Most of Route 66 is still drivable, but not as a continuous highway

Route 66 no longer exists as an official U.S. highway — it was decommissioned in 1985 — but the road itself remains. About 85 percent of the original 2,448-mile alignment from Chicago to Los Angeles is still there and open to traffic. The catch is that you cannot follow a single "Route 66" sign from start to finish. Instead, you drive a patchwork of state highways, county roads, and city streets that trace the old route's path through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

The missing 15 percent consists of sections that were bypassed by Interstate 40 or other highways, or that have been closed or absorbed into private property. Some of these gaps are short — a few miles — while others require you to detour onto modern highways for 20 or 30 miles before rejoining the original alignment.

Key Takeaways

  • Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, so there are no Route 66 highway signs, but most of the original road surface still exists and is open to drive.
  • You will need a detailed map or GPS app designed for Route 66 travel, because the route requires turning onto state highways, county roads, and city streets rather than following a single road.
  • The drive takes 7 to 10 days if you stop at towns and landmarks, or 5 to 6 days if you drive mostly straight through.
  • Fuel costs and lodging vary widely depending on which towns you stop in; rural stretches have fewer services and higher prices than towns along the route.
  • Some sections, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona, pass through remote areas with long stretches between gas stations and towns.

Which sections are actually drivable today

The most complete and well-marked sections run through Illinois, Missouri, and New Mexico. Illinois has the shortest stretch — about 300 miles from Chicago to the Missouri border — and it is heavily marked with Route 66 signage and tourism infrastructure. Missouri's 300-mile section is also well-preserved, with many original towns and businesses still operating.

New Mexico has the longest and most scenic stretch at roughly 400 miles, running from the Oklahoma border through Albuquerque and down to the Arizona line. Much of this section follows the original pavement and passes through small towns that depend on Route 66 tourism. Arizona's 400-mile section is similarly drivable, though some stretches require navigation through Flagstaff and Kingman on state highways rather than the original alignment.

Texas and Oklahoma have shorter, less-developed sections. The Texas panhandle stretch is about 180 miles but passes through very small towns with limited services. Oklahoma's 400-mile section is drivable but requires more navigation work because many segments have been absorbed into state highways or are now county roads without Route 66 signage.

California's final 300 miles from Needles to Santa Monica are mostly drivable, though the approach to Los Angeles requires navigating city streets and modern highways. The endpoint at the Santa Monica Pier is still accessible and marked as the western terminus of the historic route.

How to navigate without official Route 66 signs

Your best option is a GPS app or mapping service designed specifically for Route 66. The National Historic Route 66 Federation maintains a detailed alignment map, and several commercial apps — including some versions of Google Maps and dedicated Route 66 apps — allow you to follow the historic route turn-by-turn. These apps know which county roads and state highways correspond to the original alignment and will guide you through the gaps where the original road no longer exists.

A printed map is also worth carrying, especially in remote sections where cell service is unreliable. The Automobile Club of Southern California publishes a detailed Route 66 map, and the National Historic Route 66 Federation sells maps showing the complete route with drivable and non-drivable sections clearly marked.

Without a map or app, you will spend significant time backtracking or taking unintended detours. The route is not intuitive — a road that looks like it should be Route 66 on a basic map may have been decommissioned 40 years ago and is now a dead end or private drive.

How long the drive takes and what it costs

The total distance is 2,448 miles, but your actual mileage will be slightly higher because of detours around missing sections and navigation through towns. Most people drive 2,500 to 2,600 miles total.

If you drive 8 hours a day at an average speed of 50 mph (accounting for town traffic and slower rural roads), you will cover about 400 miles daily. The full route takes 6 to 7 days of driving time. Most people take 7 to 10 days total to account for stops at landmarks, museums, and restaurants.

Fuel costs depend on your vehicle's efficiency and current gas prices. At 25 miles per gallon and $3.50 per gallon (prices vary by region and time of year), you should budget roughly $350 to $400 in fuel. A vehicle getting 20 mpg would cost $430 to $490; one getting 30 mpg would cost $290 to $340.

