Save Big on the Open Road: Your Route 66 Discount Guide

Article overview 

• Discover exclusive savings and discounts with your AAA Membership. 

• Learn how to stretch your travel budget further with hotel and gas deals. 

• Explore the unique attractions and roadside stops along Route 66. 

• Enjoy peace of mind with AAA’s trusted Roadside Assistance. 

• Turn your road trip into an unforgettable adventure with these tips and offers. 

Traveling Route 66 is so much more than just a road trip; it’s a journey back in time. The alluring 2,448-mile drive through the heartland captures an everlasting Americana spirit. The joy of the drive lies in the nostalgia of discovering untouched stops along the way, such as retro diners, vintage roadside motels, and century-old gas stations. Since its opening in 1926, the highway has inspired generations of travelers with its promise of wide-open adventure.

A hundred years later, the timeless road is ready for its biggest celebration yet. In 2026, Route 66 marks a century of enchanting travelers with its 100th Anniversary Centennial. This year-long jubilee will be packed with fun things to do on Route 66, including festivals, parades, restorations and commemorations honoring America’s Mother Road.

Now’s the time to start planning your cross-country road trip on Route 66 for 2026. With the help of your AAA Membership, the many insider discounts on Route 66 make your trip even better. Here’s a handy guide to making the most of your legendary road trip while giving your wallet a little room to enjoy the ride, too!

Planning your Route 66 trip

While Route 66 begins in downtown Chicago (at the intersection of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue), the national kick-off event for the Centennial celebration will take place in Springfield, Missouri, on April 30, 2026. The route winds through eight states, ending at Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California. 

The most challenging aspect of planning is selecting from the many things to do on Route 66, as the route is dotted with over 1,500 attractions. AAA Members have access to premium planning tools that help make planning the Route 66 a breeze with personalized itineraries, detailed maps and digital guides. Rely on the AAA Mobile app and TripTik® Travel Planner to help navigate the route, access travel tips, compare fuel prices and request 24/7 roadside assistance. 

Consider the AAA savings on a rental

Plan your route with a mix of both iconic sights and lesser-known gems, and take advantage of AAA perks to save on everything from lodging to gas and car care. Often, the best car for Route 66 is a rental. Car rentals are the most convenient and feasible way to complete a one-way journey. AAA’s car rental partners with Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty offer exclusive discount opportunities for the best rates. 

If you’re a road-trip-loving crew that’s on the hunt for an RV, rely on AAA’s exclusive discount with GoRollick for the best rates on buying and renting recreational vehicles. RV parks along the Route add to the road’s charm as they are convenient, budget-friendly and feel like little time capsules of Americana. A new feature on AAA Trip Canvas integrates with RoverPass to help members find and book stays at its extensive network of campgrounds and RV parks. 

Regardless of how you plan your trip, AAA Members can tap into valuable savings with numerous discounts on Route 66. AAA Members receive exclusive savings on AAA Diamond-designated hotels, attractions and dining at restaurants on Route 66, along with the always-reliable 24/7 AAA Roadside Assistance, providing peace of mind from start to finish.

Top gas savings for AAA Members

• Shell: AAA Members who enroll in the Fuel Rewards Program can save at least 5 cents per gallon (up to 20 gallons) at participating Shell stations along Route 66 and across the country. And getting the discount couldn’t be easier. Simply register online here, enter your phone number at the gas pump or in-store before filling up to automatically apply the discount.
• Love’s Travel Stops: AAA Members are eligible for a discount at Love's Travel Stops, a helpful discount for the Route 66 journey, as there are numerous locations along the historic byway. AAA members can access the discount by simply connecting their AAA membership to the Love's Connect App. Once linked, AAA Members can save $0.13 per gallon on gasoline and $0.20 per gallon on auto diesel, and $0.50 per gallon on bulk propane.

Gear up with AAA’s exclusive online savings

Being a AAA Member offers more than just roadside assistance; it is a gateway to savings on everything you need for a Route 66 adventure. Check out AAA’s Online Mall, where members can save and earn cash-back savings at retailers like Camping World and Academy Sports, making it easy to stock up on essentials for the road trip. These one-stop shops have all the top gear you’re looking for, including camping supplies, coolers, travel apparel, outdoor cooking equipment and a variety of road trip accessories.

Hotels and lodging along the way

From retro roadside motels that feel frozen in time to boutique inns with contemporary charm, hotels on Route 66 are as varied and iconic as the road itself. Plan for 2026 by booking ahead. Start by taking advantage of AAA’s Preferred Hotel Partners, where members can save up to 15% off. Many participating motels along Route 66 offer exclusive AAA discounts, and some may also allow you to earn hotel loyalty points, as well. With a bit of planning, these hotel discounts can stretch your travel budget further.

Hit the road with your AAA Membership and you’ll revel in all the exclusive Route 66 savings you won’t find anywhere else. Enjoy the long road filled with special offers and discounts, with savings on gas, hotels, restaurants, and roadside attractions. Not to mention the comfort of knowing you’ve got AAA’s Roadside Assistance, your ultimate safety net on Route 66. 

With a AAA Membership, you can rest easy knowing that every mile of your iconic road trip is covered. Get ready to set off on the open road for a truly unforgettable Centennial celebration!