Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 with Amtrak Vacations
The open road has inspired generations of American adventures. In 2026, Route 66 celebrates its centenary, inviting travellers to discover the cities, communities, and wide-open landscapes that made the Mother Road a legend. With Amtrak Vacations, you can experience that spirit from a different seat: aboard the train.
Our Route 66 by Rail and Route 66 by Rail and Road holidays bring together classic American destinations and the pleasure of watching the country unfold along the way. Whether you want to leave the long-distance driving behind or combine train travel with time on the road, there is more than one way to celebrate this American icon.
A century of American adventure
Established in 1926, Route 66 became one of America's most recognisable highways, linking the Midwest with Southern California. Its historic route crossed Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, connecting communities whose stories still draw travellers today.
The original highway was removed from the federal highway system in 1985, but its legacy lives on through vintage signs, local businesses, historic streets, and the enduring appeal of heading west. The centenary is an opportunity to experience the places behind that story, whether you are discovering them for the first time or returning with a new perspective.
A rail holiday connects several destinations associated with Route 66, though the trains do not follow every mile of the historic highway. Along the way, you can explore cities, spend time in the Southwest, and include a visit to the Grand Canyon.
Explore Route 66 by Rail
Amtrak Vacations' 14-day Route 66 by Rail itinerary goes from Chicago to Los Angeles, with stops in St. Louis, Albuquerque, Williams, and Grand Canyon National Park. Amtrak travel, hotel stays, and sightseeing come together in an itinerary that makes the journey part of your holiday.
Between destinations, settle into the rhythm of the train. Read a few chapters, spend time with your travel companion, or simply look out of the window as the scenery changes. With no long-distance driving to divide between you, everyone can enjoy the view.
The holiday also includes the Grand Canyon Railway, bringing another rail experience to your adventure. From Williams, this historic railway takes you to the South Rim of one of America's most celebrated national parks.
Combine the rails with the open road
For travellers who also enjoy getting behind the wheel, Amtrak Vacations' 15-day Route 66 by Rail and Road holiday combines Amtrak travel with a self-drive portion through the Southwest.
Rail travel gives you time to relax between major stops, while the driving portion offers the freedom to explore along the way. It is an appealing combination for anyone who wants the experience of an overnight train journey alongside the independence of a road trip.
Explore Route 66 by Rail and Road
Find your travel style
| Travel details | Route 66 by Rail | Route 66 by Rail and Road |
|---|---|---|
| Trip length | 14 days | 15 days |
| Travel style | Primarily rail | Rail and self-drive |
| Main appeal | Enjoy the journey without a traditional road trip | Combine time on the train with the flexibility of driving |
Think about what you enjoy most while travelling. If watching the landscape from your train window is part of the attraction, the rail-focused itinerary offers plenty to look forward to. If exploring by car is also on your wish list, the rail-and-road holiday brings both experiences together.
Discover the destinations along the way
Chicago and St. Louis
Chicago makes a fitting starting point for a Route 66 adventure. Architecture, museums, neighbourhood restaurants, and the Lake Michigan waterfront offer plenty of ways to spend time before heading west. You might make room for a popular museum or enjoy a leisurely meal as you get into holiday mode.
In St. Louis, the Gateway Arch rises above the Mississippi River. The city brings another chapter of American travel history into your journey, along with opportunities to explore its neighbourhoods and local food scene.
Albuquerque and Williams
Albuquerque introduces the landscapes and flavours of New Mexico. Historic areas, Southwestern architecture, and regional cuisine give you a sense of place that goes far beyond the familiar Route 66 signs.
Williams, Arizona, combines its historic highway connections with a railway tradition of its own. It is the departure point for the Grand Canyon Railway and a memorable stop for travellers drawn to the nostalgia of American journeys.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon adds an extraordinary natural landmark to the rail itinerary. At the South Rim, broad views reveal layers of rock, shifting light, and the immense scale of the canyon. Getting there aboard the Grand Canyon Railway makes the approach part of the experience.
Los Angeles and Southern California
Los Angeles brings the rail journey to Southern California, with opportunities to explore before heading home. If visiting Route 66's historic western endpoint in Santa Monica is on your list, ask about allowing additional time and arranging transport there. Arrivals in Los Angeles do not automatically include a visit to Santa Monica.
Make the holiday your own
With Amtrak Vacations, your itinerary can reflect how you want to travel. Ask our Rail Experts about adding nights, choosing hotels, including additional sightseeing, or travelling in reverse order. You can also discuss adding rail travel from your hometown station to connect with the itinerary route.
For overnight rail segments, ask about upgrading to private sleeping accommodation if available. It can be a welcome addition for travellers who want their own space during the journey.
We can bring your rail arrangements, hotels, and selected experiences together, so you can spend more time looking forward to the trip. Railbookers offers independent holidays that give you time to explore at your own pace between scheduled travel and included activities.
Planning your Route 66 adventure
The destinations span different climates, so your preferred season can shape the experience. Spring and autumn can appeal to travellers who enjoy city sightseeing and time outdoors. Summer brings longer days, while parts of the Southwest can be very hot. Winter offers another perspective, with colder conditions possible in Chicago and northern Arizona.
Leave room for the places that interest you most. An extra night can mean time for another neighbourhood, an unhurried meal, or more sightseeing. If a particular centenary event is part of your plans, confirm its date and location before arranging your holiday around it.
Route 66 has always invited travellers to see what lies beyond the next horizon. A century after its beginnings, Amtrak Vacations gives you another way to answer that invitation. Explore our Route 66 holidays and speak with a Rail Expert or your local travel agent to start planning your journey.
Plan your Route 66 holiday with Amtrak Vacations
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel along Route 66 by train?
You can explore several destinations associated with Route 66 by rail, but no train follows the entire historic highway. The holiday combines rail travel with stays and experiences along the way.
How long are the Route 66 holidays?
Route 66 by Rail is a 14-day holiday. Route 66 by Rail and Road is a 15-day holiday. Ask about customising either itinerary with additional nights.
Can I combine train travel with driving?
Yes. Route 66 by Rail and Road includes a self-drive portion alongside the rail travel.
Does Route 66 by Rail include the Grand Canyon?
Yes. The rail itinerary includes Grand Canyon National Park and travel aboard the Grand Canyon Railway.
Can I book a private room on the train?
Ask about upgrading the overnight rail portions to private sleeping accommodation. Options depend on the train and availability for your travel dates.
Can international travellers book this holiday?
Yes. A Route 66 holiday brings several American destinations together in one itinerary, with Amtrak Vacations helping coordinate the rail travel, hotels, and sightseeing.
