Your Guide to Renting a Car for a Route 66 Road Trip

Taking on Route 66 is a bucket-list dream, a drive that connects Chicago to Santa Monica and everything in between. But before you can snap a selfie with the Gemini Giant in Illinois, cruise through Cadillac Ranch in Texas, or roll into the neon glow of the Blue Swallow Motel in New Mexico, you’ll need the right set of wheels. Renting a car for a Route 66 road trip isn’t as simple as grabbing a weekend compact at the airport. The logistics, costs, and fine print can be unique, and can make or break your road trip if you’re not prepared.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about renting a car to drive Route 66 so the hardest decision you’ll have to make is whether to stop for pie at the Midpoint Café or keep rolling toward Oatman’s wild burros.

Do You Need to Rent a Car to Drive Route 66?

The short answer: no. You don’t have to rent a car to drive Route 66. Plenty of people hit the road in their own vehicles, on motorcycles, or even behind the wheel of their RV. Renting is just one option, and whether you need to depends on your situation.

Driving Your Own Car:

If your personal car is reliable, you live close enough to where you want to start, and you don’t mind putting on the miles, there’s no reason you can’t use it. Route 66 runs for around 2,448 miles, plus any detours, so make sure your car is road-trip ready with a fresh oil change, good tires, and a solid check-up before you go.

Motorcycles:

For many, Route 66 is a motorcycle dream. Bikers from around the world come to feel the open air while rolling through the Petrified Forest or winding through the Arizona Sidewinder. If you already own a bike, ride it. If not, motorcycle rentals may be available in major cities like Chicago or Los Angeles.

RVs and Campervans:

Traveling by RV is another popular option, especially if you like the idea of camping along the way. You’ll find plenty of RV parks and campgrounds near Route 66 attractions. Just keep in mind that RV rentals can be expensive, and navigating larger rigs through downtown stretches or parking near spots like the Wigwam Motel can be tricky.

Other Options:

Some travelers even cycle parts of Route 66 or join guided bus tours. These aren’t full “drive it yourself” experiences, but they’re alternatives if you’re not comfortable handling the full road trip on your own.

So, do you need to rent a car to drive Route 66? Not necessarily. The Mother Road is open to whatever ride feels right for you. Whether it’s your trusty daily driver, a roaring Harley, or a home-on-wheels RV, the important part is hitting the road and making the trip your own.

Need a rental car for your Route 66 road trip? Rent a car now!

Why Rent a Car for Route 66?

While you don’t have to rent a car to drive Route 66, for many travelers, renting is the most practical (and sometimes the only) option. Here are the main reasons why:

You Live Far from the Starting Point

If you’re not based near Chicago or Los Angeles, you may have to factor in several extra days just to drive to the start of Route 66. Renting a car when you arrive saves you that time and energy so you can spend your miles on the Mother Road itself, not the highways leading to it.

You Only Have Time for a One-Way Trip

Not everyone has the vacation days to drive both directions. Renting makes it easy to start in Chicago, roll past the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Slug Bug Ranch, and the Historic El Rancho Hotel, and then finish at the Santa Monica Pier without worrying about doubling back.

You’re Visiting from Another Country

For international travelers, a rental car is almost always the way to go. Flying in, picking up a car, and dropping it off at the end lets you focus on the adventure instead of the logistics of getting your own vehicle across the ocean.

You Don’t Have a Reliable Car (or Any Car at All)

Route 66 is a long haul: 2,448 miles, plus side trips. If your own car isn’t road-trip ready, or you don’t own a car at all, a rental guarantees you’ll have a dependable ride. No one wants to break down halfway to the Grand Canyon.

You Want a Different Kind of Vehicle

Maybe you dream of driving a convertible under the neon lights of Tucumcari, or you need the space of an SUV for family and luggage. Renting gives you flexibility to pick the vehicle that matches your trip.

You Want the Convenience of a Modern Rental

Unlimited mileage, insurance options, and the ability to drop off at a different location all make renting stress-free. It’s especially helpful if you’re pressed for time and want the easiest logistics.

In short, renting a car is ideal if you want to maximize your time, minimize stress, and guarantee a reliable set of wheels for every roadside diner, quirky muffler man, and scenic stretch of the Mother Road.

Is renting a car the right move for your Route 66 road trip? Rent a car now!

