Route 66 Road Trip Cost: $1500 Adventure Awaits

Planning a Route 66 road trip but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. This iconic journey from Chicago to Los Angeles spans 2,400 miles of American history and nostalgia. A typical 14-day Route 66 adventure costs around $2,180 per person when traveling with a partner. This includes car rental, gas, and lodging.

The Mother Road offers something for every budget. You’ll find quirky motels, classic diners, and free roadside attractions that won’t break the bank. But there are also opportunities to splurge on unique experiences if you choose.

Your biggest expenses will be transportation and accommodation. Sharing costs with travel buddies can help keep things affordable. Food and activities can be adjusted to fit your budget. With some smart planning, you can create an unforgettable Route 66 experience without emptying your wallet.

Key Takeaways

• A 14-day Route 66 trip averages $2,180 per person when sharing costs
• Accommodation and transportation are the biggest expenses
• Budget-friendly options exist for food, lodging, and attractions along the route

Planning Your Route 66 Road Trip

Getting ready for your Route 66 adventure takes some prep work. Let’s look at the key things you’ll need to figure out before hitting the road.

Determining Your Route 66 Itinerary

First up, you’ll want to map out your journey. Route 66 stretches about 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Most folks take 2-3 weeks to drive the whole thing. But if you’re short on time, you can do a condensed 1-week trip hitting the highlights.

Grab a map and pick your must-see stops. Some popular spots include:

• The Gateway Arch in St. Louis
• Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo
• The Grand Canyon (slight detour)
• Santa Monica Pier

Don’t try to see everything. Leave room for spontaneous stops at quirky roadside attractions. That’s part of the Route 66 magic!

Choosing the Right Time to Travel

Timing can make or break your trip. Summer is peak season, with great weather but bigger crowds and higher prices. Spring and fall are nice compromise seasons. You’ll have pleasant temps and fewer tourists.

Winter can be iffy. Snow might close parts of the route out west. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll have the road mostly to yourself.

Whatever season you pick, book lodging in advance for popular stops. Small towns along Route 66 fill up fast in busy months.

Travel Tips and Must-Know Facts

Budget at least $150-$200 per day for a couple. That covers gas, lodging, food, and some activities. You can trim costs by camping or staying in motels instead of hotels.

Rent a comfy car – you’ll be in it a lot! Get unlimited mileage and good insurance coverage.

Download offline maps before you go. Cell service can be spotty in rural areas.

Pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Portions of Route 66 are remote.

Gas up whenever you can. In some stretches, stations are few and far between.

Lastly, be flexible. Route 66 is about the journey, not just the destination. Take time to chat with locals and soak in the nostalgic vibes of small-town America.

Budgeting for Your Trip

Planning your Route 66 adventure takes careful budgeting. You’ll need to consider costs for lodging, food, transportation, and activities along the way. Let’s break down the key expenses and share some money-saving tips.

Estimating Overall Route 66 Trip Cost

A basic Route 66 road trip can cost around $150 per day, not including flights and car rental. This covers essentials like motels, meals, and gas. For a 2-week trip, budget about $2,100 per person.

Costs can vary based on:

• Travel style (budget vs luxury)
• Season (peak vs off-peak)
• Number of travelers
• Trip length

A couple traveling for 14 days might spend:

• Lodging: $1,400 ($100/night)
• Food: $700 ($50/day)
• Gas: $400
• Activities: $500

Total: $3,000 ($107 per person/day)

Remember to add car rental fees if needed. Adjust your budget based on your preferences and travel style.

Saving Money on Accommodations

Lodging is often the biggest expense on Route 66. Here are ways to save:

1. Book motels in advance for better rates
2. Use discount hotel apps like HotelTonight
3. Mix budget motels with a few nicer stays
4. Try camping at RV parks (bring your own gear)
5. Look for mom-and-pop motels off the main road

Some affordable Route 66 motels:

• Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba, MO ($70/night)
• Munger Moss Motel, Lebanon, MO ($40-$65/night)
• Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, NM ($110/night)

Booking direct with motels can sometimes get you better deals than online travel sites.

Food and Dining Budget Strategies

Food costs can add up fast on a road trip. Try these tips to keep your budget in check:

1. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks
2. Shop at local grocery stores for picnic supplies
3. Try affordable local diners and cafes
4. Look for early bird specials and lunch deals
5. Split large portions to save money

Budget about $25-50 per person daily for food. This allows for a mix of cheap eats and a few nicer meals. Don’t miss trying local specialties like:

• Chicago deep-dish pizza
• St. Louis BBQ
• Oklahoma fried onion burgers
• New Mexico green chile stew

Bring a reusable water bottle to save on drinks. Many Route 66 attractions have free water refill stations.

