Route 66 Hits 100: Why This Is the Year to Finally Drive It

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-26

Route 66 is turning 100, and honestly, the timing couldn't be better. If you've ever dreamed about cruising America's most legendary highway, this centenary year hands you the perfect excuse. Classic-car parades, historic landmarks, and small-town festivities are lining up across the route — and travelers from Europe are already booking their trips. ### What the Centenary Actually Means Route 66 was officially established in 1926, stretching roughly 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. It became the main street of America — a lifeline for families moving west, a stage for roadside diners and neon motels, and later a cultural icon in music and film. For its 100th birthday, communities along the route are pulling out all the stops. Expect vintage car rallies, museum exhibits, restored gas stations reopening their doors, and street parties in towns that have kept the spirit alive for decades. ### Why Europeans Keep Coming Back There's something about Route 66 that resonates with European drivers. Back home, a road trip often means a few hours on a motorway and a stop at a service station. Out here, the drive itself is the destination. - Long, open stretches where the horizon feels endless - Diner coffee refills and pie that costs less than a coffee back home - Motels with hand-painted signs and owners who remember your name - Desert heat pushing past 100°F, then cool canyon evenings Many travelers fly into Chicago, rent a car, and take two to three weeks to reach the Pacific. Others do it in chunks, tackling a section each year. ### Planning Your Trip Without the Headache A few practical notes go a long way. Book your rental car early — centenary demand is high, especially for convertibles and classic models. Expect to drive around 200 to 300 miles a day if you want to finish in two weeks. Budget-wise, a mid-range motel runs about $80 to $120 a night, and gas will set you back roughly $300 to $450 for the full route depending on your car. Add food, attractions, and the occasional splurge, and most travelers land somewhere between $2,500 and $4,000 for the journey itself. > "People think they're coming for the scenery," one longtime motel owner in New Mexico once said. "They leave remembering the conversations." That's the thing about Route 66. The landmarks matter, but the people along the way are what stick with you. ### The Best Time to Go Spring and early fall are the sweet spots. Summer heat in the desert can hit 110°F, which is rough on both drivers and engines. If you're aiming for centenary events specifically, check local schedules — many towns are spacing celebrations across the whole year rather than one big weekend. ### Don't Overthink It You don't need a classic car. You don't need a perfect itinerary. A reliable rental, a paper map as backup, and a willingness to stop when something looks interesting will get you further than any spreadsheet. The highway turns 100 this year. If you've been waiting for a sign, this is it.