Route 66 by State
What the old road looks like in each of the eight Route 66 states, from Illinois to California, with navigation notes.
Route 66 crosses eight states. Each has its own mix of drivable original road, later realignments and stretches lost to the interstate. Here’s what to expect in each.
Illinois
The route starts in downtown Chicago and heads southwest through farm towns. Expect several parallel alignments, frontage roads beside the interstate and some short brick-paved sections. Navigation is busy here, so plan the city exit carefully.
Missouri
After the Mississippi crossing at St. Louis, the road rolls through the Ozarks. Much of it follows outer roads beside the interstate. Curves and small towns slow the pace, which is part of the appeal.
Kansas
Only a short corner of the state, but well marked and easy to drive in an hour or two.
Oklahoma
One of the longest and most continuous runs of old road. Original pavement survives in places. Tulsa and Oklahoma City each have city alignments worth planning in advance.
Texas
A straight run across the panhandle, through Amarillo and past the midpoint of the route. Much of it parallels the interstate on service roads.
New Mexico
Here you choose: the older loop north through Santa Fe, or the later, more direct line through Albuquerque. Both are drivable. The northern loop adds time and scenery.
Arizona
Long open desert, then one of the longest continuous stretches of old road in the west. The mountain grade near Oatman is narrow and steep with tight switchbacks. Not ideal for large RVs or trailers.
California
The Mojave crossing is remote, hot in summer and short on services. Carry water and fuel up before long gaps. The route then threads through the suburbs of the Los Angeles basin to the coast.
General navigation
- Carry a paper map or printed turn notes as backup
- Download offline maps before remote stretches
- Confirm closures with state transportation sources
- See GPS tips for the old road