Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 with the Ultimate U.S. Road Trip

In 2026, one of the world’s most famous highways will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Route 66 — immortalised in novels, films, and songs, and dubbed the “Mother Road” by John Steinbeck — stretches some 2,400 miles across eight U.S. states, connecting Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.

For travellers with dreams of hitting the open road, there’s never been a better moment to plan this iconic journey.

The enduring magic of Route 66

Since its establishment in 1926, Route 66 has been more than just tarmac and road signs. It’s a symbol of freedom, resilience, and Americana. The highway carried migrants west during the Great Depression, inspired classic diners and neon signs, and later became a pilgrimage route for international travellers seeking a taste of America’s golden age of motoring.

Even though large portions were bypassed by faster interstates, the spirit of Route 66 lives on through roadside attractions, restored towns, museums, and wide-open desert landscapes that still feel like stepping back in time.

Why 2026 is the year to go

According to new research from CamperDays UK, almost a third of British motorists (31%) say driving through the USA remains their dream road trip. With the centenary celebrations on the horizon, 2026 will be a milestone year filled with events, commemorations, and global attention — making it the perfect time to tick this adventure off your bucket list.

Max Schmidt, Head of CamperDays, explains:

“There is truly no better time to experience this road, and the vast variety of checkpoints and attractions along the way — from Cadillac Ranch and the Milk Bottle Grocery to the Route 66 Museum and the Mojave National Preserve — mean there is something for everyone to enjoy. Using a campervan to traverse the route means you get to follow your own itinerary, camping out under the stars at the countless beautiful stops to choose from.”

What you’ll see along the Mother Road

Route 66 spans eight states and three time zones, offering a staggering range of landscapes and experiences:

Illinois: Kick things off in Chicago, exploring its deep-dish pizza, blues bars, and Route 66 starting line at Adams Street.
Missouri: Discover the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, quirky roadside diners, and Meramec Caverns.
Oklahoma: Home to the Route 66 Museum and plenty of classic motels with neon signage.
Texas: Visit Cadillac Ranch, where half-buried cars are daubed with ever-changing graffiti.
New Mexico: Santa Fe’s adobe charm and Albuquerque’s neon strip are highlights.
Arizona: See the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, and detour to the Grand Canyon.
California: Cross the Mojave Desert before arriving at the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

It’s a journey of contrasts: bustling cities, small-town diners, vast plains, desert highways, and ocean sunsets.

Campervan travel: the best way to experience Route 66

While you could hire a car and book motels along the way, travelling in a campervan allows for the ultimate freedom. You can:

Set your own pace without fixed check-in times.
Sleep under the stars at campsites and national parks.
Save money by cooking some meals on the road.
Take detours to hidden gems far from the main highway.

CamperDays makes the logistics simple with flexible hire options along the route.

A two-week trip starting in Chicago and finishing in Santa Monica in May 2026 begins from £2,095.
Travellers looking for better value can reverse the route — picking up in Santa Monica and dropping off in Chicago — for just £1,507. That’s a saving of £588, which could cover campsites, refuelling, or more than a few classic diner meals.

Planning tips for your Route 66 road trip

Book early: 2026 is expected to be a bumper year for Route 66 tourism, so secure your campervan well in advance.
Consider off-season: Spring and autumn offer cooler temperatures and cheaper rates compared to the busy summer.
Mix big stops with hidden gems: The joy of Route 66 lies as much in the lesser-known diners and roadside oddities as the famous landmarks.
Allow at least two weeks: While some try to drive it faster, giving yourself time to linger makes the trip unforgettable.

The centenary of an icon

As Route 66 prepares to mark 100 years, this journey remains one of the most romanticised road trips in the world. For British travellers dreaming of wide skies, neon nights, and the open road, 2026 offers the perfect opportunity to live the legend.

So, fuel up, pack your playlist, and get ready to follow in the tyre tracks of history.

For more information and to book, visit CamperDays.

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