.
There is a key fact that needs to be clarified first:Route 66 itself was officially decommissioned from the U.S. highway system in 1985 and replaced by modern interstate highways such as I-40.However, what replaced it was not "disappearance," but "parallelism"—most of the section of Historic Route 66 is still there, right next to I-40. As long as you follow the brown Historic Route 66 signs, you can exit the interchange and return to the old road at any time.
The three actual travel lengths that can be opened
Most people are deterred by the impression that "Route 66 takes 15 days to drive," but you don't actually need to travel the entire route. Here are some common travel options we've compiled:
| Trip length | route | Who is it suitable for? | Vehicle demand |
| 3 days (mini version) | LA → Barstow → Kingman → Back to LA | Travelers who only want to experience a short vacation | A regular sedan is sufficient. |
| 5 days (Recommended) | LA → Vegas → Kingman → Seligman → Grand Canyon → Back to LA | Sweet spot for most Taiwanese travelers | SUVs are more comfortable |
| 7 days (advanced) | LA → Vegas → Grand Canyon → Petrified Forest → Albuquerque → Return flight | For those who want to delve deeper into travel | SUV + Rent by Party A, Return by Party B |
| 15 days (full trip) | Chicago → LA | Retirement, long vacation, road trip enthusiast | RV or SUV |
If your trip falls within the 5-7 day range, you will need to "pick up the car in location A and return it in location B". We offer cross-state rental service (rent in location A and return in location B). There will be a dedicated section below explaining how the fees are calculated. It is most important to plan your trip in advance.
5-Day Recommended Itinerary Breakdown
This is the best way for most Taiwanese travelers to experience the island: enough time for in-depth exploration without having to take excessive time off work. Below, we've broken down the daily routes, distances, and stops.
Day 1 | Los Angeles → Las Vegas (including the starting point in California)
Arrive in Santa Monica first in the morning. The western terminus sign of Route 66 is located near Santa Monica Pier, which is the most classic starting point for the entire trip. It is recommended to allow half an hour for photos and to walk around the pier.
After taking photos, head north along I-15 (this section is a modern highway; the old roads have mostly been incorporated into the city's road network). You can visit a few scenic spots along the way:
- Elmer's Bottle Tree RanchA famous folk art installation on Route 66, featuring hundreds of "bottle trees" made of glass bottles standing in the desert. Admission is free and it's a great spot for taking photos.
- Calico Ghost TownA ghost town transformed from a 19th-century silver mining town, suitable for stopping by for a stroll and lunch.
- Barstow Highway 66 MuseumIt is small in scale but has complete information, making it suitable for quickly understanding the historical context of this route.
Arrive in Las Vegas in the evening, and you can spend some time exploring the Las Vegas Strip that night. The entire journey takes about 4-5 hours (including stops) and covers approximately 270 miles.
Day 2 | Las Vegas → Kingman → Seligman
Head east on I-40 into Arizona; this is where the real essence of Route 66 begins.
- KingmanThe town is home to the Route 66 Historic Electric Locomotive Museum, and retains many old-fashioned signs and motel exteriors.
- Hackberry General StoreOne of the most photogenic old general stores on Route 66, with vintage cars parked in front – a scene that appears in almost every travelogue.
- SeligmanThis is the town that inspired Radiator Springs in the movie "Cars," and the streets are lined with retro signs, making it a highlight of this trip.
I recommend staying at the Seligman or nearby Route 66 themed motel that night; the experience will be much more immersive than staying at a chain hotel. The day's journey is approximately 200 miles, with driving and stops taking about 5–6 hours.
Day 3 | Grand Canyon National Park
The drive from Seligman to Grand Canyon Village takes about 1.5–2 hours, enough time for a day trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. If you haven't decided whether to include the Grand Canyon in your itinerary, you can refer to our article...Yosemite vs. Grand Canyon: A Complete Comparison GuideIt contains more detailed information on tickets, seasons, and transportation.
This day is basically dedicated to the Grand Canyon. It is recommended to allocate at least half a day to a full day. Several popular viewpoints (Mather Point, Yavapai Point) are all along the South Rim Trail and can be reached by car or on foot.
Day 4 | Grand Canyon → Williams → Flagstaff → Return Trip
After leaving the Grand Canyon, head south through the town of Williams, the starting point of the Grand Canyon Railway, which also retains a strong Route 66 atmosphere, making it a good place to stop for lunch and browse the souvenir shops. Continue to Flagstaff for a short stop; its higher altitude and relatively cooler climate make it a suitable stopover on this desert road trip.
There are two options for the return trip:
- Choose AFlying back to Los Angeles from Flagstaff Airport is suitable for people with limited time who want to end their rental trip quickly (but be aware of the extra cost for returning the car one way).
- Choose BDrive back to Las Vegas, spend the night, and then leisurely drive back to Los Angeles the next day.
Day 5 | Changes to the return route
If you choose option B, the fifth day is the return trip. Here, you can also choose different detour options based on your remaining time and energy:
- Option ATaking I-15 directly back to LA is the fastest route.
- Option B: Take a detour through Death Valley to experience the extreme terrain at the lowest point in North America (pay special attention to vehicle cooling and water supply on hot summer roads).