Transportation Costs: Rental Cars and Fuel

Your biggest transportation costs will be car rental and gas. Here’s what to expect:

Car rental: $40-$70 per day for a standard car. Book early for the best rates. Watch out for these extra fees:

• Young driver fee (under 25): about $27/day
• One-way drop-off fee: varies, can be $100+

Gas: Budget about $200-$400 for the whole trip, depending on your car’s fuel efficiency. Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices along your route.

To save on car costs:

1. Rent a fuel-efficient car
2. Avoid airport rentals (higher fees)
3. Skip unnecessary add-ons like GPS (use your phone)
4. Check your insurance coverage before buying extras

Adding Side Trips to Your Budget

Side trips can make your Route 66 adventure more exciting, but they’ll add to your costs. Popular detours include:

• Grand Canyon: $35 park entrance fee
• Las Vegas: $100+ per night for hotels
• Santa Fe: $50-$100 extra for lodging and activities

Budget an extra $50-$100 per day for each side trip. This covers extra gas, lodging, and attraction fees.

To save on side trips:

1. Use national park passes for multiple visits
2. Look for free days at museums and attractions
3. Limit side trips to 1-2 days each
4. Choose free natural attractions when possible

Remember, Route 66 itself has many free or low-cost attractions. Don’t feel pressured to add expensive detours if they don’t fit your budget.

Accommodation Along Route 66

Finding a place to rest your head after a long day of driving is crucial for any Route 66 road trip. You’ll encounter a mix of historic motels, modern hotels, and outdoor camping options along the Mother Road.

Hotels and Motels Selection

Route 66 is dotted with quirky, vintage motels that transport you back in time. The iconic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, offers a taste of 1930s Americana with its stone cottages. For a more modern stay, chain hotels like Best Western and Holiday Inn are scattered along the route. Booking.com can help you find deals on both classic and contemporary lodging. Prices vary widely, but expect to pay $50-$100 per night for basic motels and $100-$200 for nicer hotels. Book early for the best rates, especially during peak summer months.

Booking Campgrounds and RV Parks

If you’re looking to save money or prefer the great outdoors, campgrounds and RV parks are plentiful along Route 66. Many state parks offer camping for $15-$30 per night. RV parks typically charge $30-$50 for full hookups. Some even have vintage trailers you can rent for a unique experience. Vrbo is a good resource for finding RV rentals and unique stays. Make reservations in advance, especially for popular spots like the Grand Canyon. Don’t forget to pack essentials like a tent, sleeping bags, and cooking gear if you’re planning to rough it.

Navigating from Chicago to Los Angeles

Ready for an epic adventure? Driving Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles is a classic American road trip. Let’s explore the journey from start to finish, hitting some must-see spots along the way.

Starting from Chicago: The Journey Begins

Your Route 66 odyssey kicks off in the Windy City. Before hitting the road, grab a deep-dish pizza and snap a photo at the “Begin Route 66” sign on Adams Street.

Book a night at a budget-friendly Chicago hotel like the Congress Plaza Hotel or the Inn of Chicago. Expect to pay around $100-150 per night.

Fill up your gas tank – prices in Chicago average about $3.50 per gallon. Stock up on snacks and water to save money on the road.

Don’t miss the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park before you leave town. It’s a great spot for your first Route 66 selfie!

Key Stops Along the Way

As you cruise through the Midwest, make time for these iconic stops:

• Pontiac, IL: Check out the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum
• St. Louis, MO: Snap a pic of the Gateway Arch
• Clinton, OK: Visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
• Tulsa, OK: See the Blue Whale of Catoosa

Budget about $25-30 per day for food. Pack picnic lunches to save cash. For lodging, look for small motels along the route. Many offer rooms for $50-70 per night.

Gas up often – stations can be sparse in some areas. Keep an eye out for quirky roadside attractions. They’re free and make great photo ops!

Completing Your Trip in Los Angeles

After crossing deserts and mountains, you’ll reach the City of Angels. Cruise down Santa Monica Boulevard to the official “End of the Trail” sign on Santa Monica Pier.

Celebrate with a burger at In-N-Out – a California must-do. Rooms in LA can be pricey, but you can find budget options like the Hollywood Inn Express South for around $100 per night.

