FAQ - Route 66

A: The current length of Route 66 is 2,278 miles (3.665 km). Its original certified length in 1926 was longer: 2,448 miles (3.939 km).

>> Learn more about How long is Route 66?

A: spring and summer are the best time to drive the route, as there is no risk of snow. Midsummer may find the road with a higher flow of travelers, and more expensive daily lodging rates (It is High Season) but careful planning and booking in advance will ensure your hotel accommodations.

Spring is less crowded and early fall (autumn) also. Summers are hot in the Southwest and thunderstorms are not infrequent in that region.

>> Learn more about When to Visit Route 66.

A: Route 66 had many alignments since it was commissioned in 1926. As time passed, its roadbed was improved and by 1938 the full length of the highway had been paved.

However, later, as the Interstate system replaced sections of the original Route 66, some of these segments were not maintained and fell in disrepair.

Although most of the road is paved, there are some segments that are unpaved: Glenrio to San Jon in New Mexico is a gravel surfaced road. The Jericho Gap in TX is still a dirt road. These can be bypassed along I-40.

Other sections of the road were integrated as the frontage roads of the Interstate highways, so they are well up kept. Other sections may be temporarily closed due to damage (as was the case in California after severe flood damage in the Mojave in late 2014 which are still closed!).

And other parts of US 66 are now overlaid by the freeway, buried beneath the newer alignment.

>> Learn more about Road Conditions along U.S. 66.

A: each state sets its own speed limit, and within each state they vary depending on the type of road, road conditions and setting (towns, countryside).

Speeds in general (for highways) range from 55 to 75 mph. See detailed information at this external link : State Speed Limits (Governors Highway Safety Association).

In urban areas speeds are lower than in rural ones, be aware of the speed limits within the towns, especially close to schools. Signs will indicate the maximum (and on some highways, the minimum) speeds. One should always drive at a reasonable and prudent speed based on road and weather conditions.

A: The weather you will encounter depends upon the time of the year that you go on your road trip: summer is hotter in the Southwest and also wetter in the northern sections of the Road. Fall or even early spring may surprise you with unexpected snow.

Route 66 crosses America in a wide arch from Chicago to Los Angeles, it crosses different climate zones, mountains, hills, plains and deserts... weather is quite different in different parts of the road. Even in summer, there is ample variation of temperatures between day time and night time in the Southwest.

>> Learn more about Weather along Route 66, see our state by state detail of the climate, temperatures, rainfall and snow fall.

A: You can drive the route on an open plan and stop at any motel that catches your eye. But it is risky, especially during summer holidays or vacation period. Reserving a hotel or motel in advance is safer. The main hotel and motel chains offer rooms along Route 66 so you should have no problems in booking your rooms in advance.

Some key lodging may be fully booked months in advance, so pinpoint these locations and reserve with plenty of time.

Carry proof of your reservation (i.e. your confirmation number) just in case.

There are of course the Vintage and Route 66 "must see" hotels with thematic rooms, and also the "classic" lodging places along the road. These places should be booked well in advance. Demand is high.

A: It began as a great highway linking Chicago with the Pacific in Los Angeles, and was well marketed and promoted by the U.S. 66 highway Association. Then it was driven by thousands during the days of the Depression in the 1930s seeking jobs in California; traveled by GIs during WWII, and families on vacations in the 1950s and 60s. Its wacky and quirky attractions, its natural beauty and its charm made it famous. Books, movies, TV series portrayed it to the public. It became a famous icon of American culture renown across the world.

>> Learn more about Why is Route 66 so Famous

Did you know that Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026?