- Option CA detour through Joshua Tree National Park is suitable for travelers who enjoy hiking and seeing the unique Joshua Tree landscape.
We recommend planning your daily mileage, driving time, and gas station locations in advance using Google Maps, and remember to allow for accommodation options, especially during peak season when Route 66 themed hotels have limited rooms and are easily full.
Complete list of attractions in California vs. Arizona
If your itinerary is flexible and you want to choose your own combination of attractions, here are two lists we have compiled.
Must-visit attractions in California
- Santa Monica finish line signLandmark at the western end of Route 66, a must-see at the starting point of the trip.
- Santa Monica PierThe pier itself is also worth spending time exploring.
- Wigwam Motel（San Bernardino）A retro motel shaped like an Indian tent; its exterior is a tourist attraction in itself.
- Elmer's Bottle Tree RanchThe bottle tree art installation mentioned earlier
- Amboy: Roy's Motel & CaféThe legendary gas station and motel signs in the middle of the desert are one of the most iconic scenes on Route 66.
- Bagdad CafeThe actual filming location for the movie "Café Baghdad" is still in operation today.
Must-visit attractions in Arizona
- Oatman, a desert ghost townWild donkeys will walk directly on the street and interact with tourists, which is a very unique experience, but please be aware of maintaining a safe distance from the animals.
- Hackberry General StoreThe well-known old general store mentioned earlier
- Seligman townThe prototype of Yau Che Shui town, the entire main street is a photo spot.
- Wigwam Motel (Holbrook)Arizona version of a tent-style motel
- Petrified Forest National ParkBoasting abundant petrified wood and colorful desert landscapes, it's suitable for travelers who enjoy geological scenery.
Useful tips for driving on Route 66
In this section, we will share some details that are easily overlooked during actual planning, entirely from the perspective of car rental companies.
Car rental vehicle recommendations
Can a regular sedan drive the entire length of Highway 66?Yes, most roads are well paved, but there are occasional undulations and slopes on desert sections. SUVs will be more stable and comfortable to drive, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with the whole family. We would recommend upgrading to an SUV, or a four-wheel drive SUV.
Would an electric car work? The California section has a dense distribution of Superchargers, so driving a Tesla is no problem at all. However, once you enter the Arizona desert section, the charging station density drops significantly. It's recommended to plan the charging station locations for each section in advance using the Tesla App to avoid not being able to find a station. If you're interested in experiencing electric vehicles, we've also shared experiences of travelers who actually rented a Tesla Cybertruck for a road trip.Real experience recordYou can take a look at it.
Gas Stations and Fuel Planning
Gas stations along some sections of Highway 66 can be more than 100 miles apart, especially... Amboy → Ludlow: This desert roadThis is arguably the section of the entire route that requires the most advance planning. Our guiding principle is simple:Add fuel when the tank is half full.Don't wait until you're almost out of gas to look for a gas station. If you miss one in the desert, the next one might take a very long time to find. Before you set off, it's also recommended to use an app like GasBuddy to check gas prices along the way and plan to fill up where it's cheapest.
Accommodation option: Route 66 themed motel
The accommodations themselves are also part of the Route 66 experience, with several classic themed hotels including:
- Wigwam Motel: Designed like a Native American tent, there is one in California and one in Arizona.
- Blue Swallow MotelClassic neon-lit hotels in New Mexico
- Munger Moss MotelRoute 66, a long-established hotel in Missouri.
These themed hotels usually have a limited number of rooms, so it is recommended to book 2-3 months in advance during peak season (May-October). Otherwise, you may end up disappointed and have to stay in a chain hotel instead, which will be a much worse experience.
Mobile phone signal and navigation
Some desert sections have no signal at all; please be sure to check before setting off.Download Google Maps offline The map covers the road sections, and it's also recommended to prepare a paper map as a backup. It may sound old-fashioned, but in the event of a signal outage and a need to confirm intersections, the paper map is actually the most reliable.
Climate and Best Season
- May–June, September–OctoberThe temperature is most comfortable, making it our most recommended season to travel.
- July–AugustTemperatures in the desert section can soar above 45°C, so the air conditioning in the vehicle must be kept on full blast, and plenty of drinking water should be prepared.
- December–February (winter)Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon area are at high altitudes and may experience snowfall. Check road conditions and tire condition before you travel.
- springBe aware of the occasional strong winds in desert areas, which can significantly impact vehicles with high ground clearance.
Interstate car rental practice: Why do most people think Route 66 is difficult to drive?
Frankly, many Taiwanese travelers find driving on Route 66 "difficult to plan," often not because of the route itself, but because of the rental car companies' "rent-one-return-one-car" service. If you pick up the car in Los Angeles but return it in Arizona or Nevada, the one-way return fee charged by major rental companies often ranges from $200 to $500 per $, significantly increasing the cost of the entire trip and deterring many from planning trips longer than 5 days.
