Vegas to Oklahoma route 66

Question

Hi everyone. We are planning a trip to Vegas for a round 5 nights and after this we want to do a road trip down route 66. We are looking to drive down to kingman and then onto Oklahoma, with probably 2/3 overnight stays on route..looking at Santa Fe and Amarillo. We have chosen this route as we want to see the cadillac ranch. From Oklahoma we will probably fly on to somewhere for a few nights before heading back to the UK.

Is this doable and safe to drive? Will we be able to hire a car from vegas and leave it in Oklahoma or will we have to take it back to Vegas?

Very early stages of planning right now, nothing is booked as we want to sort the road trip first, just looking for some feedback/alternative options.

Thanks for your help 🙂

Answer

Your road trip from Las Vegas to Oklahoma along Route 66 sounds like an amazing adventure! Here’s some detailed feedback on your plans, plus a few things to consider regarding safety, car rental, and alternate route options:

Doability & Safety of the Route:

The drive from Las Vegas to Oklahoma via Route 66 is definitely doable, and it will be a memorable road trip with plenty to see along the way. Route 66 is one of America’s most iconic highways, with lots of history, quirky attractions, and scenic landscapes. The drive itself is safe, but like any long road trip, there are a few things to consider:

Distance: The route from Las Vegas to Oklahoma (via Santa Fe and Amarillo) is around 1,200-1,400 miles, depending on the exact stops you make. This can be done in 4-5 days, with a couple of overnight stays, but you’ll need to plan out your driving times to avoid burnout.
Weather: Since you’ll be traveling in the summer, be prepared for high temperatures, especially through the desert areas like Nevada and Arizona. Ensure your car is in good condition, especially the air conditioning, and take plenty of water.
Fuel & Services: Route 66 can have long stretches without services, especially in rural areas, so make sure to keep your gas tank full, have a phone charger, and carry some snacks and emergency supplies.

Recommended Route & Stops:

Your choice of stops in Santa Fe and Amarillo are great options. Here’s a rough itinerary suggestion:

Day 1: Depart Las Vegas and head to Kingman, Arizona (around 2 hours, 100 miles). Kingman is a good starting point for Route 66. You can visit the Route 66 Museum and take a brief stroll around the town.
Day 2: Drive to Santa Fe, New Mexico (around 5-6 hours, 350 miles). Santa Fe is a charming town with historic adobe architecture and great food. You can explore the historic plaza and visit museums or art galleries.
Day 3: Continue to Amarillo, Texas (around 4-5 hours, 280 miles). Amarillo is famous for the Cadillac Ranch, as well as other Route 66 attractions. Make sure to stop at the Route 66 Auto Museum and have dinner at the Big Texan Steak Ranch.
Day 4: Drive to Oklahoma City (around 4-5 hours, 260 miles). Oklahoma City has a few cool attractions like the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Bricktown district for dining and entertainment.
Day 5: If you have time, you can explore Oklahoma City more or head out for a flight to your next destination.

Car Rental & Drop-Off:

Most major car rental companies allow for one-way rentals, meaning you can rent a car in Las Vegas and drop it off in Oklahoma (or another location). However, this usually comes with an additional “drop-off fee” because it’s not a standard rental return. These fees can vary by company, but they typically range from $100-$300, depending on the rental company and the distance involved.

Check with rental companies: It's best to call ahead or check the rental company’s website to confirm that they offer one-way rentals between Las Vegas and Oklahoma and inquire about the drop-off fee.
Car options: Since you’ll be covering long distances, you may want to consider renting a larger vehicle like an SUV or a full-size sedan for comfort and space.
Insurance: Make sure to check your rental insurance coverage, especially if you’re picking up the car in one state and dropping it off in another. Also, ensure you’re covered for roadside assistance in case of breakdowns or emergencies.

Alternative Routes/Options:

If you’re open to adjusting your route, here are a couple of alternatives that might be worth considering:

Route 66 & Grand Canyon: If you want to explore the Grand Canyon, you could slightly modify your route to pass through Flagstaff, Arizona. It would be a longer detour, but the Grand Canyon is definitely worth it.
Route 66 & Oklahoma City: You could head straight to Oklahoma City from Amarillo (skipping Santa Fe) to save some time. This would reduce your driving distance and give you more time to explore the attractions in Oklahoma City.

Conclusion:

Yes, this trip is absolutely doable and should be a great road trip adventure! Make sure to plan your overnight stays in advance, especially in smaller towns along Route 66, as accommodations can be limited. Be mindful of the driving times and make sure your rental car is ready for the journey. Enjoy the sights and history of Route 66, and have a fantastic time in Oklahoma and beyond!

Vegas to Oklahoma route 66

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