There’s nothing like rolling down Route 66 with the windows down, the sun on your face, and the perfect song pouring out of the speakers. The Mother Road was built for road trips, and every mile of it has a soundtrack waiting to be played. From Chicago’s bustling start line to the sandy finish in Santa Monica, the right music turns the drive into a full-on experience: a rhythm that matches the rumble of your tires and the glow of the neon signs you’ll pass along the way.
Of course, there’s the classic “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,”a tune so synonymous with this highway that you can’t help but sing along as you roll past roadside diners and vintage motels. But the playlist doesn’t stop there. Across the decades, artists from Nat King Cole to the Rolling Stones to the Eagles to Willie Nelson to Tom Cochrane, have captured the freedom of the open road, the spirit of Americana, and the feeling that life’s best memories are made somewhere between mile markers.
Want to crank up the ultimate Route 66 playlist? These Route 66 songs will carry you through small-town stretches, across wide-open desert highways, and into the bright lights of Los Angeles. Whether you’re having a solo car concert, singing car karaoke with friends, or just daydreaming about your next adventure, this road trip soundtrack will keep your trip in tune with the history, culture, and joy that make Route 66 the most legendary road in America.
What’s the best way to listen to music in your car? Sign up for Spotify or Amazon Music Unlimited to access thousands of songs and create your own playlists.
Route 66 Songs: A Road Trip Playlist
Every mile of Route 66 deserves its own soundtrack. From the first notes leaving Chicago to the final chord at the Santa Monica Pier, music brings the Mother Road to life. These songs capture the freedom, nostalgia, and pure joy of the open road.
Explore the best Route 66 songs below, or add the entire playlist to your Spotify and let the rhythm of the highway guide your journey.
Classic Route 66 Songs About The Mother Road
No Route 66 playlist would be complete without the songs that celebrate the Mother Road itself. These classic Route 66 songs pay tribute to the highway that inspired countless adventures. These tunes are the soundtrack of America’s Main Street: timeless, iconic, and ready to roll.
(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66
Nat King Cole, Chuck Berry, and Various Artists
Every Route 66 playlist should start here. “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” is the ultimate anthem of the open road—written by Bobby Troup in 1946 and first made famous by Nat King Cole. This jazzy travelogue lists the cities and towns that turned the Mother Road into a legend, inspiring generations of travelers to follow its path. From Chuck Berry’s rock ’n’ roll drive to The Rolling Stones’ swagger, every cover keeps the adventure rolling on.
Take It Easy
Eagles
“Take It Easy” by the Eagles is a must-listen as you make your way through Arizona. Released in 1972, this laid-back anthem perfectly captures the easygoing spirit of life on the road. And for Route 66 travelers, it hits even closer to home. One of the song’s most famous lines—“Well, I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona”—has been immortalized in the real town, where you can actually stop by the famous corner for a photo with a life-size statue, mural, and a flatbed Ford parked nearby.
Life is a Highway
Tom Cochrane/Rascal Flatts
“Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane might not have been written about Route 66, but it’s become nearly inseparable from it, especially after Pixar’s Cars brought the two together in 2006. Covered by Rascal Flatts for the film’s soundtrack, the song perfectly captured the movie’s celebration of small towns, classic cars, and the Mother Road.
The Theme From Route 66
Nelson Riddle
“The Theme from Route 66” by Nelson Riddle is an instrumental ode to the open road. Written for the 1960s television series Route 66, this jazzy tune became an anthem in its own right, embodying the excitement and adventure of traveling from town to town with nothing but miles ahead.
The Mother Road
Alan Rhody
Alan Rhody’s “The Mother Road” is a heartfelt tribute to the history, spirit, and nostalgia of Route 66 itself. With vivid lyrics and a classic Americana sound, Rhody captures the essence of what makes traveling the Mother Road so special.
Route 66
Erlend Gunstveit
Norwegian artist Erlend Gunstveit’s “Route 66” brings his modern country sound to this new Mother Road anthem.
Main Street USA
Red Dirt Rangers
“Main Street USA” by the Red Dirt Rangers is a love letter to small-town America and the heart of the open road. With its rootsy sound and easygoing rhythm, the song captures the essence of the communities that line Route 66.
