Planning a trip down the iconic Route 66? One of the first questions that comes to mind is, How Much Would It Cost To Travel Route 66? The answer, like the open road itself, can vary greatly depending on your travel style and preferences. Driving the entire 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles can be a significant expense, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. This guide will help you estimate your Route 66 costs, offering tips on how to save money and create a budget that suits your needs.
Historic Route 66 sign at the beginning of the Oatman Highway in Arizona, marking the start of an adventurous road trip.
Route 66 Budget Estimates: Quick Overview
Here’s a quick rundown of potential daily budgets, not including flights or car rental:
- Ultra Budget: $50-$100/day
- Budget: $100-$150/day
- Mid-Range: $150-$225/day
- Luxury: $225+/day
These are just estimates, and the actual amount will depend on factors like accommodation choices, dining habits, and activities. Let’s break down the major cost components to help you plan your Route 66 adventure.
Route 66 Budget: Key Expense Categories
When budgeting for your Route 66 trip, consider these categories:
Flights
The cost of flights to Chicago (start) and from Los Angeles (end) will depend heavily on your origin and time of year. Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner to find the best deals, and book directly with the airline for added security. Since flight costs are highly variable, we won’t include them in the overall Route 66 budget calculations.
Car Rental vs. Driving Your Own Car
Renting a car is a major expense, especially if you’re doing a one-way trip. RentalCars.com is a great resource for finding deals.
Keep in mind potential hidden costs:
- Young Driver Fee: If you’re under 25, expect to pay an additional daily fee.
- One-Way Drop-Off Fee: This can range from a few dollars to several hundred, depending on the rental company and time of year.
As of today, a one-way car rental between Chicago and L.A. for eight days starts around $623. For a 14-day trip, expect to pay around $1,404.
Alternatively, driving your own car can save on rental fees, but factor in potential repairs and increased wear and tear. One traveler spent $750 on a pre-trip car repair and an additional $118 on an oil change after their Route 66 journey. Weigh the pros and cons carefully.
A car overlooking the Grand Canyon at sunset, symbolizing the freedom and potential challenges of driving your own vehicle on Route 66.
Gas
Gas is an unavoidable expense. The price will fluctuate based on the car’s fuel efficiency and current gas prices. Hybrid cars are a good option. Electric cars are not recommended due to limited charging stations along Route 66.
Accommodation
Accommodation is another major expense, but it’s also an opportunity to experience the unique charm of Route 66 motels.
Booking Accommodation: Booking.com and Hotels.com are popular choices for finding deals. These platforms also offer rewards programs for frequent travelers.
Hotel Costs: Expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $250+ per night, depending on the level of comfort and amenities. The average is around $100 per night.
Booking Ahead: Booking ahead is advisable during peak season (summer and early fall), especially if you have specific motels in mind, such as the Wigwam Motel or the Blue Swallow Motel. During the off-season (winter), you may have more flexibility to book last-minute deals.
Food
Food costs can vary significantly. Packing your own food and snacks can save a lot of money. One traveler spent only $100 on groceries for a week-long trip by preparing their own meals.
Eating out at roadside diners and restaurants can add $25-$35/day to your budget. Many hotels offer free breakfast, which is a great way to save money.
A breakfast scene with rice chex, almond milk, and a banana, highlighting the cost-effective strategy of packing and preparing your own food on Route 66.
Other Expenses
Other expenses to consider include:
- Souvenirs and gifts
- Activities and entrance fees (Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle)
- Tolls
Taxes and Tips
Remember to factor in taxes, which are added to the listed price of most goods and services in the U.S. Also, tipping is customary at restaurants (15-20%).
Route 66 shields at Hackberry General Store in Arizona, showcasing the iconic imagery and souvenir opportunities along the historic route.
Ways to Save Money on Route 66
- Travel Faster: Reduce hotel costs by shortening the trip.
- Travel with Others: Split gas and accommodation costs with travel companions.
- Drive Your Own Car: If feasible, avoid rental car fees.
- Travel in Winter: Off-season travel can lead to lower prices on accommodation and gas.
- Pack Your Own Food: Save money by preparing meals and snacks in advance.
- Camp or Sleep in Your Car: For the truly budget-conscious, camping or sleeping in your car can significantly reduce costs (check local regulations).
- Relocate: Consider driving Route 66 as part of a larger relocation, potentially receiving a relocation stipend from your employer.
A Real-Life Route 66 Budget: A Detailed Breakdown
One traveler documented their Route 66 expenses, aiming to stay under $100/day. Here’s a summary of their daily spending:
- Day 1 (Chicago, IL – Springfield, IL): $107.87
- Day 2 (Springfield, IL – Tulsa, OK): $174.18
- Day 3 (Tulsa, OK – Amarillo, TX): $125.63
- Day 4 (Amarillo, TX – Santa Fe, NM): $198.38
- Day 5 (Santa Fe, NM – Williams, AZ): $100.22
- Day 6 (Williams, AZ – Grand Canyon – Williams, AZ): $85.29
- Day 7 (Williams, AZ – Barstow, CA): $129.15
Total Spent: $920.72
Adding in $100 for groceries and $750 for a pre-trip car repair, the total cost was $1,770.72. Traveling with a companion and splitting costs would have significantly reduced the overall expense.
Here’s a breakdown of the traveler’s expenses by category:
- Gas: $286.64
- Accommodation: $414.23
- Food: $86 (excluding packed food)
- Souvenirs and Activities: $119.66
- Tolls: $11.10
- Miscellaneous: $3.09
Pie chart visualizing a Route 66 budget breakdown, showing the proportions spent on gas, accommodation, food, souvenirs/activities, tolls, and miscellaneous expenses.
Create Your Own Route 66 Budget
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with traveling Route 66. By carefully considering each expense category and applying money-saving strategies, you can create a budget that allows you to experience the magic of the Mother Road without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a budget traveler or looking to splurge on luxury experiences, Route 66 has something to offer everyone. Remember that the ultimate cost of your Route 66 trip depends entirely on your personal preferences and priorities.
