What sites help you plan Route 66? Good websites, guides, apps?
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Planning a Route 66 road trip is exciting — but it’s also more complicated than most people expect.
Many travelers assume you can simply type “Route 66” into Google Maps and start driving. The problem? Route 66 is no longer one continuous road. Since it was officially decommissioned in 1985, parts of the original highway have been replaced by interstates, local roads, and historic alignments.
That means planning the famous Chicago to Santa Monica road trip requires more than just navigation. You need to know which historic stretches to follow, which towns are worth stopping in, and how to structure your days.
Fortunately, several Route 66 planning websites, apps, and guides can help. Here are some of the best tools travelers use to plan their journey along America’s most legendary highway.
1. Route 66 RoadBook — The Easiest Way to Plan the Entire Trip
The simplest way to plan Route 66 is to start with a complete itinerary designed specifically for the Mother Road.
Instead of jumping between dozens of websites and maps, the Route 66 RoadBook provides a clear structure for the entire journey.
What makes it useful is that it organizes the route day by day, helping travelers understand how to realistically drive Route 66 without rushing or missing highlights.
The RoadBook includes:
- A complete Route 66 itinerary
- Historic Route 66 alignments clearly mapped
- Must-see roadside attractions
- Logical overnight towns
- Hidden gems most travelers miss
- Google Maps routes for easy navigation
For travelers who want a stress-free Route 66 itinerary, this is often the easiest place to start.
2. Route66RoadTrip.com
Route66RoadTrip.com is one of the most detailed websites dedicated entirely to the historic highway.
The site offers a large amount of information about Route 66, including:
- State-by-state guides
- Historic attractions
- Road trip planning tips
- Maps of the original route
It’s a great place to start researching the history of Route 66 and learning about the famous towns along the route.
However, the information is spread across many pages, so it works best as a research resource rather than a step-by-step itinerary.
3. TheRoute-66.com
Another well-known website for Route 66 planning is TheRoute-66.com.
This site focuses heavily on the cultural and historical background of the highway. Travelers can learn about:
- Historic landmarks
- Route 66 towns
- Motels and diners along the route
- The history of the Mother Road
It’s a useful resource for understanding the story behind Route 66, though it doesn’t provide a complete travel itinerary.
4. DrivingRoute66.com
DrivingRoute66.com offers a wide range of practical information for travelers planning their trip.
Highlights include:
- Route 66 maps
- Lists of attractions
- Motel and diner recommendations
- Community suggestions from other travelers
The site can be helpful for discovering classic roadside stops and planning where to visit along the route.
5. Route 66 Navigation App
Because Route 66 is no longer a single road, navigation apps can help travelers stay on historic alignments.
The Route 66 Navigation App was designed specifically for people driving the Mother Road.
Features include:
- Turn-by-turn Route 66 navigation
- Points of interest along the route
- Offline functionality in remote areas
Apps like this can be useful while driving, especially in areas where historic alignments are confusing.
6. Route 66 Ultimate Guide App
Another popular mobile tool is the Route 66 Ultimate Guide App.
It provides a large database of Route 66 attractions, including:
- Historic landmarks
- Restaurants and diners
- Photo stops
- Events along the route
While it’s helpful for discovering places along the highway, it works best as a companion tool rather than a full itinerary planner.
7. National Park Service Route 66 Map
The U.S. National Park Service maintains an interactive map highlighting historically significant sites along Route 66.
This map helps travelers understand the cultural importance of the road and locate preserved historic landmarks.
It’s particularly useful for travelers interested in Route 66 history and heritage locations.
8. Google Maps (With Custom Route Planning)
Despite its limitations, Google Maps is still one of the most important tools for driving Route 66.
However, it works best when you already know which stops and towns you want to visit.
Because Google Maps prioritizes the fastest routes, it will often send drivers onto modern highways like I-40 instead of the historic road.
That’s why many travelers use Google Maps together with Route 66 guides or maps.
9. Traditional Route 66 Guidebooks
Even today, printed Route 66 guidebooks remain popular.
Some of the most famous ones include:
These books provide historic alignments and background information about the road.
However, they still require travelers to manually translate maps into daily driving plans.
Why Planning Route 66 Can Feel Overwhelming
Many travelers start planning Route 66 by opening dozens of websites, apps, and maps.
The result?
- Too much information
- Confusing route options
- Hours spent researching stops
- Uncertainty about daily distances
The real challenge isn’t finding information about Route 66 — it’s turning that information into a clear, enjoyable road trip plan.
Plan Route 66 Without the Overwhelm 🗺️
The easiest Route 66 trips happen when the route, daily distances, and overnight towns are already planned.
That’s exactly what the Route 66 RoadBook was designed for.
Instead of piecing together dozens of websites and apps, you get a clear roadmap for the entire journey.
What’s included:
✅ Day-by-day Route 66 itinerary with exact routes
✅ Music venues and cultural hotspots in Chicago
✅ Hidden gems locals love along Route 66
✅ Restaurant recommendations from diners to fine dining
✅ Instant download - access on any device
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