How Long Does it Take to Drive Route 66?
1st May, 2020
Among the motorcycle routes, Route 66 is one of the most iconic journeys across America. If you’re looking for the answer to the question, “How long does it take to drive Route 66?” you aren’t alone. In fact, it’s a common question posed by those who are keen to undertake this amazing adventure. Here, we take a closer look at some tips for driving Route 66 to make your trip even better.
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
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 definitely know.
First, choose the right bike. A touring motorcycle may be ideal to handle the challenging routes with a model that feels comfortable traveling 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 to 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!
No matter where you are on your motorcyle tour of Route 66: whether you’re sunning it up in Arizona, or seeing the city lights in Chicago, it’s better to know you’re covered. Click here to get a travel insurance quote online.