Planning your dream Route 66 road trip but feeling overwhelmed by where to start? You’re not alone. Whether you’re figuring out which direction to drive, how to stay on the historic route (spoiler: it’s not always signed!), or simply want to soak in all the retro charm and roadside Americana—having the right resources can make or break your adventure.
I personally used all the tools in this post while planning and driving Route 66 myself. They helped me stay on course, discover hidden gems, and truly enjoy the journey. So from one road-tripper to another—here are the Route 66 resources you actually need.
Quick Answer: Start with the EZ66 Guide for directions, the Route 66 Navigation App for real-time help, and get inspired by @SillyAmerica on Instagram. Here’s everything else you’ll want, broken down by category.
Best Route 66 Planning Resources
Moon Route 66 Road Trip (Guidebook)
This book is a perfect introduction for first-time travelers. It features turn-by-turn itineraries, local tips, and suggested stops along the route from Chicago to Santa Monica. It also includes detailed maps, suggested timelines, and hidden gem attractions that aren’t listed in more general travel guides. Whether you’re doing the entire route or just a section, this in-depth guide helps you create a custom plan based on your interests.
Start planning your road trip with the Moon Route 66 Travel Guide.
Facebook Group: Historic Route 66
If you’re looking for advice from seasoned travelers, up-to-the-minute insights, and that sense of community, join the “Historic Route 66” group. I asked several questions here during my planning and always got helpful, quick responses. It’s also an incredible place to find answers to specific route closures, updated business hours for roadside diners (many Route 66 business owners are in the group), and personal recommendations you won’t find in guidebooks.
Route66RoadMap.com
This website is a treasure trove for travelers—think downloadable guides, travel blogs, curated lists like “66 Things to Do on Route 66,” and even updated attraction news. Perfect for building your itinerary. What I loved most was how the site breaks down top spots by state, helping you navigate what can be an overwhelming number of stops into manageable daily routes.
Route US 66 Quick Access Map
Before you get into the weeds of your trip, this overview map helps you visualize the route and major stops. It’s great for early planning and marking must-see spots. Laminated and easy to fold, it’s an ideal tool to keep in your glove box for quick consultation during your journey.
Best Route 66 Navigation Tools
EZ66 Guide for Travelers (5th Edition)
This is the essential Route 66 guidebook. It includes extremely detailed maps and turn-by-turn instructions for the entire route—including original alignments and local tips. Each page is packed with commentary, quirky roadside history, and mileage between stops. I used the EZ66 Guide each night to review what would be coming up on my route the following day. When reviewing at home, it will seem confusing and overwhelming. But once you’re out on the road, it will all make sense and become your best friend. Perfect if you’re traveling with a navigator!
Get the best Route 66 guidebook, EZ66 GUIDE For Travelers by Jerry McClanahan.
Route 66 Navigation App (aka The Yellow App)
This GPS app was a lifesaver on the road. Designed specifically for Route 66, it gives turn-by-turn directions and highlights attractions along the way. It also works offline, which is crucial in remote areas. I used it to track where old alignments veered off the interstate, discover nearby restaurants, and estimate daily drive time. Whether you’re beginning in Chicago or Santa Monica, Navigation 66 provides both eastbound & westbound directions. As a solo traveler, the app was vital for me staying on course. It would have been impossible to drive and consult a guidebook while trying to focus on the road.
Keep in mind, to unlock full turn-by-turn GPS features, it does cost $40 for an annual subscription. But it’s more than worth the price to guarantee a worry-free Route 66 adventure.
AAA Route 66 Map
If you’re a AAA member, request this free fold-out map. It’s a helpful addition to your glove compartment and adds another layer of backup if GPS fails. It’s also useful for high-level routing when you want to estimate how long to spend in each section or identify scenic detours.
Route 66 Inspiration
Instagram: @SillyAmerica + @Route66Official
These accounts are brimming with roadside diners, neon signs, retro motels, and quirky stops—everything that makes Route 66 iconic. I saved dozens of posts from both @SillyAmerica and @Route66Official when planning my own stops. These visuals help you see what you can expect and get excited about capturing your own memories along the way.
Route66RoadMap.com Blogs + Photos
The site also includes Route 66 road trip articles and inspiration for things like the most Instagrammable spots, giving you a taste of the sights, feelings, and stories you’ll experience on the road. It’s one thing to read about the Uranus Fudge Factory, but it’s another to see a real traveler’s photo and commentary about what made the stop worth it.
Facebook Groups (Again!)
Beyond planning, these groups are great for staying inspired. Seeing other people’s real-time road trip photos and stories helped keep my excitement high while waiting for departure day. Join a few different groups and you’ll find that scrolling through other travelers’ stories will spark new ideas, help build a better itinerary, and get you even more excited for your own Route 66 adventure.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Route 66 Trip with Confidence
Planning Route 66 doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a few trusted books, one solid app, and some inspiring social feeds, you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence and clarity. I found that planning was part of the fun—getting to dream about which vintage motels to stay in or which state had the best food choices.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or taking the whole family, Route 66 is the kind of trip that becomes part of your story forever. Don’t stress about having every detail figured out—these resources give you the flexibility to explore and adjust as you go.
Route 66 Resources: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to drive Route 66?
The best time to drive Route 66 is anytime between May and October. While the summer months are typically the most popular time for a Route 66 road trip, they are also the busiest and most crowded. Traveling the Mother Road at the start or the end of the season is much more ideal. It’s important to note that in June, July and August, it will be very hot and humid in many locations and hotels will be much more expensive than at other times.
Driving Route 66 during the winter months is not recommended, as the weather will be unpredictable with the possibility of freezing temperatures and road closures. Many of the roadside attractions, restaurants and vintage motels are also closed during this time.
I drove Route 66 during the first half of September 2025, which was a great time – not only did the roads have less traffic, but the weather was also very comfortable. All attractions that I wanted to visit were open – and not very crowded – making the whole trip very enjoyable.
How long does it take to drive Route 66?
Most travelers spend 2–3 weeks driving the full route from Chicago to Santa Monica, but you can customize your timeline. Some people stretch it out over a month, while others do select sections in long weekends. I drove the complete route in 13 days and felt a bit rushed. Even five extra days would have allowed time to slow down and further enjoy the many attractions.
What’s the best Route 66 guidebook for beginners?
The EZ66 Guide for Travelers is easily the most trusted guidebook. It includes updated maps, detour info, and tips for every state.
Is there a GPS app made specifically for Route 66?
Yes. The Route 66 Navigation App (aka Yellow App) offers offline access and turn-by-turn instructions for the full route.
Do I need a paper map for Route 66?
Yes, it would be wise to have one. Cell service isn’t always reliable. The Route US 66 Quick Access Map or AAA Route 66 Map is great for backup.
Where can I get real-time advice about Route 66?
Facebook Groups like “Historic Route 66” offer helpful advice and quick answers from real travelers.
Where can I find Route 66 travel inspiration?
Search for Route 66 themed Instagram accounts, but specifically follow @SillyAmerica and @Route66Official. You’ll find tons of ideas for photo ops and must-see stops.
Is Route 66 still drivable today?
Yes! While some parts have been replaced by interstates, many segments of Historic Route 66 are still open and driveable. Good guidebooks and apps help you stay on the historic alignments.