Classic Road Trip Songs
Every great journey needs its road trip anthems: the songs that make you roll the windows down, tap the steering wheel, and belt out at the top of your lungs. These road trip classics capture the freedom of the open highway and the thrill of the unknown, reminding you that sometimes the best part of the trip isn’t the destination at all, it’s the ride.
Want more? Check out our full Road Trip Playlist on Spotify.
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)
The Proclaimers
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers is the ultimate ode to going the distance. Its infectious beat and joyful lyrics make it impossible not to sing along as the miles fly by. While the Proclaimers might promise to walk 500 miles, Route 66 travelers know it’s a lot more fun to drive them. And for a softer, more reflective ride, the Sleeping at Last cover makes a perfect companion.
I’ve Been Everywhere
Johnny Cash
“I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash is the ultimate travel song—an upbeat, tongue-twisting tour of America that name-drops a whopping 92 different places along the way. While the singer has clearly covered a lot of ground, several of those stops land right on or near Route 66 itself. You’ll hear familiar names like Amarillo, Oklahoma, Springfield, and San Bernardino—all classic towns along the Mother Road.
American Girl
Tom Petty
“American Girl” by Tom Petty is pure freedom on four wheels. With its jangly guitars and driving beat, it begs to be belted from the driver’s seat.
Road Trippin’
The Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Road Trippin’” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is a mellow, introspective tune that perfectly captures the quiet side of a long drive. With its acoustic sound and laid-back vibe, the song tells the story of friends setting out on a journey just to get away, breathe, and reconnect.
On the Road Again
Willie Nelson
“On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson is the ultimate anthem for life on the move. Written while he was traveling between shows, the song perfectly captures the restless joy of hitting the highway once more.
America
Simon & Garfunkel
“America” by Simon & Garfunkel is a poetic ode to wanderlust and discovery. Released in 1968, the song follows two young travelers searching for meaning, and for America itself, along the highways and small towns of the country.
Born to Run
Bruce Springsteen
“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen is pure adrenaline on asphalt: a roaring anthem for dreamers chasing freedom down the open road. With its driving beat and soaring lyrics, the song captures the urgency of escape and the thrill of endless possibilities that every Route 66 traveler knows by heart.
Holiday Road
Lindsey Buckingham
“Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham is the ultimate fun-loving road trip tune. The theme song for National Lampoon’s Vacation (the quintessential road trip movie), it’s packed with cheerful energy, catchy “whoa-ohs,” and that unmistakable sense of adventure that comes with setting out on a cross-country drive.
Party in the USA
Miley Cyrus
“Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus might not mention Route 66 by name, but its spirit fits right in with a cross-country road trip. This pop anthem is all about new beginnings, big dreams, and feeling the rhythm of America—perfect for blasting as you roll into that last stretch of The Mother Road.
Everyday Is a Winding Road
Sheryl Crow
“Everyday Is a Winding Road” by Sheryl Crow feels like it was written for travelers with the sun in their eyes and miles behind them. With its laid-back groove and optimistic lyrics, the song celebrates life’s twists and turns: the unexpected detours, the discoveries, and the beauty found in simply moving forward.
Go Your Own Way
Fleetwood Mac
“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac is a powerful anthem of independence and forward motion. The song captures that mix of freedom and reflection that comes with leaving something behind and chasing what’s ahead.
King of the Road
Roger Miller
“King of the Road” by Roger Miller is a classic ode to the freedom of the highway and the simple joys of life on the move. Released in 1965, this laid-back country tune tells the story of a wanderer content with little more than a song, a smile, and the open road ahead.
American Pie
Don McLean
“American Pie” by Don McLean is a nostalgic journey through American culture, music, and memory. Released in 1971, this epic ballad reflects on the changing times of the 1950s and ’60s, capturing both the innocence and loss of a generation.
Songs About Route 66 Cities & Towns
Every stop along Route 66 has its own rhythm, and some have even inspired songs of their own. From big cities to tiny crossroads, these tunes capture the character, charm, and stories of the places that make the Mother Road unforgettable. Turn up the volume and see how many of these Route 66 towns you’ve rolled through, or plan to visit on your next trip.