Do You Need a One-Way or Round-Trip Car Rental?

Before you get too deep into planning your Route 66 adventure, you’ll need to make one key decision: will you rent your car one-way or round-trip? This choice shapes not only your budget but also the entire feel of your journey, and it will guide every other rental decision that follows.

One-Way Car Rental for Route 66:

• Pick up a car in Chicago and drop off in Santa Monica (or vice versa).
• Usually comes with a drop-off fee, which can add up to an extra $1,000 and beyond.
• Offers the true midwest-to-coast experience without retracing your steps.
• Saves time and lets you end at the Pacific Ocean, where Route 66 officially meets the Santa Monica Pier.
• Rent a one-way rental car now.

Round-Trip Car Rental for Route 66:

• Pick up and return the car to the same location.
• Often cheaper up front, since you avoid one-way fees.
• It doubles your driving time, meaning after you’ve celebrated with a photo at the End of the Trail sign in California, you’ll need to turn around and head all the way back to Chicago. For some, that extra time on The Mother Road (or beyond) might be a bonus!
• Rent a round-trip rental car now.

While one-way rental fees are common, they aren’t always sky-high in price. Some companies, like Avis, note that many of their locations don’t charge one-way fees at all, and Sixt sometimes waives them when the route helps balance their fleet. The cost is calculated case by case, depending on the distance, length of your rental, and type of vehicle. Keep this in mind when pricing rental vehicles!

For a trip that spans over 2,400 miles and dozens of bucket-list stops, the one-way option may be the most practical. And, with a little research and careful planning, it can also be surprisingly manageable financially. But, if you want to take a detour to Las Vegas or stay at more iconic motels on your way back, a round-trip rental might be for you.

Do you need to book a one-way or round-trip rental car for Route 66? Rent a car now!

The Cost of Renting a Car For Route 66: Base Rates, Drop-Off Fees, and Total Expenses

Disclaimer: All prices and fee examples in this section are estimates only. Rental car rates, drop-off fees, and add-ons can change frequently depending on location, season, demand, and the rental company. Always check current pricing and terms directly before booking.

When planning your Route 66 road trip, it’s tempting to get excited by rental car deals you spot online: $19 a day for a compact car or $24 for a full-size vehicle in Chicago sounds like a bargain. But here’s the catch: those rates usually only apply to round-trip rentals. If your plan is to start at the Route 66 Begin Sign in Chicago and finish at the End of the Trail Sign at the Santa Monica Pier, the costs may look very different.

The biggest curveball is the one-way drop-off fee. This is what rental companies charge to cover the cost of returning your car to its original location. It’s not a set amount but varies by distance, vehicle type, and where you return it. On a Route 66 trip, that fee can be anywhere from $0 to upwards of $1,100. That’s the difference between saving money for a slice of pie at the Midpoint Cafe in Texas or shelling out so much you might think twice about detouring to the Grand Canyon.

Let’s look at an example. For a 14-day adventure:

• A compact car might run about $800.
• Add the drop-off fee, and your total could swing between $800 and $1,900.
• Prefer a convertible so you can feel the desert breeze rolling into Arizona? That’ll start around $2,100, with the final price easily topping $3,200 once fees are added.

That wide range is why the drop-off fee is one of the most important costs to understand. If you only multiply the daily rate by the number of days, you’re in for a big (and possibly budget-busting) surprise if you want to book a one-way rental. Planning ahead ensures you can save your dollars for the fun stuff, like a night at the La Posada Hotel or a 72-ounce steak in Texas.

Is renting a car the right move for your road trip? Rent a car now!

Anticipating Extra Car Rental Costs

Disclaimer: All prices and fee examples in this section are estimates only. Rental car rates, drop-off fees, and add-ons can change frequently depending on location, season, demand, and the rental company. Always check current pricing and terms directly before booking.

Beyond the base rental rate and that unpredictable one-way drop-off fee, there are a few other expenses to keep in mind when planning to rent a car for your Route 66 road trip. Local taxes and surcharges (like California’s $10 per contract customer facility charge) can sneak into your bill. And rental companies are happy to tack on extras that sound convenient but can add up fast. Here are some common extra services and fees you might encounter on check out.

