Route 66 Centennial 2026
Celebrate 100 years of America's most iconic highway. Book flights and hotels from Chicago to Santa Monica. Pay with crypto or split into 4 interest-free installments.
Where
The Route: Chicago to Santa Monica
2,448 miles of history, culture, and unforgettable roadside attractions
Chicago, IL
StartBegin at the iconic "Route 66 Begin" sign on Adams Street in the heart of downtown
Springfield, IL
StopVisit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the Cozy Dog Drive In, birthplace of the corn dog
St. Louis, MO
StopDrive across the Chain of Rocks Bridge and see the Gateway Arch towering over the Mississippi
Tulsa, OK
StopExplore the Tulsa Art Deco district and stop at the Blue Whale of Catoosa roadside attraction
Oklahoma City, OK
StopTour the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and catch a show in the Bricktown entertainment district
Amarillo, TX
StopPhotograph the legendary Cadillac Ranch and tackle the Big Texan 72-oz steak challenge
Santa Fe, NM
StopDetour to the oldest capital city in the US for Native American art and adobe architecture
Albuquerque, NM
StopWalk Central Avenue through Nob Hill and Old Town, the longest urban stretch of Route 66
Flagstaff, AZ
StopGateway to the Grand Canyon with classic neon-lit motels along the historic downtown strip
Santa Monica, CA
EndReach the "End of the Trail" sign on the Santa Monica Pier overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Plan Your Route 66 Road Trip
Fly into Chicago or Los Angeles and book hotels along the way
Book Flights
Fly into Chicago (ORD/MDW) to start east-to-west, or Los Angeles (LAX) to drive west-to-east. Compare 750+ airlines and pay with crypto.
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Why 2026 Is the Year to Drive Route 66
A once-in-a-lifetime milestone for America's most storied highway
100 Years of History
Established on November 11, 1926, Route 66 connected Chicago to Los Angeles and became the main artery for westward migration during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression.
8 States, Endless Stories
The route passes through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, each with its own unique culture, cuisine, and roadside treasures.
Centennial Events All Year
From spring car rallies to summer music festivals and the official anniversary celebration on November 11, 2026, communities along the entire route are hosting centennial events throughout the year.
Renewed Preservation Efforts
The centennial has sparked renewed investment in Route 66 preservation. Historic motels, diners, gas stations, and neon signs are being restored, making 2026 the best time to experience the Mother Road in decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Route 66 centennial in 2026?
Route 66 was established on November 11, 1926, making 2026 its 100th anniversary. Celebrations and events are planned along the entire 2,448-mile route from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. It is one of the most anticipated road trip milestones in American history.
Can I book Route 66 hotels with cryptocurrency?
Yes! Travorio lets you book hotels in every major city along Route 66 using Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and 100+ other cryptocurrencies. Search for hotels in Chicago, St. Louis, Tulsa, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Santa Monica, and everywhere in between.
Can I pay for my Route 66 trip in installments?
Absolutely! Use Sezzle Pay in 4 to split your flights and hotels into 4 interest-free installments. Pay 25% today and the rest over 6 weeks. This makes it easy to budget for a multi-stop road trip along the Mother Road.
How long does it take to drive Route 66?
The full Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica covers approximately 2,448 miles. Most travelers take 2 to 3 weeks to complete the drive, allowing time to explore attractions, towns, and national parks along the way. You can also do shorter sections in a long weekend.
What are the best cities to fly into for a Route 66 road trip?
The two main gateway airports are Chicago O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) for an eastbound-to-westbound trip, and Los Angeles International (LAX) for a westbound-to-eastbound trip. Book flights on Travorio and pay with crypto or split into 4 interest-free payments with Sezzle.
What Route 66 centennial events are happening in 2026?
Throughout 2026, cities along Route 66 are hosting centennial festivals, car shows, live music events, museum exhibitions, and community celebrations. Key dates include the official anniversary on November 11, 2026, with major events in Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Santa Monica.
Hit the Road for Route 66's 100th Birthday
2,448 miles, 8 states, 100 years of history. Book your flights and hotels now and pay with crypto or in 4 easy installments.