How Long Does it Take to Drive Route 66?
Among the motorcycle routes, Route 66 is one of the most iconic journeys across America. If you've ever asked yourself, “How long does it take to drive Route 66?” you aren’t alone.
Many adventurers are curious about this iconic road trip. Here, we offer some tips to make your Route 66 experience unforgettable.
Whether you’re riding through Arizona’s sun-soaked deserts or enjoying Chicago’s city lights, having peace of mind is invaluable. Consider travel insurance, even if it’s last-minute, however, make sure you buy it before departing on your American adventure!
How Many Days Does it Take to do Route 66?
The answer to the question of how many days it takes to drive the length of Route 66 has no single answer. The length of Route 66 in total is 2,400 miles, spanning the entire width of the North American continent from Chicago to Los Angeles.
While it’s possible to drive between the two points in around 4 days if you use the interstate highways, you can make it a more leisurely trip if you prefer. Many people who have taken this famous journey say that you need to spend at least two weeks on the road, and even as long as a month if you want to see all the sights along the way.
Tips for Doing Route 66 on a Motorbike
The ideal way to explore Route 66 is on two wheels, but before you set off on your epic trip, you need to know a few important things to ensure your trip runs smoothly. Here are some Route 66 tips that you should know.
First, choose the right bike. A touring motorcycle may be ideal to handle challenging routes with a model that feels comfortable travelling at around 30-70 mph with plenty of low RPM torque.
Secondly, you need to go at the right time of year. May to October is the best window of opportunity to avoid freezing temperatures, dust storms, and torrential rain.
Thirdly, make sure that you plan your tour well in advance. The signs can be few and far between and it’s all too easy to get lost. Take along a good map of America as well as a GPS system and a specialist Route 66 guidebook.
Finally, make sure you see some of the most famous spots along the way. The Blue Swallow Motel, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Cadillac Ranch, Santa Monica Pier, and the Route 66 Drive-In Theater are just some of the iconic sights that you must take time out to visit during your tour.
There are several great places to eat and stay as you cross America on this famous route. Lou Mitchell’s, the first stop on Route 66, is an absolute must-visit for a meal before you set off on your journey, while you’ll never taste better ribs than those at Pappy’s Smokehouse in St Louis.
When it comes to places to spend the night, the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari is hard to beat for atmosphere, but there are a few other great spots to book a room for the night, including the Route 66-themed Motel in Afton and the authentic Boots Court in Carthage, which has been open since 1939.
Armed with these tips, you’ll be ready to start out on your Route 66 exploration. There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road, especially on a classic motorbike, and we know that you’re going to have an amazing time discovering the classic sights along the way as you cross America from coast to coast. There’s one thing for sure – it’s sure to be an amazing trip!
Whether you’re cruising through the deserts of Arizona or exploring the vibrant streets of Chicago on your Route 66 motorcycle tour, it’s always good to have that added peace of mind.
Don’t forget to consider travel insurance coverage, even if it’s last minute—just make sure you have it before you depart.