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Hiya, we're planning a trip along route 66 during the school holidays in August with a 5 year old and an 8 year old. We only have around 2 weeks and I don't think the kids will cope with long drives everyday so wondered if people could recommend if a stretch of the journey might be possible to do by rail, without spoiling the whole experience too much.
It's my first visit to the USA so I've got no idea what to expect. I watched Breaking Bad last year and the scenery looked awesome.
Thanks!
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Rail journeys wouldn't be that much quicker than driving between stops, especially when you factor in hanging around waiting for trains, etc.
Route 66 is all about the road, so doing some of it via rail seems to defeat the object somewhat. That said, you gave very good reasons, so I do understand.
My advice would be to drive it but, rather than sticking 100% to old Route 66, perhaps use the interstate to shorten the drive every now and then.
Two weeks is enough time to do the trip. It won't give you long to explore what it has to offer, but it would be enough to still have any amazing time.
--- Drove Route 66 in August 2012 ---
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For Europeans, the American rail system is called Amtrak and it's very skeletal compared to what you may be used to. You might want to use it for trips to other US destinations. But it is of no value in planning a Route 66 trip.
Amtrak doesn't have tracks anywhere near Rt 66 between St Louis MO and Albuquerque NM, more than 40% of the road. Your only option is to use nearby portions of the Interstate highway system to make up time.
Route 66 can only be experienced by driving. With a few stops along the way it will come to at least 2500 miles (4000 km).
