If you’re an Aussie craving a classic American road-trip experience, few routes rival the legend and romance of Route 66 — the “Mother Road” that once stretched from Chicago to Santa Monica, crossing eight states and changing the way the world saw long-distance driving.
A Route 66 road trip is a bucket-list journey through vintage diners, quirky roadside art, ghost towns, desert vistas, Native American culture, and unforgettable landscapes. It’s an epic adventure that can take two to three weeks to do properly — and it’s well worth it.
Here’s your Aussie-friendly guide to doing it right — including driving on the “wrong” side of the road, rental tips, family detours, safety, and how travel insurance can give you peace of mind.
Driving on the ‘other’ side — safety tips for Aussies
One of the biggest adjustments for Australians is that in the U.S., you drive on the right-hand side of the road. That reversal of side and turning habit can be disorienting — here are some tips to manage it:
• Take time to adjust: In your first hour or two behind the wheel, go slowly. Practise in quiet streets or carparks before hitting highways.
• Always check both ways before turning: Especially left turns, which will feel counterintuitive.
• Be mindful of curbside lanes and medians: In the U.S., left-turn lanes often have dedicated signals.
• Use GPS / lane-guidance aids: Navigation apps that highlight lane changes are a lifesaver.
• Avoid fatigue: Route 66 is long; switch drivers where possible, and rest regularly.
Will your Aussie licence work in the USA?
Yes — Australians can legally drive in the U.S. on a valid Australian licence, but most states and rental companies recommend or require you to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is simply a translation of your licence and can be organised before you leave through approved outlets in Australia.
According to Smartraveller, tourists can generally drive with their foreign licence and IDP for up to one year, though some states may have shorter periods or extra rules.
Car rental companies may also insist on an IDP and usually require a full (not provisional) licence. DriveAway has a good overview of U.S. driving tips for Australians.
Highlights and Stops Along Route 66
Route 66 is about the journey, not the destination. Here are some iconic and quirky stops to include in your plan.
Illinois (Chicago to St. Louis)
• Chicago — start with deep-dish pizza, Millennium Park, Navy Pier and museums.
• Route 66 Begin Sign — the official marker at Adams Street.
• Cozy Dog Drive-In (Springfield) — birthplace of the corn dog.
• Chain of Rocks Bridge (St. Louis) — a historic bridge across the Mississippi River.
Missouri
• St. Louis Gateway Arch — ride the tram to the top for sweeping views.
• Meramec Caverns — guided cave tours, great for kids and adults alike.
• Cuba, Missouri — known as “Mural City” for its street art.
Kansas (just 21 km of Route 66)
• Baxter Springs — classic gas stations and small-town Americana.
Oklahoma
• Tulsa — music heritage, Route 66 museums.
• Oklahoma City — cowboy culture, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
• Blue Whale of Catoosa — quirky photo stop kids will love.
Texas
• Amarillo — visit Cadillac Ranch to spray-paint the cars.
• Big Texan Steak Ranch — famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge.
New Mexico
• Tucumcari — neon-lit motels.
• Albuquerque — hot air ballooning capital of the U.S.
• Santa Fe detour — Pueblo architecture, art galleries and culture.
Arizona
• Petrified Forest National Park — fossilised wood, desert trails.
• Winslow — “Standin’ on the Corner” Park from the Eagles’ song.
• Flagstaff — gateway to the Grand Canyon.
• Oatman — wild burros (donkeys) roam the street.
California
• Barstow — Route 66 Mother Road Museum.
• San Bernardino — original McDonald’s site and museum.
• Santa Monica Pier — the symbolic end of Route 66.
Adventurous detours for thrill-seekers
If you’re chasing adrenaline, Route 66 delivers:
• Grand Canyon detour — hike or take the glass-floored Skywalk.
• White water rafting near Flagstaff.
• Hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque.
• Desert jeep tours in Arizona or New Mexico.
• Motorbike hire for part of the trip.
Food experiences
Food is a huge part of the Route 66 experience. Some stops Aussies will love:
• Chicago deep-dish pizza at the start of your trip.
• Corn dogs at Cozy Dog Drive-In.
• BBQ in Texas — brisket, ribs, pulled pork.
• New Mexican chile dishes around Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
• Classic milkshakes and pies at retro diners all along the route.
Family-friendly stops
Travelling with kids? Here are some great detours:
• Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum (Illinois) — interactive displays.
• Meramec Caverns (Missouri) — guided cave adventures.
• Dinosaur Museum (New Mexico) — a hit with children.
• Route 66 Mother Road Museum (California) — cars, trains and memorabilia.
• Theme parks at the LA end — Disneyland and Universal Studios.
• Short hikes in Arizona’s Petrified Forest and Painted Desert to burn off energy.
Weather, preparation and safety
The weather varies dramatically along Route 66 — from humid summers in the Midwest to desert heat in Arizona to snow at higher elevations.
• Summer heat: Expect 38°C+ in Arizona and New Mexico. Carry extra water and use car sunshades.
• Winter conditions: Some stretches in Illinois and Missouri can be icy or snowy. Check road conditions.
• Rest stops: Aim to stop every 1–2 hours to stretch and hydrate.
• Fuel: Petrol stations can be far apart — top up whenever you can.
• Emergency kit: Carry first aid, spare tyre, jumper leads, snacks, maps, and extra coolant.
• Daylight driving: Safer in remote areas with wildlife.
Campervan rental vs hotels
Campervan / RV hire
Renting an RV is popular for Route 66.
• Book early, especially for summer.
• Choose a size that suits your driving comfort.
• RV parks are common along the route, offering power and water hookups.
• Make sure your rental insurance covers the RV.
• Check licence requirements — your Australian licence plus IDP usually suffice.
Hotels & motels
If you prefer a bed each night, larger towns have plenty of options.
• Major stops with accommodation: Chicago, St. Louis, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Barstow, Los Angeles.
• Historic motels like the neon-lit Blue Swallow Motel and Wigwam Motels.
• Booking ahead is smart in peak season.
Sample 21-day itinerary
Days 1–3: Chicago → Springfield → St. Louis (Gateway Arch, Meramec Caverns).
Days 4–6: Missouri to Oklahoma (Cuba, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Blue Whale of Catoosa).
Days 7–9: Amarillo (Cadillac Ranch, Big Texan) → Tucumcari → Santa Fe → Albuquerque.
Days 10–13: Petrified Forest → Winslow → Flagstaff → Grand Canyon detour.
Days 14–16: Kingman → Oatman → desert drives.
Days 17–19: Barstow → San Bernardino.
Days 20–21: Arrive in Los Angeles, end at Santa Monica Pier.
This allows for rest days and side trips while keeping mileage manageable.
How travel insurance keeps you covered
Even with perfect planning, things can go wrong — from flat tyres and medical emergencies to stolen luggage. That’s why travel insurance is essential for Aussies tackling Route 66:
• Covers car hire excess if your rental is damaged.
• Helps with medical expenses and hospitalisation in the U.S. (which can be extremely costly).
• Provides cover for cancellation or trip interruption.
• Protects luggage and valuables against theft or loss.
• Offers 24/7 emergency assistance no matter where you are on the road.
When planning your adventure, make sure your policy includes rental vehicle cover. Go Insurance Australia offers overseas travel insurance with car hire protection — you can get a quote now and travel with peace of mind.