Road Trip Route 66: 14 Days, $1,400, Unforgettable

Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles is the ultimate American road trip — 2,400 miles through 8 states, past neon motels, vintage diners, roadside Americana, and desert landscapes. You can do the full drive in 14 days for $1,400 per person (two travelers splitting costs). Here is the complete budget breakdown and itinerary.

The Route Overview

Start: Chicago, Illinois

End: Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles, California

Distance: 2,448 miles

Time: 14 days (allows for stops and detours)

States: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California

Budget Breakdown (Per Person, 2 Travelers)

| Category | Total (14 days) | Per Day |

|----------|----------------|---------|

| Car rental | $490 | $35 |

| Gas | $350 | $25 |

| Accommodation | $490 | $35 |

| Food | $420 | $30 |

| Attractions | $150 | $10–15 |

| Total | $1,900 | $135 |

Per person (splitting costs)**: **$950

Add a $400–$500 buffer for unexpected expenses (car trouble, spontaneous detours, souvenirs) → $1,400 total per person.

Car Rental Strategy

Book: 14-day one-way rental from Chicago (pick up) to Los Angeles (drop off).

Where to book: Kayak, Costco Travel, AutoSlash (comparison tools). Book 2–3 months ahead for best rates.

Expected cost: $600–$800 for 14 days one-way (mid-size sedan or SUV).

Insurance: Decline rental company insurance if your credit card offers rental car coverage (Chase Sapphire Reserve and many others do). Save $15–$20/day.

Fuel economy: Rent a fuel-efficient car (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla) to save on gas. Route 66 has long desert stretches.

Per person cost (splitting): $300–$400 for the rental.

Gas Budget: $700 Total ($350 Per Person)

Total miles: 2,448 miles

Average fuel economy: 30 MPG (with a mid-size sedan)

Total gallons needed: 82 gallons

Average gas price: $3.50/gallon (varies by state; cheaper in Texas/Oklahoma, higher in California)

Total gas cost: $287

Add buffer for detours and side trips: $700 total ($350 per person)

Accommodation: $35/Night Per Person

Strategy: Mix of budget motels, historic Route 66 motor lodges, and occasional camping.

Budget motels: Motel 6, Super 8, Days Inn ($60–$80/night, split = $30–$40 per person)

Historic Route 66 motels: Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcingo, NM), Wigwam Motel (Holbrook, AZ) — vintage neon motels from the 1940s–50s. Expect $80–$120/night.

Camping (optional): State parks and BLM land along Route 66 allow camping for $10–$20/night. Brings costs down but requires camping gear.

Recommended nightly budget: $70/night total ($35 per person)

14 nights: $980 total ($490 per person)

Food: $30/Day Per Person

Route 66 is lined with classic American diners, BBQ joints, and roadside cafes. Eat well without breaking the budget.

Breakfast: $8–10 at diners (Lou Mitchell's in Chicago, Egg & I in Flagstaff). Eggs, pancakes, coffee.

Lunch: $10–12 at roadside spots. Burgers, sandwiches, BBQ.

Dinner: $15–18 at local restaurants. Try regional specialties (St. Louis BBQ, Texas steaks, New Mexico green chile).

Snacks/drinks: $5. Gas station coffee, road trip snacks.

Daily total: $40–$45 → Budget $30/day by mixing in grocery store picnics and skipping expensive dinners occasionally.

14 days: $420 per person

Attractions & Activities: $150

Route 66 is full of free and cheap roadside attractions.

Free/Cheap highlights:

Paid attractions:

Total budget: $150 for mix of free and paid stops

14-Day Route 66 Itinerary

Day 1: Chicago, IL → Springfield, IL (200 miles, 3 hours)

Stops:

Accommodation: Budget motel ($70)

Day 2: Springfield, IL → St. Louis, MO (100 miles, 1.5 hours)

Stops:

Accommodation: Budget motel near downtown ($75)

Day 3: St. Louis, MO → Springfield, MO (215 miles, 3.5 hours)

Stops:

Accommodation: Budget motel ($70)

Day 4: Springfield, MO → Tulsa, OK (175 miles, 2.5 hours)

Stops:

Accommodation: Route 66 motel ($80)

Day 5: Tulsa, OK → Oklahoma City, OK (110 miles, 2 hours)

Stops:

Accommodation: Budget motel ($65)

Day 6: Oklahoma City → Amarillo, TX (260 miles, 4 hours)

Stops:

Accommodation: Route 66 motel ($75)

Day 7: Amarillo, TX → Santa Fe, NM (290 miles, 4.5 hours)

Stops:

Accommodation: Budget motel ($85)

Day 8: Santa Fe, NM (Rest Day)

Explore Santa Fe's art galleries, adobe architecture, and green chile cuisine.

Accommodation: Same motel ($85)

Day 9: Santa Fe → Albuquerque, NM (65 miles, 1 hour)

Stops:

Accommodation: Budget motel ($70)

Day 10: Albuquerque → Gallup, NM (140 miles, 2.5 hours)

Stops:

Accommodation: Historic Route 66 motel ($75)

Day 11: Gallup, NM → Holbrook, AZ (110 miles, 1.5 hours)

Stops:

Accommodation: Wigwam Motel ($120, split = $60/person)

Day 12: Holbrook → Flagstaff, AZ (95 miles, 1.5 hours)

Stops:

Accommodation: Budget motel ($75)

Day 13: Flagstaff (Grand Canyon Detour)

Detour: Drive 80 miles north to Grand Canyon South Rim ($35 National Parks entry). Spend the day hiking, viewing sunset. Return to Flagstaff.

Accommodation: Same motel ($75)

Day 14: Flagstaff → Santa Monica, CA (470 miles, 7 hours)

Stops:

Accommodation: None (end of trip) or stay in LA ($90)

Tips for Driving Route 66

Download offline maps: Cellular coverage is spotty in rural areas. Download Google Maps offline or use a Route 66 GPS app.

Gas up frequently: Desert stretches have long gaps between gas stations. Fill up when you see a station.

Bring a Route 66 guidebook: "EZ66 Guide for Travelers" by Jerry McClanahan is the best resource (available on Amazon, $20).

Don't rush: Route 66 is about the journey, not the destination. Stop at every weird roadside attraction.

Check road conditions: Some stretches of historic Route 66 are unpaved or closed. Plan alternate routes.

The Bottom Line

Route 66 in 14 days for $1,400/person is achievable with budget discipline and smart choices:

This is the ultimate American road trip — neon signs, vintage motels, endless highways, and the freedom of the open road.

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See our complete USA road trip guides for more routes and budget breakdowns.