Start your journey at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, just over 15 miles (24km) from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (pictured), where Route 66 first crosses into Missouri. It's served by flights from Europe and major centres across the USA, with British Airways offering direct flights from London from 19 April 2026.

Ahead of the centenary next year, USA specialist Purely America has launched a new seven-night ‘Heart of Route 66’ self-drive itinerary from St Louis to Kansas City, taking in all the highlights of Missouri’s 280-plus mile (450km) stretch of the Mother Road.

Peter Moore visited Route 66 in Missouri in June 2025 as a guest of Visit Missouri.

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13 ways to get your kicks on Missouri’s Route 66