Sweet Home Chicago
Robert Johnson
“Sweet Home Chicago,” first recorded by blues legend Robert Johnson in 1936, has become an anthem for the Windy City—and by extension, the starting point of Route 66. The song got another jolt of fame thanks to the Blues Brothers movie, where Jake and Elwood’s version helped cement it as a road trip classic. If you’re starting your Route 66 journey in Illinois, keep an eye out in Joliet, where you’ll spot statues of the Blues Brothers at the Route 66 Visitor Center and on top of the iconic Rich and Creamy ice cream stand.
St. Louis Blues
W.C. Handy
“St. Louis Blues” by W.C. Handy is one of the most influential songs in American music history, and a fitting tribute to one of Route 66’s great gateway cities. Written in 1914, this soulful classic blends blues and jazz in a way that forever shaped the sound of American music. Its melancholy melody and heartfelt lyrics capture the emotion and rhythm of life along the Mississippi.
Tulsa Time
Don Williams
“Tulsa Time” by Don Williams easygoing beat pays a nod to Tulsa, Oklahoma, a major stop along the Mother Road. Released in 1978, the song captures the feeling of slowing down and savoring life, something every traveler should embrace while rolling through Route 66 towns like Tulsa.
Take Me Back to Tulsa
Bob Wills
“Take Me Back to Tulsa,” recorded by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys in 1940, is a lively western swing classic that feels right at home on a Route 66 road trip. With its playful rhythm and nods to Tulsa—a key city along the Mother Road—this song adds a dose of toe-tapping energy to your Route 66 playlist.
Oklahoma City
Zach Bryan
“Oklahoma City” by Zach Bryan brings a modern, heartfelt sound to any Route 66 playlist. Released in 2020, the song captures themes of longing, travel, and finding your way—all fitting emotions for a journey down America’s Main Street.
Amarillo by Morning
George Straight
Released in 1982, “Amarillo by Morning” by George Strait follows a rodeo rider traveling from San Antonio to Amarillo—driven by grit, dreams, and a love of the road.
Cadillac Ranch
Bruce Springsteen
“Cadillac Ranch” by Bruce Springsteen is a rock ’n’ roll tribute to one of Route 66’s most iconic roadside attractions. Released in 1980, the song was inspired by the real Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, where ten classic Cadillacs are half-buried nose-first in the desert. Springsteen uses the quirky art installation as a metaphor for freedom, rebellion, and the fleeting nature of life.
Tucumcari Tonight
Brian Langlinais
“Tucumcari Tonight” by Brian Langlinais is a lively, rootsy ode to one of New Mexico’s most beloved Route 66 towns. With its twangy guitars and smooth, bluesy vocals, the song captures the excitement of rolling into Tucumcari after a long day on the road—ready for neon lights, a warm meal, and a soft motel bed.
Santa Monica
Everclear
“Santa Monica” by Everclear is a ’90s alt-rock anthem that perfectly captures the feeling of escape and new beginnings. Released in 1995, the song’s gritty guitars and introspective lyrics speak to the longing for freedom and reinvention. As the historic highway ends at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, “Santa Monica” feels like the perfect song to play when you finally reach the pier.
California Dreamin’
The Mamas & The Papas
“California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & The Papas is a timeless anthem of longing, wanderlust, and the pull of the West Coast. Released in 1965, its haunting harmonies and wistful lyrics capture that deep yearning to trade cold gray skies for sunshine and palm trees—just like countless Route 66 travelers heading toward the Pacific.
Full Route 66 Playlist
Ready to hit the road? We’ve rounded up every song from this guide into one ultimate Route 66 playlist. From classic rock and country to blues and road trip anthems, it’s the perfect soundtrack for your cross-country adventure. Stream the full playlist on Spotify and let the music carry you from Chicago to Santa Monica, one song—and one mile—at a time.
Whether you’re driving every mile of Route 66 or just daydreaming about your next adventure, these songs keep the spirit of the Mother Road alive. Each tune captures a piece of the journey—the freedom, the nostalgia, and the joy of exploring America’s Main Street. So cue up the playlist, roll down the windows, and let the rhythm of Route 66 guide you wherever the road leads next.
What’s the best way to listen to music in your car? Sign up for Spotify or Amazon Music Unlimited to access thousands of songs and create your own playlists.