GPS Unit

Many car rentals offer an add-on GPS unit. At around $13 per day, you’d be paying nearly $200 for a two-week trip. But you probably don’t need one. Your smartphone with Google Maps or a Route 66–specific app will do the job just fine. Save that money for a corn dog at the Cozy Dog Drive-In instead.

Extra-Driver Fee

Another common add-on is the extra driver fee, usually about $13.50 per day per person. On a long journey like Route 66, it’s worth paying so more than one person can get behind the wheel, especially after a full day of chasing neon signs and roadside giants.

Toll Tag

And what about tolls? Good news: Route 66 itself doesn’t have them. The only time you’ll hit a toll road is if you opt to take faster interstates, like parts of Oklahoma, or detour elsewhere during your trip. Even then, it might not be worth prepaying for the rental company’s toll package. Instead of paying a daily rate, you can usually just drive through, be billed later, and pay a small service fee.

Savings Strategies

Renting a car for Route 66 isn’t cheap, but there are plenty of ways to keep costs in check. With a little planning, you can save enough to splurge on extra roadside stops, whether that’s souvenirs at Pops 66 in Oklahoma or a Pink Cadillac Milkshake at 66 Diner in Albuquerque. Here’s are some ways to stretch your budget:

Unlimited Mileage

Most car rentals in the U.S. include unlimited mileage, which is essential for a trip that runs over 2,400 miles plus detours. Always double-check this before booking so you don’t get hit with surprise mileage fees.

Discounts and Deals

Rental companies regularly run promotions. Many also have special rates for members of organizations like AARP, AAA, or military/veterans programs. If you qualify, these can add up to big savings.

Join a Loyalty Program

Most major companies (Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus, Enterprise Plus, etc.) have free loyalty programs. These don’t just earn points toward free rentals, they often come with faster check-in, priority upgrades, and occasional fee waivers.

Watch and Compare Prices

Rental rates can swing up and down. Sometimes you’ll find the best deal by booking early, other times prices drop closer to your travel dates. The trick is to compare across companies and keep an eye on rates as your trip gets closer. Just don’t wait too long: last-minute deals can save money, but there’s always the risk of prices going up or cars selling out, especially during busy summer travel season on Route 66. Some companies let you rebook at a lower rate if prices drop, so locking something in early while you monitor deals is often the safest play.

Compare Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Airport counters are convenient, but they usually come with higher fees, especially at major hubs like Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Los Angeles International (LAX). If you’re spending a day or two exploring Chicago or LA before hitting the road, it might make sense to hold off on your rental and pick up a car downtown instead. That way, you’ll avoid paying for pricey hotel while you’re sightseeing. In Chicago, you might even find better deals by looking at neighborhood rental offices outside the downtown core. A little comparison shopping between airports, downtown branches, and neighborhood locations can add up to real savings.

Skip What You Don’t Need

GPS units at $13/day? Skip them if you have Google Maps or a Route 66 road-trip app. Toll packages? You’ll only hit a few, if any at all, mainly in Oklahoma, so it’s often cheaper to just pay as you go or be billed later. Save those dollars for a dinner at the Magic Lamp Inn instead.

Bundle or Use Membership Perks

Sometimes you can save by bundling your rental with a flight or hotel through a booking site. Also check if your credit card offers built-in rental car discounts or collision coverage and you might avoid paying extra at the counter.

Optimize the Size of Your Car

Bigger isn’t always better. A smaller car is usually cheaper to rent and gets better gas mileage—both major wins on a 2,400-mile road trip. Unless you need the extra space, don’t pay for more car than you’ll use.

Avoid Extra Fees at Drop-Off

A couple of the easiest ways to save are also the most overlooked: always return the car on time and with a full tank of gas. Even being an hour late can trigger a full extra day’s charge, and refueling fees can run as high as $9 per gallon. Skip prepaid fuel packages too, they’re usually more expensive than filling up yourself.

Pay Ahead (With Caution)

Many rental companies offer a discount if you prepay when you book instead of paying at pickup. This can be a solid way to shave money off your total. But beware: prepaid rates usually come with stricter rules: limited or no refunds if you need to cancel, and penalties if you want to make changes. Only prepay if your travel dates and plans are firm.

Choosing Your Route 66 Rental Car

For most Route 66 travelers, the best choice of rental car is a modern rental from companies like Enterprise, Budget, Avis, or Sixt. These cars come with roadside assistance, reliability, and the flexibility of one-way drop-offs, all essentials for a trip that spans over 2,400 miles.

