Which direction should I drive Route 66?
East to west is traditional. The trade-offs of each direction, and why season matters more.
East to west, from Chicago toward the Pacific, is the traditional direction and how most guidebooks and route signs are oriented. West to east works just as well with a little more attention to navigation.
East to west
- Follows the historic migration story of the road
- Ends at the ocean, which many drivers find satisfying
- Most turn-by-turn notes are written this way
West to east
- Can suit flights or rental returns better
- Gets the desert done before peak heat if you start early in the day
- Means reading directions in reverse, so plan carefully
Other factors
Season matters more than direction. Summer in the Mojave is extreme. Winter can bring snow and ice in the higher parts of New Mexico and Arizona. Spring and autumn are popular for a reason.
Once you’ve chosen, read how many days to allow and the segment guide.