RVing the Mother Road: A Guide for International Travelers for the Route 66 Centennial

For 100 years, Route 66 has been the ultimate road trip — a 2,400-mile (3,940 km) ribbon of Americana stretching from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier. And in 2026, the Route 66 Centennial will mark a century of open-road magic.

For travelers from the UK, Germany, Australia, and beyond, this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — and the best way to experience it? Behind the wheel of an RV.

If you’re planning to rent an RV for Route 66 from overseas, don’t worry — it’s easier than you think. This is your friendly “how-to” guide for making it simple, fun, and stress-free.

Can You Drive an RV in the USA? (Short Answer: Yes!)

Absolutely. You don’t need a special licence or a secret handshake. Here’s what you’ll need to drive an RV for your Route 66 Centennial road trip:

• Your Home Driver’s Licence: A valid, full driver’s licence (not provisional) from your home country.
  
• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required only if your licence isn’t in English. Think of it as an official translation, not a replacement.
  
• No Special Licence Needed: Most rental RVs (Class B and Class C) are well under 26,000 lbs (11,790 kg). You’re good to go with your standard licence.
  
• Age + Credit Card: You’ll typically need to be 21 or 25+ (depending on company) and have a major credit card in your name.
  

Driving an RV in the USA: The Real Tips

Welcome to the land of big skies, wide roads, and even wider parking spaces. Driving an RV here is easier than you think — especially with these quick rules of the road.

The Big Three

1. Drive on the Right: Steering wheel’s on the left, traffic flows on the right. It feels odd for about an hour, then you’re fine.
   
2. Right on Red: In most states, you can turn right at a red light after coming to a full stop (unless a sign says otherwise).
   
3. 4-Way Stops: First vehicle to stop is first to go. It’s polite… and surprisingly orderly.
   

“Adventur-ish” RV Tips

• It’s Not a Car: RVs are taller, wider, and slower to stop. Take corners wide and watch your mirrors.
  
• Know Your Height: Take a photo of the sticker inside the RV that lists your height. You’ll thank yourself at your first low bridge or drive-thru.
  
• Fuel Smart: “Gas” means petrol. “Diesel” is diesel. Double-check every time you fill up.
  
• No Wild Camping: In the U.S., “boondocking” or “wild camping” isn’t as common as in Europe or Australia. You’ll need to stay at proper campgrounds or RV parks.
  

How to Rent an RV for Route 66

Your RV is your rolling home base. Here’s how to make the rental process smooth and simple.

• Where to Rent:
  Use a trusted marketplace like Outdoorsy (for unique, peer-to-peer RVs) or a large company like Cruise America or El Monte RV, both with depots near major airports (Chicago O’Hare, LAX, etc.).
  
• One-Way Rentals:
  Most Route 66 trips are one-way — Chicago to L.A. or vice versa. It’s common, but expect a “one-way fee” (usually $500–$1,500).
  
• Pickup Day:
  Budget 1–2 hours for orientation. The staff will walk you through hookups, slide-outs, appliances, and the generator. It’s part of the adventure — ask every question you can think of.
  
• Insurance Is a Must:
  Your home car insurance won’t cover U.S. rentals. Always purchase the RV rental insurance offered — usually including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI). It’s worth every penny for peace of mind.
  

Quick Guide to U.S. Campgrounds

You’ll see the words “campground” and “RV park” everywhere — here’s the cheat sheet.

• Hookups:
  
  • Full Hookups: Electricity, water, and sewer (ideal for longer stays).
    
  • Partial Hookups: Usually water + electricity only. You’ll dump your tanks at a “dump station.”
    
• Site Types:
  
  • Pull-Thru Sites: Drive in one side, out the other. Easy and beginner-friendly.
    
  • Back-In Sites: A little trickier to park in, but often more scenic and private.
    

Pro Tip for 2026: The Route 66 Centennial will be packed. Book your RV campsites months — even a year — ahead, especially around national parks like the Grand Canyon or major Route 66 landmarks.

Your Route 66 Adventure Starts Here

This isn’t just a holiday — it’s a pilgrimage for the curious, the nostalgic, and the road-trip obsessed. It’s 100 years of American storytelling, best experienced one mile (or kilometer) at a time.

With a bit of prep, you’ll have the freedom of the open road and the comfort of home, no matter where you park it.

Find Your Route 66 RV