When it comes to size, think carefully about what you need:

Compact Cars:

A compact is usually the cheapest to rent and the most fuel-efficient, making it perfect if you’re traveling light. They’re easier to park in city stops like Chicago or Los Angeles and much simpler to handle on winding stretches like the Arizona Sidewinder, where tight switchbacks can feel daunting in a larger vehicle.

SUVs:

SUVs offer more comfort and luggage space, which is handy if you’re traveling with family or carrying lots of gear. They’re also better for long days on the road. Just remember: bigger vehicles cost more to rent, burn more gas, and can be trickier to navigate in smaller Route 66 towns or along curvier stretches of the road.

Convertibles:

A modern convertible, like a Mustang, is a popular choice for Route 66. They’re fun, photogenic (perfect for all the Route 66 Drive Through Signs), and let you soak in the desert air. But convertibles usually cost more and may not be as practical for families or bad weather.

Classic Cars

Driving Route 66 in a classic car is many travelers’ bucket-list dream. There’s nothing more iconic than picturing yourself behind the wheel of a ’66 Mustang rolling past the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino or pulling into the Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma. But here’s the reality: classic car rentals for a full cross-country trip are very expensive and hard to find.

Most providers that specialize in vintage cars only rent them for short-term use (often by the hour or day) and in limited locations like Chicago or Los Angeles. They’re often geared toward weddings, photoshoots, or local sightseeing, not one-way road trips across eight states.

A smart compromise is to rent a reliable modern vehicle for the full Route 66 journey, then treat yourself to a classic car rental for a day at a major stop or a local classic car tour. That way you can still experience the thrill of cruising in vintage style without the risk (or cost) of breaking down in the middle of the desert.

Electric and Manual Cars

While most Route 66 travelers opt for standard gas-powered automatics, you may come across electric vehicles (EVs) or manual transmission cars when searching for rentals:

Electric Vehicles (EVs):

EV charging stations are becoming more common along Route 66, with spots like the Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café in Shamrock, Texas and the Barstow Station in California offering plug-in options. That said, availability can still be limited in rural stretches, so careful planning is required. If you’re comfortable mapping out charging stops, an EV can be a fun, modern way to travel—but if you see a suspiciously cheap rental price, double-check that it’s not an EV before booking unless that’s what you want.

Manual Cars:

In the US, most rentals are automatic. Occasionally, you’ll find a cheaper manual car listed, especially with specialty providers. If you don’t drive stick, avoid the temptation of a lower price—you don’t want to stall out when pulling away from Boots Court or rolling through a corner in Winslow, Arizona.

For most travelers, an automatic gas-powered car remains the easiest, most practical choice. But if you’re adventurous and prepared, an EV or manual might work, it just takes more planning and confidence.

Ready to hit the road? Choose your rental car now!

Protecting Your Journey: Insurance Basics

Disclaimer: This section is meant as a general guide, not legal or financial advice. Rental car coverage varies by company, state, and country, and your own personal auto insurance or credit card benefits may change what you need. Always read your rental agreement carefully and check with your insurance provider and credit card company for the most accurate details before you hit the road.

What You’ll Be Offered at the Counter

When you step up to the rental desk, you’ll usually be presented with a handful of optional coverages. Here’s what they mean:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW): Waives your responsibility if the rental car is damaged. Not technically “insurance,” but it protects the car itself. Watch out: damage from breaking rental rules (like driving on unpaved roads, which can come up on some old Route 66 alignments) usually isn’t covered.
• Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP): Covers injury or damage you cause to other people or their property. This is arguably the most important coverage, since a big accident could otherwise leave you personally responsible for huge costs.
• Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): Covers your belongings if they’re stolen from the rental car.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical bills for you and your passengers.

What You Might Already Have

Personal Auto Policy

If you have car insurance at home, this is often your first line of defense. Many policies extend collision, comprehensive, and liability coverage to rental cars. Check your limits and make sure rental cars are included.

Credit Cards

Many credit cards offer “free” rental car coverage, but most of the time it’s secondary coverage, meaning it only kicks in after your personal auto policy pays out. This usually applies only to the rental vehicle itself (helpful for deductibles or “loss of use” fees while the car is in the shop). It rarely covers liability to others. For example, Visa explicitly notes that its benefit covers damage to the rented vehicle only, not property damage or injury to third parties.

