The old road starts and stops, and in places it is gravel. Use a dedicated Route 66 guidebook or map app if you want to follow every original mile.
Routes at a glance
| From | By | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo to Adrian | Car | About 50 min | Around 48 miles west on I-40. |
| Amarillo to Shamrock | Car | About 1 h 30 min | Around 90 miles east on I-40. |
| Oklahoma City to Shamrock | Car | About 2.5 h | Around 170 miles west on I-40. |
| Albuquerque to Adrian | Car | About 3.5 h | Around 240 miles east on I-40 via Tucumcari. |
Times are typical and fares change — check current timetables and prices before you travel.
Motorcycles and RVs
The whole route suits both, but crosswinds can be strong and some old alignments are rough. Keep to I-40 when the weather turns.
One-way car hire
Fees for one-way rentals can be high, particularly between states. Compare a round trip from Amarillo with a one-way from Oklahoma City or Albuquerque.

