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USA · North America · Touring trip

Route 66 itinerary

35.2°N · 101.8°W
At a glanceChicago to Santa Monica along the mother road: diners, neon motel signs and desert towns frozen in time. A proper cross-country drive.
~10h flight estimate8 to 14 days£50 to £290+ per dayEasy going
Before bookingEntry rules, health advice and local conditions change. Always check current official advice.Check current FCDO advice

Best time to visit Route 66

The strongest periods are April to May and September to October. March, June, and November are good shoulder-season alternatives if you prefer fewer crowds. Daytime highs average about 25°C across the main season. Rainfall is usually very low.

Jan8°COther
Feb11°COther
Mar16°CShoulder
Apr21°CBest
May26°CBest
Jun32°CShoulder
Jul35°COther
Aug34°COther
Sep30°CBest
Oct23°CBest
Nov15°CShoulder
Dec9°COther

How much does a trip to Route 66 cost?

On the ground, including accommodation and everyday spending, allow about £50 a day at the budget end, around £100 a day mid-range and £290+ for high-end travel. A seven-night mid-range trip, including estimated return travel from London, is best treated as a planning range of £1050 to £1460 per person. Return travel is modelled at about £405 off-peak, £520 typically and £740 in busy UK travel periods. These are planning estimates rather than live quotes. Available accommodation spans simple, comfortable, premium and luxury. The quiz prices the highest available tier that fits your selected minimum and total budget.

What kind of holiday is Route 66?

Route 66 is strongest for road trips, history and culture, and adventure. The main settings are desert landscapes, wooded countryside, and urban settings, and the pace is relaxing.

How flexible is it? Route 66 can credibly be planned with a very relaxed to very active daytime pace, serene to lively evenings and hidden gem to popular crowd settings through the choice of area, hotel, activities and timing. The typical version has relaxed days, quiet evenings and a mixed setting. The quiz selects the closest credible version rather than treating it as one fixed product.

Strong fit if

  • You want road trips, history and culture, and adventure.
  • You prefer a slower, more restful pace.

Think twice if

  • You want a packed, high-energy itinerary every day.
  • You want lively nightlife every evening.

Travel from the UK

Allow roughly 10 hours of modelled flying time from London, before airport and transfer time. This is long-haul travel, so allowing at least a week usually makes sense.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Route 66?

The strongest periods are April to May and September to October. March, June, and November are also worth considering for lower crowds. Main-season daytime highs average about 25°C. Rainfall is usually very low.

How much does a trip to Route 66 cost?

On the ground, including accommodation and everyday spending, allow about £50 a day at the budget end, around £100 a day mid-range and £290+ for high-end travel. A seven-night mid-range trip, including estimated return travel from London, is best treated as a planning range of £1050 to £1460 per person. Return travel is modelled at about £405 off-peak, £520 typically and £740 in busy UK travel periods. These are planning estimates rather than live quotes.

How long is the flight or journey to Route 66 from the UK?

Allow roughly 10 hours of modelled flying time from London, before airport and transfer time.

Who is Route 66 good for?

Route 66 best suits travellers looking for road trips, history and culture, and adventure. Expect desert landscapes, wooded countryside, and urban settings, with a relaxing pace.

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