Some premium travel cards, however, offer Primary Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Coverage, which is the best protection you can get from a card. With primary coverage, you don’t have to file a claim with your personal insurance company first, the card’s coverage is your first line of defense. That means your personal policy stays untouched, avoiding rate hikes or claims on your record.

• Examples include cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
• To activate the benefit, you must put the entire rental transaction on that card and decline the rental company’s CDW.
• This kind of coverage is a huge perk, but keep in mind: even the best cards still don’t cover liability to third parties. For that, you’ll need either strong liability coverage on your own auto policy or to add Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) from the rental company.

Liability Coverage

It can be tempting to decline extra coverage if you think your credit card has you covered. But here’s the big gap: liability insurance. Credit cards won’t help if you injure someone else or damage their property. Declining SLP without solid liability coverage from your personal policy leaves you exposed to potentially devastating costs.

The smart approach is to:

1. Check with your auto insurer to confirm your coverage.
2. If your liability limits are low, or if your policy doesn’t extend to rentals, add Supplemental Liability Protection at the counter.

That way, you can focus on getting a good night’s rest at Motel Safari instead of worrying about financial risks. With the right coverage in place, you can hit the Mother Road with confidence, knowing you’re protected from more than just flat tires and breakdowns.

Documentation and Requirements

Renting a car for Route 66 isn’t just about choosing the right vehicle, you’ll also need to have your paperwork in order. Here’s what every traveler should know before stepping up to the rental counter.

Essential Documents for All Drivers

Most rental companies keep things pretty simple, but there are some non-negotiables:

• Age Requirement: The standard minimum is 25 years old, though many companies will rent to drivers aged 21–24 for an added “underage driver” surcharge.
• Valid Driver’s License: Your license must be current, legible, and valid for the entire rental period. It should be in the primary renter’s name and typically held for at least one year. Temporary or mobile licenses usually aren’t enough unless you also bring another form of government ID or an expired hard copy. Many rentals also require a second form of legal ID, such as a passport.
• Credit Card: A major credit card in the renter’s name is almost always required to secure the rental. Some companies accept debit cards, but expect extra documentation, a higher deposit, and sometimes even a credit check.
• Reservation Confirmation: A printed or digital confirmation is handy for a smooth check-in process.

Credit Card Holds

When you rent, the company will place a hold on your credit card as security. This isn’t a charge, but it reduces the funds you can use until the rental ends.

• Some companies hold a flat amount (e.g., Hertz often holds $200).
• Others hold the estimated rental cost plus a percentage (Thrifty, for example, may add 15%).
• Debit card users often face higher holds (up to $500) plus extra ID requirements.

Tip: Make sure you have enough available credit to cover both the rental cost and the hold, so you’re not caught short.

International Travelers

If you’re coming from outside the U.S., there are a few extra steps:

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Not always required, but highly recommended. It translates your home license into multiple languages and can prevent legal headaches, especially if your license isn’t in the Roman alphabet. It must be obtained before you leave your country.
• Home Country License: You still need to bring your actual driver’s license, it’s not optional.
• Passport: Most rental companies will ask for a valid passport as a secondary form of ID.

Renting a Car to Drive Route 66

Renting a car for Route 66 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and awareness of the fine print, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls and keep your focus on the adventure ahead.

Ready to hit the road? Choose your rental car now!

Remember to:

• Budget wisely and get a full quote that includes one-way fees.
• Compare pick-up locations. Airport counters may be convenient, but downtown or neighborhood offices can be cheaper if you’re spending time in Chicago or Los Angeles first.
• Watch for hidden fees, from refueling charges to late returns.
• Protect yourself with liability coverage, since CDW alone won’t cover damage to others.
• Be practical about your ride: a modern rental is your best bet for the full trip, while a classic car can be saved for a fun day rental at the end.
• Bring the right documents, including an International Driving Permit if you’re visiting from abroad.
• Book your car for your Route 66 road trip.

Get these basics covered, and your rental car won’t be a hassle; it’ll be your passport to the Mother Road. From your first meal at Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant to your last at Mel’s Drive-In and all the roadside stops in between, your wheels will carry you through every iconic stop. So book your rental car, grab the keys, roll down the windows, and let Route 66 take it from there.