How to Get to Route 66 from Los Angeles [2026 Guide]
To reach Route 66 from Los Angeles, you are already at its historic western terminus. Drive west along Santa Monica Boulevard to the Santa Monica Pier “End of the Trail” sign (15 to 25 minutes; free plus parking), or drive east along the historic alignment via Pasadena, San Bernardino, and Barstow toward the Mojave Desert (1 to 2.5 hours; $15–$35 fuel).
Public intercity buses connect Downtown LA to Route 66 desert towns like Victorville or Barstow in 2 to 3 hours for $18–$35. Flight and guided tour packages provide turnkey options across the American Southwest.
Quick Summary Table of Travel Options
| Travel Option & Route Leg | Duration & Grounded Rates |
|---|---|
| Drive to Santa Monica Pier (Historic Western Terminus) | 15–30 mins | Free ($15–$25 beach parking) |
| Drive Eastbound Alignment (LA to Pasadena & San Bernardino) | 45–90 mins | $10–$18 fuel cost |
| Drive Mojave Desert Alignment (LA to Victorville & Barstow) | 1h 45m–2h 30m | $25–$45 fuel cost |
| Intercity Bus (FlixBus / Greyhound to Barstow Station) | 2h 15m–3h 00m | $18–$35 one-way |
| Organized Route 66 Guided Van / Coach Tour | 1–3 days | $180–$650 per person |
| Domestic Flight (LAX to Chicago ORD or Flagstaff FLG) | 1h 30m–4h 15m | $110–$280 one-way airfare |
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🚗 Option 1: Driving from Los Angeles to Route 66
Because Los Angeles encompasses the western end of the Mother Road, getting onto Route 66 by car is immediate. To visit the iconic western terminus, follow Santa Monica Boulevard west to the Santa Monica Pier, where the famous “End of the Trail” sign stands. This drive spans 14 miles from Downtown LA and takes 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
To drive the open-road eastward journey through California, take the Arroyo Seco Parkway (CA-110 North) into Pasadena, following Colorado Boulevard east through Arcadia, Monrovia, and San Bernardino along Foothill Boulevard. From San Bernardino, head north on Interstate 15 over the Cajon Pass to pick up the preserved desert stretches of National Trails Highway through Victorville, Barstow, and Needles.
🚌 Option 2: Bus from Los Angeles to Route 66
Travelers who prefer public transit can take long-distance intercity coach services directly into historic Route 66 gateway communities. Both Greyhound and FlixBus operate multiple daily schedules departing from the Los Angeles Union Station bus terminal or Downtown LA hubs toward Victorville and Barstow.
The bus ride to Barstow Harvey House—a historic rail depot and museum hub directly on Route 66—takes between 2 hours 15 minutes and 3 hours. Standard one-way fares average $18 to $35 when reserved online in advance. From Barstow, local rideshares and shuttle connections provide access to Route 66 diners, neon signs, and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum.
🚐 Option 3: Route 66 Tours from Los Angeles
Booking a professionally guided tour eliminates navigation hassles and car rental logistics. Guided day trips and multi-day overland tours depart regularly from Central Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Santa Monica hotels. Popular day itineraries take travelers through the Mojave Desert to visit Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, Calico Ghost Town, and the vintage Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino.
Multi-day expeditions continue eastward across the Arizona border toward Kingman, Seligman, and the Grand Canyon. Single-day excursions generally range from $180 to $260 per passenger, while all-inclusive 3- to 5-day regional coach tours range from $450 to $1,200, covering transportation, guide commentary, and lodging.
✈️ Option 4: Fly and Start Route 66 Elsewhere
While driving eastbound from Los Angeles is popular, many road-trippers prefer the traditional westbound route starting in Chicago, Illinois, or central hubs like Flagstaff, Arizona, or Albuquerque, New Mexico. Flying allows you to bypass southern California metropolitan gridlock and start in wide-open expanses.
Direct non-stop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) take approximately 4 hours and cost between $110 and $240 one-way. Alternatively, short 90-minute regional flights to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) or Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport (LAS) place you within a quick 45-minute drive of Arizona’s best-preserved original Route 66 stretches.
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FAQs About How to Get to Route 66 from Los Angeles [2026 Guide]
Where does Route 66 officially start and end in Los Angeles?
Route 66 terminates at the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California. While the official highway designation historically ended at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard, the symbolic end marker is located directly on the Santa Monica Pier.
Can you drive on original sections of Route 66 from Los Angeles?
Yes, significant sections of original pavement remain drivable in Southern California. In the urban basin, Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena and Foothill Boulevard through the San Gabriel Valley follow the original alignment, while the National Trails Highway through the Mojave Desert offers uninterrupted vintage stretches.
How long does it take to drive Route 66 through California?
Driving the entire 315-mile California portion of Route 66 from Santa Monica to the Arizona border near Needles takes roughly 6 to 8 hours of pure driving time, though most travelers allocate 2 days to explore museums, diners, and roadside landmarks.
Is Route 66 marked with road signs in Los Angeles?
Yes, cities throughout Los Angeles County maintain brown “Historic Route 66” scenic highway shields along historical alignments, including Santa Monica Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, and Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena.