One of the question I needed to find an answer to while organizing my Route66 travel, is "How long does it take to drive Route 66?". How many days off do I need to take from my work?
I came to an end that answer is not that straightforward, as it depends on many factors, including your driving speed, the number and length of stops, and the time of year.
In this article I want to share with you all what I've found that helped me to better understand how many days does it take to drive Route 66.
How long does it take to drive Route 66?
Driving the 2,278-mile section of Route 66 normally takes roughly two weeks, taking into account breaks and visits to cities along the way.
However, for a more in-depth investigation of the destinations visited, I suggest scheduling up a month to thoroughly immerse you in the places you are driving through.
"It takes from 9 to 15 days to drive the Route 66, but I suggest to stay for at least one month."
Alternatively, if your goal is to traverse the route swiftly without stopping for sightseeing, you can complete the drive in as short as eight days by driving every day and not stopping for local attractions.
Taking into consideration that the road network in the United States is extremely comfortable (especially on Interstate roads), it is possible to drive between 200 and 300 miles in a day on seven hour stints (excluding breaks and driver changes - ideally every two hours).
If you then do: 2,278 miles / 250 miles a day (as an average) equals to 9 days.
This is doable when travelling at a consistent pace.
Even on side streets, you won't find yourself navigating a series of hairpin turns very often, and the road itself is usually quite wide.
In addition to that, you can safely pass other vehicles at predetermined intervals.
How many hours does it take to drive Route 66?
If you're wondering how many actual driving hours are involved in completing the Route 66 journey, here's a quick breakdown. The total distance is roughly 2,278 miles, and if you drive at an average speed of 55 to 65 miles per hour, the total driving time would be between 35 and 45 hours.
However, this is just the raw driving time—without counting fuel stops, meals, bathroom breaks, sightseeing, or detours.
To give you a practical example:
- If you drive about 250 miles a day, which is a reasonable pace for a road trip with a few daily stops, you'll spend roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours behind the wheel each day.
- If you drive longer distances to complete the route faster, say 300+ miles per day, expect 6–7 hours of driving daily, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Keep in mind that Route 66 is not just about getting from point A to point B. The magic lies in the stops, the stories, the landscapes, and the people you meet along the way.
So yes—you could technically drive Route 66 in under 40 hours. But why rush through a journey that’s meant to be experienced, not just completed?
How many days an Hours do you need? It depends on your pace
To give you a clearer idea of how long it might take to drive Route 66, here’s a breakdown based on driving time per day.
Let’s assume:
- The modern Route 66 itinerary covers about 2,278 miles
- The average driving speed is around 55 mph
- This means the total driving time is approximately 41–42 hours
By dividing this total driving time by the number of hours you plan to drive each day, you can estimate how many days you'll need to complete the journey.
Here’s a helpful table:
Days needed to drive Route 66 based on your daily pace
| Style of Travel | Daily Driving Hours | Estimated Days | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast-paced | 6–8 h/day | 5–7 days | Very tight schedule, minimal stops, few detours. Only for those in a real rush. |
| Efficient | 4–6 h/day | 7–10 days | A good balance if you want to see a few highlights without spending too much time. |
| Recommended | 3–5 h/day | 10–15 days | Ideal for enjoying the road and its landmarks at a comfortable pace. |
| Relaxed | 2–4 h/day | 15–20 days | Great for deeper exploration, small towns, and a flexible itinerary. |
| Super Relaxed | 1–3 h/day | 20–30+ days | For slow travelers who want to take it all in—no rush, no stress, just pure Route 66 magic. |
⚠️ This table is just an estimate, but it should help you visualize what kind of Route 66 experience you want to have.
⭐ Ask yourself: are you going to race across America, or are you going to live Route 66? The beauty of Route 66 is that it’s not just about distance or speed—it’s about the journey. Take your time, follow your curiosity, and let the road surprise you.
What influences how long does it take to drive Route 66?
Length of Route 66
The length of Route 66 is undoubtedly one of the factors that impact how long it takes to drive it.
The Route 66 highway runs 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.
Some stretches of the original Route 66 are not anymore accessible today due to evolution and modifications over the years. As a result, the total distance travelled on Route 66's remaining and accessible sections, taken together with contemporary roadways that connect them, is now roughly 2,278 miles.
Time of the year and weather
The time of year and the climate along the route are two of the most important aspects that need to be taken into account when thinking how long does it take to drive the Route 66.
The summer months are by far the most popular time for people to take road trips, and for good reason: not only does the weather tend to be more agreeable, but there are also a plethora of opportunities for outdoor recreation along the way.
However, if you are thinking of going for a drive during the winter, remember that the weather at this time of year may be pretty unpredictable. Due to the fact that Chicago and Illinois have some of the harshest winters in the United States, you should be prepared for a significant amount of snow and ice roadways.
The unexpected
As you go out on your adventure, you should be ready for anything that comes your way. If you are going to be driving your own vehicle, it is strongly recommended that you have the appropriate tools with you, as well as guarantee that you have the essential knowledge and insurance coverage in the event that your vehicle breaks down in the middle of rural New Mexico or in any other remote place.
If you are going to hire a car, you should become familiar with the protocols that should be followed in the event that you get a flat tyre or require the aid of a mechanic.