Lodging is the larger expense. Budget motels in small Route 66 towns typically cost $60 to $100 per night. For a 7-night trip, that is $420 to $700. Meals at diners and local restaurants along the route average $12 to $20 per meal, so budget $100 to $150 per day for food if you eat three meals out.

Remote sections with long gaps between services

The New Mexico and Arizona stretches include significant remote sections where gas stations and towns are 40 to 60 miles apart. The stretch between Seligman and Kingman, Arizona is particularly sparse — about 65 miles with minimal services. The area around Amboy, California is similarly remote.

Before driving these sections, fill your tank completely. Most vehicles with a 15-gallon tank and 25 mpg efficiency can go 375 miles on a full tank, which is enough to cross even the longest gaps, but you do not want to arrive at a gas station with a quarter tank remaining in a remote area. If your vehicle gets less than 20 mpg, you may need to refuel more frequently.

Cell service is also unreliable in these sections. read your Route 66 map or GPS route before you leave a town with good connectivity, and carry a printed map as backup. If you break down in a remote section, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour for another vehicle to pass.

Towns and landmarks that still exist along the route

Many of the small towns that Route 66 made famous still operate and welcome travelers. In Illinois, Pontiac and Sycamore have preserved Route 66 sections and museums. In Missouri, Lebanon and Springfield have Route 66 visitor centers and historic businesses. Joplin, Missouri is a larger town with full services.

In Oklahoma, Sayre and Texanna are small stops. In Texas, Shamrock and McLean are the main Route 66 towns. New Mexico has the most tourist infrastructure: Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, and Gallup all have Route 66 museums, vintage motels, and restaurants. Seligman and Williams, Arizona are popular stops with well-preserved Route 66 character. In California, Barstow, Victorville, and San Bernardino have services before the final push to Los Angeles.

Many of these towns have experienced economic decline since Interstate 40 bypassed Route 66, so services are not always what you might expect. A town marked on your map may have only one open gas station and one restaurant. Call ahead or check current reviews before planning a meal or overnight stay in very small towns.

What to expect from road conditions

The road surface varies significantly. Sections through larger towns and well-maintained state highways are in good condition. Rural sections and county roads range from well-paved to rough asphalt with potholes. A few very short sections are still unpaved dirt or gravel, though these are rare and typically passable in any vehicle.

The route does not require a high-clearance or off-road vehicle. A standard sedan will handle the entire drive, though you may encounter a few rough patches where you will want to slow down. Avoid driving these sections in heavy rain, when unpaved or poorly maintained sections can become muddy.

Speed limits on the route vary from 25 mph in towns to 55 mph on rural state highways. The slower pace is part of the Route 66 experience — you are not trying to get somewhere quickly, you are following a historic road that predates the Interstate system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special permit or license to drive Route 66?

No. Route 66 is made up of public roads open to anyone with a valid driver's license and vehicle registration. You do not need any special documentation or permission to drive it.

Can I drive Route 66 in winter?

Most of the route is drivable year-round, but winter conditions in New Mexico and Arizona can include snow and ice, particularly at higher elevations around Flagstaff. Check weather forecasts before you leave, and avoid driving remote sections during storms. Winter is the least crowded season if you are willing to accept the weather risk.

What is the best time of year to drive Route 66?

Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) offer mild temperatures and lower traffic than summer. Summer is busiest and hottest, particularly in Arizona and California. Winter is quietest but can include snow in higher elevations.

Can I drive Route 66 in either direction?

Yes. Most people drive west from Chicago to Los Angeles, but the route works equally well in either direction. Navigation is the same regardless of direction — you will still need a map or app designed for Route 66.

Are there tolls on any part of Route 66?

Most of Route 66 is toll-free, but some sections in Illinois and California may include tolls if you take certain state highways or bypass routes. Check your GPS app or map before you drive to see which sections charge tolls, and budget accordingly.