When is the best time to drive Route 66?

A trip along Route 66 can be taken at any time of the year but heavy snowstorms and icy roads can severely interrupt travel plans during the winter months. Also bear in mind that during early spring and late autumn, some attractions will be closed or only open for reduced hours. May to October is the optimal time to drive Route 66, with May, June, September and October being our preferred travel months. July and August are extremely popular months to travel but do bear in mind that the western states experience extremely high temperatures.

How long does a Route 66 road trip take?

As long as you want it to! Remember, the joy of the Route 66 experience is the journey itself, not the destination. We recommend you allow at least 14 days to travel from Chicago to LA if you want to sample a true taste of Route 66 and its many attractions, plus a few more days if you’re planning to add the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas to your trip.

What type of accommodation will I be staying in on Route 66?

Accommodation along Route 66 is extremely varied, from luxurious and boutique city hotels to quirky motels and charming lodges. You will also find a wide range of international hotel chains to choose from. Be prepared that outside of the big cities, accommodation choices can be limited and more basic, but there are always comfortable and characterful places to choose from and we can advise at the time of booking. At Pettitts Travel, we tailor-make your Route 66 itinerary and can offer hand-picked accommodation suggestions to suit you.

Can I book a convertible car to drive Route 66?

There are an extremely limited number of convertible vehicles available to rent in Chicago and many car hire companies will not permit trans-state rentals. Convertibles are also not particularly practical. It is possible however to experience part of the journey in a convertible between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. A standard car or even an SUV can be arranged from Chicago to Las Vegas or similar, then a convertible can be collected for the rest of the journey across to Santa Monica.

Do I have to pay a one-way fee on my car hire?

Depending which car hire company you choose and which route you drive, you may or may not have to pay a one-way car hire fee. One of our experienced Travel Consultants can discuss your options with you during the planning stage.

Is it cheaper to travel Route 66 in a motorhome?

The simple answer is no. Motorhome rentals charge for mileage packages and when covering a distance as great as Route 66 (over 2,400 miles), this can work out at almost $1000 or so. Add to this the vehicle hire charge, campsite fees for each overnight stop, the fuel required for the journey and a hefty one-way drop-off fee, it is far more cost-effective to rent a car and stay in hotels and motels along Route 66. It is also quite difficult to find and pre-book campsites to stay in along the route.

Are there plenty of places to refuel on Route 66?

You will find gas stations at least every 30 miles or so along the majority of Route 66 and the surrounding roads. In more remote areas such as Arizona, there are fewer gas stations so be certain to fill up as often as possible and avoid the fuel gauge dropping below the halfway mark. If you are heading out to the Grand Canyon on a side trip, it is worth refueling in Kingman to avoid paying premium prices in the desert area. Fuel is usually paid for before filling up at most gas stations in the USA.

How to plan a Route 66 road trip?

Our Route 66 travel experts will be delighted to offer advice on all aspects of a Route 66 road trip from car hire and accommodation to the best things to see and do. So, whether you wish to drive the entire route between Chicago and Los Angeles, shorten your journey by starting in Oklahoma City or incorporate one of the country’s other iconic sites such as the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas, we will be delighted to help you plan your perfect holiday. Contact us via our website or by calling 01892 515966.

Route 66 Holidays | Route 66 Fly Drives with Pettitts Travel

Your Route 66 Holiday with Pettitts Travel

Each Route 66 itinerary we arrange is unique and can be tailored to your exact needs and wants. As one of the greatest road trips in the world, we recommend hiring a car and driving overland at your own pace, exploring the fabulous cities and experiencing iconic attractions along the way. Our travel experts can offer advice on all aspects of your Route 66 road trip from car hire and accommodation to the best things to see and do.

One of the most common questions we are asked is ‘how long does it take to drive Route 66’? The entire route between Chicago and Los Angeles can be completed in a little over two weeks but, for those with less time, the journey can be shortened by starting in Oklahoma City. Alternatively, if you wish to stay longer, extend your holiday by following coastal Highway 1 to beautiful San Francisco or incorporating the spectacular Grand Canyon or dazzling Las Vegas. Although these are not part of the classic Route 66, many people like to incorporate these iconic stops whilst they are in America.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO ON ROUTE 66

With its neon retro signs, classic roadside diners, memorabilia museums and breathtaking national parks, there are a whole host of iconic Route 66 landmarks to discover. The ‘Mother Road’ bisects the heart of the US providing a glimpse into the individualism and idiosyncrasies of American society and culture.

There are also many quirky attractions along Route 66 which often form an important part of the trip. See the graffiti-covered Cadillacs at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, the Milk Bottle Grocery Store in Oklahoma City as well as Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole and the Gemini Giant in Illinois. For natural beauty and scenic landscapes there are many national and state parks to visit en route including Arizona’s Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, Palo Duro Canyon Park in Texas and California’s Mojave Desert.

Self-Drive: Historic Route 66

14 days
from £2160 pp

Self-Drive: Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip

16 days
from £2300 pp

Self-Drive: Route 66 in Reverse – Los Angeles to Chicago

18 days
from £2500 pp

Self-Drive: Route 66 and Highway 1

21 days
from £2880 pp

Route 66 Travel Guide

We have many years’ experience in creating tailor-made Route 66 holidays. We base our recommendations on tried and tested hotels, regular client feedback and over 30 years of knowledge and expertise of this iconic route. Our Route 66 guide is packed full of useful information and insights including what to see and do along the route and answers to the most frequently asked questions. Place a Route 66 enquiry with us and we’ll send you a free copy in the post!

US ROUTE 66 - THE MOTHER ROAD

Your Route 66 Holiday with Pettitts Travel

THINGS TO SEE AND DO ON ROUTE 66