How many days do I need to drive Route 66?
Around two weeks suits many drivers for the full route. Planning bands for fast, comfortable and relaxed trips.
Many drivers plan around two weeks for the full route from Chicago to Santa Monica. You can do it faster, but the old road is slow by design: town main streets, curves and frequent stops eat time.
Why it takes longer than the interstate
The original highway runs through towns rather than around them. Speed limits drop, stretches wind, and you’ll hop between alignments. Daily distances that look easy on a map often take longer on the ground.
Rough planning bands
- Fast: about ten days, with long days and few detours.
- Comfortable: around two weeks, with time for short side trips.
- Relaxed: three weeks or more, with rest days and both New Mexico alignments.
If you’re short on time
Drive one or two states properly instead of rushing the whole route. Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona each make a satisfying shorter trip.
Our leg planning method helps set realistic daily mileage. Segment notes are on the route by state page.