Take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame or hike up to the Griffith Observatory for amazing city views. Both are free activities to end your trip on a high note.

Attractions and Sights to See

Route 66 offers a treasure trove of fascinating attractions and sights. You’ll find a mix of quirky roadside oddities, stunning natural wonders, and important historical landmarks along this iconic highway.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Mother Road is packed with places that tell America’s story. You can’t miss the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. It’s got cool exhibits about the road’s history and impact on pop culture. The museum won’t break the bank either – tickets are only about $7 for adults.

Make time for the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield, Missouri too. You’ll see over 70 vintage cars, some worth over a million bucks! Admission runs around $15, but it’s worth it for car buffs.

Don’t forget to snap pics of the many vintage neon signs and old-school diners dotting the route. These free photo ops really capture the spirit of Route 66.

Natural Wonders and Parks

Route 66 takes you through some stunning landscapes. The big one is the Grand Canyon – you can’t skip it! Park entrance fees are $35 per vehicle, good for a week.

Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is another must-see. It’s got colorful petrified wood and painted deserts. Entry is $25 per vehicle.

You’ll find tons of state parks along the way too. Many offer cheap camping if you want to save on lodging. Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Texas is a hidden gem with hiking trails and gorgeous views for just $8 per person.

Iconic Landmarks and Must-Visit Locations

The Viator website can help you book tours to many Route 66 landmarks. But lots of the best spots are free!

Check out Cadillac Ranch in Texas – a row of spray-painted Cadillacs stuck in the ground. It’s totally free and super Instagram-worthy.

The Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma is another quirky free stop. This giant smiling whale sculpture makes for great pics.

Don’t miss the Santa Monica Pier in California, marking Route 66’s end. Rides and games cost money, but strolling the pier is free. It’s the perfect spot to celebrate finishing your epic road trip!

Experiencing Nostalgia on the Mother Road

Route 66 is a trip back in time, full of quirky attractions and retro charm. You’ll find yourself surrounded by the sights and sounds of a bygone era as you cruise this iconic highway.

Nostalgic Stops and Retro Experiences

Get ready for a blast from the past! Drive-in theaters dot the route, perfect for catching a flick under the stars. Pull up, tune your radio, and munch on popcorn just like folks did decades ago. Don’t miss the giant Muffler Men statues – these towering roadside oddities are pure Americana. Keep an eye out for vintage neon signs lighting up the night sky.

Route 66 Welcome Centers are great spots to grab maps and tips from friendly locals. The Litchfield Museum in Illinois is packed with Mother Road memorabilia. For a real treat, cross the mighty Mississippi on the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge. It’s now closed to cars but open for walking and biking.

Historic Service Stations and Americana

Old gas stations are like time capsules along Route 66. Ambler’s Texaco in Illinois operated for 66 years! Now restored, it’s a perfect photo op with its white awning and bright red pumps. You’ll spot lots of these retro filling stations, some still in business and others turned into shops or museums.

Look for classic diners with chrome counters and jukeboxes. Sip a malt or bite into a juicy burger in spots that haven’t changed much since the 1950s. Kitschy gift shops sell all kinds of Route 66 souvenirs. Pick up a map, t-shirt, or quirky roadside treasure to remember your trip.

Practical Travel Advice for Route 66 Adventurers

Planning your Route 66 road trip takes some careful thought. You’ll need to consider your vehicle, safety, and emergency preparations to make the most of your adventure.

Vehicle Advice and Considerations

Your choice of wheels can make or break your Route 66 experience. If you’re not using your own car, renting a vehicle is a good option. Look for a comfortable car with good gas mileage. SUVs offer more space but guzzle more fuel.

RV rentals are popular for longer trips. They give you a home on wheels, but watch out for high gas costs and tricky parking.

Make sure to get your vehicle checked before the trip. New tires, an oil change, and a tune-up can save you headaches down the road. Pack a spare tire and basic tools, just in case.

Safety and Emergency Preparations

Safety should be your top priority on Route 66. Pack a first-aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and any personal meds you need. Bring plenty of water – at least a gallon per person per day.

A paper map is a must. Cell service can be spotty in rural areas. Keep a car charger for your phone too.

Pack some snacks and a cooler. You might drive long stretches without seeing a store.

Let someone know your travel plans and check in regularly. Travel insurance is a smart idea for peace of mind.

Parts of Route 66 are remote. Gas up when you can, even if your tank is half full. With the right prep, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable journey.

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