Sky Horse service locations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and San Diego, and support cross-location rentals (renting one location and returning the other), allowing for more flexible planning of 5-7 day trips that require interstate returns, without having to go back to the original pick-up location. It's important to note that one-way rental fees vary depending on the return location.If you return the car in Las Vegas or Phoenix, a one-way rental fee will be charged (approximately $200-$300 USD for $).However, during the car rental process, you can clearly see all the rental price quotes, so you won't find that the amount has increased when you pick up or return the car at the counter; before booking, we will also explain the itinerary locations and corresponding costs in Chinese, so there will be no problem with information discrepancies when planning.
Some people worry about whether driving across state lines will affect insurance claims. Generally, as long as you are within the United States and do not exceed the geographical restrictions specified in the rental agreement, driving across state lines is usually covered. However, it is recommended to confirm the details of the insurance terms directly with the rental company. To learn more about the differences between various insurance plans, please refer to our compilation.Complete Guide to Car Rental Insurance in the United StatesIf your trip is longer, such as planning to include Route 66 in a month-long West Coast road trip, you can also check out our...Sky Horse Plus long-term car rental subscription planUsing monthly rentals instead of short-term rentals will be more cost-effective overall.
Extended routes and combined itineraries
The most scenic section of Route 66 is actually great for combining with other classic routes in the American West. Here are some combinations we often see travelers using:
- Route 66 + Las VegasThis article's recommended 5-day itinerary already includes this part. If you want to explore Las Vegas more deeply, you can refer to our...Complete route guide from Los Angeles to Las Vegas
- Route 66 + Grand CanyonExtending to other national parks in Utah, it's suitable for travelers with ample time who want to explore the entire American West's red rock formations in one trip.
- Route 66 + Death ValleyOn the return trip, we detoured through Death Valley to experience a completely different desert terrain.
- Highway 66 + Highway 1 (West Coast Grand Loop)If you haven't yet driven along California's most beautiful coastline, you can refer to our...California Highway 1 self-driving guideCombining the desert highway and the coastal highway in the same trip through the American West
- Route 66 + San FranciscoPlanned as a grand loop from LA to SF to Route 66, this route offers a unique experience of three distinct landscapes in northern, central, and southern California.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many days does it take to drive along Highway 66? A minimum of 3 days is enough to experience the highlights of California, while 5 days is our most recommended "sweet spot," allowing you to drive all the way to the Grand Canyon. For a more in-depth experience, you can extend it to 7 days, and the entire journey from Chicago to Los Angeles will take approximately 15 days.
Is Route 66 still open to traffic? Yes. Although Route 66 was removed from the U.S. highway system in 1985, most of the historic Route 66 remains, with brown signs along the way, running parallel to current interstate highways such as I-40.
Where is the most iconic section of Route 66? Most travelers consider the Seligman to Kingman section of Arizona to be the most classic, preserving the most old signs, grocery stores, and retro motels, and also the inspiration for the movie "Cars".
How many days does it take to drive Route 66 from Los Angeles to Chicago? The entire journey is about 3,900 kilometers. If you are not in a rush and want to stop at many scenic spots along the way, it is recommended to spend 12-15 days to allow for a more relaxed pace.
Can an electric car drive the entire Route 66? The California section has a dense concentration of Superchargers, so there are no issues. However, once you enter the Arizona desert section, the number of charging stations decreases, so it's recommended to plan the location of charging stations for each section in advance using the vehicle manufacturer's app.
Is driving on Highway 66 dangerous? As long as you pay attention to refueling and water replenishment plans in desert sections and avoid driving on remote sections at night, it is generally a safe self-driving route with relatively low security risks.
Route 66 vs. Highway 1, which should you drive first? The two routes are completely different in style: Highway 1 offers coastal scenery, while Route 66 boasts desert landscapes and charming old-town towns. If you can only choose one, those who prefer ocean views should drive Highway 1 first; those who enjoy vintage road trips should plan their journey on Route 66. If time allows, both routes are actually well-suited for a single trip through the American West.
How do I check the current road conditions on Route 66? Before setting off, it is recommended to check road conditions using Google Maps or the local state government transportation department website. Desert sections may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions (sandstorms, heavy rain), so checking the weather forecast before your trip is also helpful.
If we drive the California section of Route 66, does A have to rent the car and B have to return it? If you're only doing a 3-day mini-trip (starting from LA and returning to LA), you don't need to return the car in the same state. However, if your trip extends to Arizona or Nevada, like our recommended 5-day route, you'll need to return the car across state lines. We suggest you confirm the rental company's rental fees and service coverage in advance.
Can I rent an RV campervan on Highway 66? Yes, if you plan to do the whole trip or arrange a longer itinerary, an RV campervan can save you a lot of accommodation troubles. However, be aware that parking spaces are limited at some attractions along the desert route, and it may be inconvenient for large vehicles to enter and exit.
Sky Horse takes you on a scenic journey along Route 66
Route 66 doesn't have to be a two-week vacation, a grand tour across the entire United States. Starting from Los Angeles and taking 3-5 days, you can experience the most representative California and Arizona sections—nostalgic towns, desert highways, and vintage signs—you won't be disappointed. If you're planning this trip, especially a 5-day or longer route involving interstate rentals, feel free to chat with us through our website or LINE. Let us help you experience the romance of this American road trip safely and smoothly.
