However, there are a few more things to take into account when considering whether Route 66 or I-40 is the longer route. If you stick to the interstate all the way then Route 66 can also be the quicker route to drive, at around 33 hours plus 3 to 4 hours for rest stops - driveable in three long days. Regardless of which route you take, both trips can be combined as far as Oklahoma City.Īustin Urton/ Which route is longer, Route 66 or I-40?Ĭoming in at 2,180 miles, Route 66 is nearly 400 miles shorter than I-40. The interstate travels through North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.īetween California and Oklahoma, I-40 follows the original route of Route 66 closely, so it's possible to combine the two road trips as far as Oklahoma City. I-40 also reaches California at its western end - Barstow, to be precise - but continues all the way to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. ![]() The route of Route 66 takes you southwest through Illinois, Missouri and Kansas before turning west from Oklahoma and continuing through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Route 66 traditionally started in Chicago and ended in Santa Monica, California, although you can of course travel the route in either direction. Roadside chains at intersections, luxury and budget hotel choices available in big cities, camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vintage motels, roadside chains along the interstate, luxury and budget hotel choices available in big cities, small town bed and breakfasts may also be accessible Route is simple to follow, urban sections may be congested, expect heavy traffic including trucks in Tennessee Route can be hard to follow in places with limited signage, some sections are poorly maintained (option to use the interstate to avoid these sections) Gas stations (may be infrequent) with EV charging points (also infrequent), some long gaps between food and rest stops ![]() Gas stations on the interstate (may be infrequent) and in towns with EV charging points, some long gaps between food and rest stops ![]() Historic Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman.Here's a useful side-to-side comparison of the routes: Comparison of Route 66 and I-40 It also connects some buzzing southern cities. The contrasting landscapes along the route are often spectacular, and if you have time to stop you can explore natural wonders like the Appalachian Mountains, the Ozarks, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and Coconino National Forest. Although it isn't such a legendary route as Route 66, I-40 also offers a superb cross-section of the United States that's packed full of history, as it follows some of the early wagon roads that headed west across the country.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |