Everything you need to know — and what I wish I knew before we started
Why Renting a Car Isn’t Just a Detail — It’s the Heart of the Journey
Driving Route 66 isn’t like taking a flight or riding a train. It’s not about getting from point A to point B. It’s about the road itself — the open landscapes, the freedom to stop wherever your heart tells you to, the quirky signs and neon lights, the conversations with locals in places that don’t even show up on Google Maps. And for that, you need the right car — and the right plan.
Can Foreign Travelers Rent a Car in the U.S.?
Yes! If you're visiting from the UK, Europe, or elsewhere, you absolutely can rent a car in the United States. Most rental companies accept foreign drivers as long as:
- You’re at least 21 years old (sometimes 25 depending on the company)
- You have a valid driver’s license from your country
- You have a credit card (not all accept debit)
- Some companies might ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) — better to have one just in case
So yes, UK drivers can rent a car in the US, and you won’t need a US license.
How to Rent a Car for Route 66: Start with the Right Direction
Here's something we didn’t know at first: Renting a car from Chicago to Los Angeles usually costs more than doing it the other way around. Why? Because most travelers drive westbound, from Chicago to Santa Monica — meaning rental companies often end up with too many cars in LA and not enough in Chicago.
➡️ So, if you're traveling from west to east, you’re actually helping them move cars back — and that can sometimes mean a lower rental price.
Watch Out for the 30-Day Rule (Our Real Experience 🛣️)
Our trip along Route 66 lasted about a month and a half, and we kept the same car the entire time. But here’s something we learned the hard way: Many rental companies operate with 30-day contracts. That means:
- Around day 30, you may receive a new rental agreement via email, covering the remaining days.
- This can result in a second payment, even though you've already paid in full upfront.
- It looks like you’ve been double-charged — and that’s stressful.
We were genuinely alarmed when we saw a second charge appear for the final stretch of the trip. But after speaking with the agency, they reassured us: it was standard procedure, and the duplicate amount would be refunded automatically after a few days. And yes — they did refund it.
💡 Our advice:
- Read your rental terms carefully
- Stay in touch with your agency
- Don’t panic if you see a second charge around day 30 — just follow up to make sure everything’s in order
What’s the Best Car for Route 66?
There’s no universal answer, but here’s what to consider:
- Compact cars: great for saving money on fuel and parking, but might feel cramped on longer drives
- SUVs: more space, better comfort, good for couples or families
- Pick-up trucks: great for that Americana vibe — but less practical for luggage
- Convertibles: iconic and fun, especially through the deserts — but beware of sun exposure and limited space
👉 We chose a Toyota RAV4 — a compact SUV that offered comfort for long stretches and solid fuel economy.
What We Chose — And What We Learned Behind the Wheel
Sure, it would be amazing to drive Route 66 in a vintage Cadillac — maybe even a convertible one. But let’s be honest: it’s not the most budget-friendly option. Still, if you do it (or already have), send me a photo! I’d love to see you and hear your story. 😉
We rented a Toyota RAV4 4x4, but to be honest, we never really needed the four-wheel drive — not even when we drove through some forgotten, bumpy sections of the Route or wandered a bit off-road into the desert.
One thing I do strongly recommend: make sure the air conditioning works perfectly. The desert is beautiful, yes — but it doesn’t play around. 🥵
As for size, it really depends on what you’re used to. Pick something that’s comfortable for you to drive for hours every day. After all, you’ve got the entire Route 66 ahead of you. 🛣️
Which Rental Companies Are Reliable?
We rented our car through Avis, and everything went smoothly — especially when we had to clarify billing near the end of the trip. If you choose a reputable company, you’re on the safe side.
Here are some well-known rental agencies that travelers often use for Route 66:
- Avis
- Hertz
- Enterprise
- Alamo
- National
- Budget
Just make sure they allow one-way rentals between your start and end cities.
Final Tips Before You Hit the Road
- Check if your rental includes unlimited miles — some don’t!
- Always inspect the car and take photos before you leave the lot
- Ask for roadside assistance coverage, just in case
- If traveling for over 30 days, monitor your bank account for duplicate payments
- And above all: enjoy the freedom of the open road
Renting a Car Isn’t Just a Practical Step — It’s the First Page of Your Story
When we picked up our car, we had no idea how many moments, views, sunsets, and songs would happen between that ignition key turning and the final stop in Santa Monica. Your car won’t just get you across the country. It will carry your journey.
So choose it well, treat it kindly, and let the road show you the rest.
