How long does it take to drive Route 66 from Chicago to California?
The drive takes about 40 hours. Plan to be on the road for at least five days—or longer—depending on how many stops and side trips you make. Route 66 rolls through small towns (with plenty of stop lights) along the way, so you won’t be driving as fast as you would on an interstate highway.
Can you take Route 66 from Chicago to California?
Essentially, Route 66 is a historic highway in the United States that ran southwestwardly from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, crossing 8 states and covering over 2,400 miles (3,900 km).
How long should you plan to drive Route 66?

You need around three weeks to complete Route 66. There is no perfect time to drive Route 66. Due to its sheer size, you’re likely to experience some adverse weather conditions, whatever the month.
How many days does it take to drive from Illinois to California?
How long is the drive from California to Illinois? The total driving time is 30 hours, 15 minutes.
Can you still drive Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica?
Approximately 85% of the original Route 66 can still be driven. Some of it has been incorporated into new highways and the old road runs parallel or has disappeared altogether. By 1970 almost all segments of Route 66 were bypassed by a modern 4 lane highway.
How much would it cost to drive from Chicago to California?

The total cost of driving from Chicago, IL to California (one-way) is $450.99 at current gas prices. The round trip cost would be $901.98 to go from Chicago, IL to California and back to Chicago, IL again. Regular fuel costs are around $5.34 per gallon for your trip.
How much does it cost to drive from Illinois to California?
The total cost of driving from Illinois to California (one-way) is $460.51 at current gas prices. The round trip cost would be $921.02 to go from Illinois to California and back to Illinois again. Regular fuel costs are around $5.54 per gallon for your trip.
Why is Route 66 closed?
Virtually all roads, including Route 66, were functionally obsolete because of narrow pavements and antiquated structural features that reduced carrying capacity. Emergency road building measures developed during wartime left bridges and culverts woefully inadequate for postwar needs.
What parts of Route 66 are still open?
How Much of Route 66 is Still Drivable?
- Illinois (301 miles / 484km)
- Missouri (317 miles / 510km)
- Kansas (13 miles / 21km)
- Oklahoma (432 miles / 695km)
- Texas (186 miles / 299km)
- New Mexico (400 miles / 640km)
- Arizona (401 miles / 645km)
- California (314 miles / 505km)
Did Route 66 go to Vegas?
Las Vegas is not located on Route 66 but is only six miles north of the original 1926 to 1937 US 66 alignment that linked Santa Rosa with Albuquerque through Santa Fe along the Santa Fe Trail. Its rich history with Wild West flavor makes it a must-see stop for those driving along Route 66 in New Mexico.
What are the best stops along Route 66?
Gemini Giant,Wilmington,Illinois. The Gemini Giant,named for the space program,stands 30 ft.
Is a Route 66 road trip still worth it?
So, a Route 66 detractor feels that a Route 66 road trip won’t be worth it. In all honesty, it isn’t a cheap trip: you have to get to Route 66 in the first place (a costly flight for oversea visitors) and then there is the car hire (if you come from abroad).
Where in Chicago does Route 66 start?
The official “Begin Route 66” sign is in downtown Chicago, on the northwest corner of Adams St. and Michigan Avenue (across from the Art Institute of Chicago). If you’re doing the trip in reverse,…
Where does Route 66 actually start and end?
Where does Route 66 start and end? Route 66 starts in downtown Chicago and ends at the Santa Monica pier in California. Throughout the journey from Chicago to Santa Monica, you’ll discover sections where the original route diverges, seemingly shooting off in two directions and yet nowhere at once.