Driving Route 66 usually takes 2–3 weeks, but not everyone has that much time. The good news? You can drive Route 66 in 10 days and still experience the most iconic stops — especially in 2026, the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
This itinerary is realistic, not rushed, and focuses on the best highlights, not every mile.
🚗 Route 66 in 10 Days: Quick Overview
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Total distance: ~2,400 miles
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States covered: 8
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Daily drive time: 4–6 hours (average)
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Best months in 2026: May–June or September–October
Day 1: Chicago → St. Louis
Drive: ~300 miles
Must-see stops
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Route 66 Begin Sign (Chicago)
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Classic diners in Illinois
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Gateway Arch (St. Louis)
Why this works: Flat roads, easy driving, perfect warm-up day.
Day 2: St. Louis → Springfield
Drive: ~215 miles
Highlights
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Meramec Caverns
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Old gas stations and bridges
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Birthplace of Route 66 (Springfield)
Missouri has some of the best preserved Route 66 stretches.
Day 3: Oklahoma (Tulsa & Oklahoma City)
Drive: ~280 miles
Don’t miss
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Tulsa Route 66 neon district
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Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton)
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Centennial events (2026 bonus)
Oklahoma has the longest continuous Route 66 stretch.
Day 4: Amarillo
Drive: ~260 miles
Iconic stops
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Cadillac Ranch
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Big Texan Steak Ranch
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U-Drop Inn (Shamrock)
Texas delivers the classic roadside fun everyone expects.
Day 5: New Mexico (Tucumcari → Albuquerque)
Drive: ~290 miles
Highlights
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Tucumcari neon motels
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Blue Hole (Santa Rosa)
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Old Town Albuquerque
Neon signs + Southwest culture = perfect Route 66 vibe.
Day 6: Arizona (Winslow → Flagstaff)
Drive: ~260 miles
Must-stops
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Winslow “Standin’ on the Corner”
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Petrified Forest Route 66 section
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Seligman (Route 66 revival town)
Arizona is the most scenic Route 66 state.
Day 7: Kingman → Needles
Drive: ~210 miles
Highlights
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Oatman wild burros
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Mountain switchbacks
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Mojave Desert drive
This is one of the most memorable driving days.
Day 8: California (Barstow → San Bernardino)
Drive: ~220 miles
Stops
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Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
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Desert photo spots
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Classic California Route 66 towns
Expect desert heat — start early.
Day 9: Los Angeles
Drive: ~130 miles
What to do
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Pasadena Route 66 stretches
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Retro diners
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Prep for the final day
Light driving day = time to explore.
Day 10: Santa Monica
Drive: ~30 miles
Final moment
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Santa Monica Pier
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Route 66 End Sign
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Pacific Ocean sunset 🌊
Driving Route 66 end-to-end in its 100th anniversary year is unforgettable.
🧠 Smart Tips for a 10-Day Route 66 Trip
✔ Skip long detours — focus on icons
✔ Drive early mornings
✔ Use old Route 66 alignments when possible
✔ Book hotels early (2026 is busy)
✔ Plan fuel stops in desert sections
✔ Take photos at dusk for neon signs
⛽ Is 10 Days Enough for Route 66?
Yes — if you plan smart.
You’ll miss some tiny towns, but you’ll experience:
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All 8 states
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The most famous landmarks
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Classic diners & neon
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Desert + Midwest + Southwest scenery
For many travelers, 10 days is the perfect balance.
Final Thoughts
If you want to drive Route 66 in 2026 but don’t have weeks, this 10-day Route 66 itinerary is the smartest way to do it.
You’ll drive America’s most famous road, celebrate its 100th anniversary, and still enjoy the journey — not just survive it.
