About Route 66
Route 66 is an iconic highway in the United States. It is 2448 miles (3940 km) long and stretches from Chicago, Illinois in the East to Santa Monica, California in the West. The Route 66 road passes through 8 states - Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The road was built in 1926 and it gained a huge success among travelers due to mentions in pop culture. In the 1950s, the route started to lose its charm after the introduction of the Interstate Highway System but in the past few years, people are trying to restore this heritage long route.
People who have traveled Route 66 mention that this is not just a highway but an adventurous experience in itself. The highway is often referred to as the 'Mother Road' due to its portrayal in John Steinbeck's prize novel, The Grapes of Wrath. It is known for its roadside old-school motels, famous attractions, museums, etc. Thousands of travelers take up this route every year to get that Americana vibe.
Most popular tourist spots on Route 66
Route 66 spans over quite a long route from East to West of the USA. There are a number of spots for travelers to stop by and enjoy these well-known places or cherish the picturesque beauty of the United States. Here are some of the top famous destinations on Route 66 which can be accessed without breaking the bank:
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Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park, in Texas, is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. Millions of people, from around the globe, visit this place annually. It is not located exactly on Route 66 but requires just a small detour. There is an entrance fee to visit this place. However, on certain occasions annually, you might be able to get free entry (timed entry or reservation fee may apply).
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Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch is located near Amarillo in Texas and it is another tourist favorite spot on Route 66. At the location, you will see 10 Cadillac cars with their front half buried into the ground. Travelers stop at this location and leave a mark by spray-painting on these cars. It is a 24x7 open-air location and you don't need to pay to visit.
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Meteor Crater
Meteor Crater is a natural landmark which is a huge impact crater site in northern Arizona. It is estimated to be around 50,000 years old when a gigantic Meteor struck the Earth. You can pay a small entry fee and take a tour of the must-visit museum along with the crater sight.
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Gateway Arch
Gateway Arch is a huge monument in the shape of an arc and it is located in St. Louis in Missouri. It is often regarded as the gateway to westward expansion which refers to the period of major growth and transformation of the United States. You can take the tram ride to the top of the arch.
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Route 66 Hall of Fame
Route 66 Hall of Fame is a museum that celebrates the history of the iconic Route 66, also known as Mother Road. It is located in Pontiac in Illinois and many travelers add it to their must-visit places on the Route 66 road trip to learn more about the history of this highway and look at the artifacts related to it. There is no entry fee for this museum and you can donate anything to preserve the history of Route 66.
Budget-friendly road trip on Route 66
While planning a road trip, the primary expenses will be transportation, accommodation, and food. We will help you plan this road trip in a budget-friendly fashion to avoid putting a hole in your pocket.
Transportation options for Route 66
The best way to discover the vintage beauty of Route 66 is in a self-drive vehicle. If you happen to have your own ride then well and good and if not, you can always consider renting a car. It is the closest you can get to achieving ease and comfort while on the road. Although there are bus and train services that cover major cities on this route, it will not cover all the tourist destinations and other towns or cities and not to forget, the added inconvenience of having to change multiple transportation or the fixed time schedule.
When it comes to selecting a car that will fit well within your budget then you should look no further than the economy car segment. It can accommodate up to 4 passengers and small suitcases. Additionally, due to being fuel-efficient, this category helps cut down fuel expenses, thereby making it the cheapest option. However, if you are traveling in a bigger group, you can look for an SUV or a 7-15 passenger van rental depending on your requirements. Of all the available car rental pick-up points to begin the Route 66 road trip, Chicago Airport (Chicago O'Hare International Airport) is the most convenient option and you can choose to drop off the vehicle in Santa Monica, California, after the end of the journey.
Tips to save money on transportation:
- In case you have decided to rent a car, try to book it well in advance to secure the best and cheapest available option. The sooner you start looking and comparing, the better your chances of finding the most suitable option from the wider variety of vehicles made available by different suppliers. If you search and compare in advance then you will also get to select from a wide variety of vehicles.
- Look for routes with fewer tolls and take advantage of the roads that allow traveling for free. This will help you save a good sum.
- To get better deals, avoid planning for the peak season at this route. Due to larger crowds, the prices are significantly higher. Therefore, make travel plans accordingly.
Economical motels on Route 66
Route 66 is famous for its roadside motels which are next to their iconic neon sign boards. The cost of getting a room in these motels varies based on different factors like popularity of the location, time of the year, duration of the booking, condition of the motel, and facilities available. Generally, the tariffs for motel rooms are around $50-$150, and by researching beforehand, you can get an economical and decent motel with the best deals.
Tips to save money:
- Booking a motel or hotel online in advance will offer you the best deals and much cheaper prices.
- Camping or staying in hostels is also an affordable option.
Eating under budget on Route 66
Route 66 has some of the most iconic and renowned restaurants as you travel through 8 states and each one offers its own taste. You will be having your daily stays on the route so eating out at expensive restaurants every day will be expensive. Although some of the famous eateries like Cozy Hog Drive-In (Illinois), Roadkill Cafe (Arizona), The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Texas), Pops 66 (Oklahoma), Silver Dollar Cafe (Oklahoma) definitely deserve a planned stop, other than these you can avoid having the meals of the day outside at the restaurants or cafes.
Tips to save money:
- Plan and pack some snacks like bars, sandwiches, nuts, etc.
- Cook your meals on the trip if you are camping or renting accommodation with a kitchen.
- Prepare for quick meals by stacking up groceries like bread, jam, butter, cheese, etc
- Local diners or food trucks offer meals at reasonable prices and you can also check out happy hours for discounted prices at restaurants.
Quick information
Cheap and best places to eat:
- Cozy Hog Drive-In (Illinois), Roadkill Cafe (Arizona), The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Texas), Pops 66 (Oklahoma), Silver Dollar Cafe (Oklahoma)
Average price:
- For motels: $50-$150
- Cheap and best transportation options:Personal vehicle, self-drive car rental.
Best time to visit Route 66
The months of May and September are considered to be the best time to plan Route 66 road trip as the heat is bearable and weather conditions are more pleasant compared to the other months. It is also the time of the year when all the famous tourist attractions on this road trip are operational. Please keep in mind that the weather conditions can vary across the different states, therefore, carry all the necessary items including equipment to ensure comfortable travel.
