Ultimate Route 66
Motorcycle Adventure
Resource Centre
Everything you need to plan, prepare and ride the Mother Road. From Chicago to Santa Monica — 2,448 miles of American highway history.
Route 66 is one of the greatest motorcycle journeys on earth. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, the Mother Road passes through eight states, dozens of iconic towns and 2,400 miles of American history. But a trip this significant deserves serious preparation.
This resource centre brings together everything a motorcycle rider needs to plan a successful Route 66 adventure. Whether you are riding your own bike, hiring locally, or joining a guided tour — you will find practical guidance on preparation, packing, hotels, navigation, equipment selection and day-to-day riding strategy.
Each category below links to a dedicated guide. Use them individually as reference points during your planning, or work through them in order for a complete pre-departure briefing.
Route 66 Rider Toolkit
Interactive planner, fuel calculator, packing calculator, downloadable checklists, ride difficulty guide, sunrise & sunset planner, photography locations and motorcycle-friendly stops — all in one place.
Complete Route 66 Guide Library
Route 66 Planning Guide
End-to-end planning from Chicago to Santa Monica. Best direction to ride, time of year, permits and essential preparation tips.
Route 66 Packing List
Complete packing checklist for a multi-week motorcycle trip across the USA. Tick off items, save progress, export to PDF.
Route 66 Hotels Guide
Curated accommodation options along the Mother Road — motels, roadside classics and modern stays with secure parking.
Route 66 Motorcycle Gear Guide
Gear recommendations specifically for the Route 66 climate — desert heat, plains wind and evening cold all require different kit.
Route 66 Navigation & Apps
GPS apps, offline maps, and navigation tips for riding the Mother Road without data roaming costs.
Route 66 Budget Calculator
Realistic cost breakdown for a Route 66 motorcycle trip — fuel, accommodation, food, bike hire and insurance.
Route 66 Daily Itinerary
16-day day-by-day itinerary with mileage targets, overnight towns and key stops along the historic highway.
Route 66 Photo Gallery
Iconic Route 66 photo stops — from the Cadillac Ranch to the Wigwam Motel. Must-capture moments on the Mother Road.
Route 66 Rider Tips
Practical tips from riders who've completed the full route — fuel strategy, seasonal advice and what to expect.
Route 66 Updates & Rider Resources
Join The Road Ahead and receive Route 66 updates, travel tips and rider resources. New guides, packing advice, seasonal alerts and reader trip reports — delivered to your inbox.
Request NC500 tips and touring updates. Guide delivery is not currently confirmed; you can request touring updates.
Route 66 Rider FAQ
How long does it take to ride Route 66 by motorcycle?
Most riders allow 16 to 21 days to ride Route 66 comfortably from Chicago to Santa Monica — covering approximately 2,448 miles. Rushing it in under 12 days is possible but you will miss most of what makes the route special.
What is the best time of year to ride Route 66?
May, September and October offer the best combination of weather, road conditions and manageable tourist traffic. Summer (June to August) is hot — particularly in Arizona and New Mexico — with temperatures regularly exceeding 38C (100F).
Do I need a special licence to ride Route 66?
UK licence holders can legally ride motorcycles in the USA on a full UK motorcycle licence for visits up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended and available from the Post Office.
What motorcycle is best for Route 66?
Cruisers and touring bikes are the natural fit — Harley-Davidson, Indian, and large-capacity Japanese tourers all work well. Adventure bikes are increasingly popular for the flexibility they offer on rougher sections of the original alignment.
How much does a Route 66 motorcycle trip cost?
Budget approximately $150 to $250 per day for accommodation, fuel, food and activities — excluding the cost of flights and motorcycle hire. A fully inclusive guided tour typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 depending on duration and standard.
Plan Your Route 66 Adventure
Start with our full 16-day tour guide — covering every major stop, overnight town and must-ride section of the Mother Road.