Does the old Route 66 go through Texas?

Route 66 originally stretched 178 miles through Texas; today, about 150 miles are actually drivable. Most of Route 66 lies under the I-40 Frontage Road. A Route 66 road trip through Texas will follow I-40 between Jericho and Alanreed as well as the last 18 miles as you exit the state from Adrian to Glenrio.



Yes, the historic Route 66 (the "Mother Road") cuts directly across the Texas Panhandle, covering approximately 177 to 190 miles between the borders of Oklahoma and New Mexico. This stretch of the highway is home to some of the most iconic Americana sights in the United States. The largest city on the Texas route is Amarillo, where you will find the world-famous Cadillac Ranch, an art installation featuring ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. Another essential stop is the town of Adrian, which is officially the Midpoint of Route 66, located exactly 1,139 miles from both Chicago and Los Angeles; the MidPoint Cafe there is legendary for its "ugly pie." Other highlights include the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock (an Art Deco masterpiece that inspired Ramone's Body Shop in the movie Cars) and the leaning water tower in Groom. While much of the old road has been bypassed by Interstate 40, significant sections of the original pavement remain, allowing 2026 travelers to experience the neon signs and quirky roadside attractions that defined 20th-century American travel.

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Of the original 2,448 miles that made up Route 66, about 80-85% is still drivable.

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The last outdated, poorly maintained vestiges of U.S. Highway 66 succumbed to the interstate system in October 1984 when Interstate 40 at Williams, Arizona, replaced the final section of the original road.

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Much of the route parallels US 29 or State Route 55 (SR 55) in Virginia. I-66 has no physical or historical connection to the famous US 66, which was located in a different region of the United States.

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Only one state, Montana, is left unspoiled with no daytime speed limit. At night, speeds are restricted to 65 mph on interstate highways and 55 mph on two-lanes.

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In Arizona remains the longest stretch of the original Route 66 in the U.S., where you'll find a wigwam-shaped motel, a petrified forest, kitschy shops, a street corner dedicated to an Eagles song, and so much more.

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20 Facts About Route 66
  • Route 66 was built as an efficient way to get from Chicago to Los Angeles. ...
  • The “Father of Route 66” was an Oklahoma businessman. ...
  • In 1928, promoters held a foot race across Route 66. ...
  • The New Deal helped finish Route 66. ...
  • The Great Depression spurred thousands to head west along Route 66.


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In some states Rt 66 is not well- marked and it was often difficult to find where it picks up when one section of it ends. But all in all it is worth the effort if you want to see some almost forgotten bits of Americana. Lots of worthwhile stops along the way, but they are scattered across 2,400 miles.

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May and September are considered good months to travel Route 66 if you're not a fan of the intense heat that comes with the summer months - you get the benefits of fair weather and reduced tourism. June, July and August are the peak months in terms of both tourism and temperature.

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