Major city · United States
Elk City
Spend a half‑day on Route 66 sights and a quick park visit; stay one night only if you need a rest before continuing east or west.
Elk City is a small Route 66 stop in southwest Oklahoma. Its main attractions – the National Route 66 Museum, Parker Drilling Rig and nearby Foss State Park – are close together, so a half‑day covers the highlights. One night is enough for a relaxed break before heading to larger towns.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Oct
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, occasional snow)
- Airport
- OKC
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Elk City911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Elk City, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyElk City is generally safe; typical small‑town caution applies – lock car doors, watch for wildlife on rural roads.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / fire / ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportOKC Will Rogers World Airport (About 1 h 15 min drive east on I‑40).
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable; most visitors drive or rent a car for the park and nearby wildlife refuge.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café$2–$3
- Budget bedMid‑range hotel (e.g., La Quinta), a night, per roomUS$56
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel (e.g., La Quinta), a night, per roomUS$70
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel (e.g., La Quinta), a night, per roomUS$90
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- OKC Will Rogers World Airport (About 1 h 15 min drive east on I‑40)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Best
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Aug
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Sep
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jan (−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C) low), wettest Nov (8 rain days), driest Apr (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Elk City: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
6 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
6 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
Jul
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
6 rd
Aug
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is walkable; most visitors drive or rent a car for the park and nearby wildlife refuge.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Foss State Park
goDoor to door: ≈30 min round trip
Drive east on OK‑44, about 20 km (12 mi)Drive east on OK‑44, about 12 mi (20 km)
Beach, camping and trails; good for a quick nature break.
Washita National Wildlife Refuge
cautionDoor to door: ≈1 h
Drive north on US‑283, about 45 km (28 mi)Drive north on US‑283, about 28 mi (45 km)
Limited facilities; best for birdwatchers.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Bedford Inn
Simple rooms near downtown; good for a quick stop
OYO Hotel Elk City OK Route 66
Basic amenities; $31 per night (2026 estimate)
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Elk City
Includes hot tub; $56 per night (2026 estimate)
Super 8 Motel
Indoor pool, $35 per night (2026 estimate)
Flamingo Inn
Route 66 vibe; $44 per night (2026 estimate)
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–$200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Budget motel (e.g., Super 8)1 × 1 night × US$35 | US$35 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × US$70 | US$70 |
| Car rental (compact, 1 day)1 × US$45 · check | US$45 |
| Museum entry1 × US$5 · check | US$5 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$16 |
| Trip total≈ US$171 per person per day, bed included | US$171 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | $2–$3 |
| Burger with fries | $8–$12 |
| Petrol (per gallon) | $3.20 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summertime thunderstorms can close park trails; check conditions.
- Museum hours vary seasonally – verify before visiting.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Elk CityElk City
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US citizens can contact the nearest US consulate in Oklahoma City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- I‑40 Elk City ↔ Oklahoma City (bus): ≈ $15 one way (check schedule)
- Car rental (compact, daily): ≈ $45 (check provider)
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry (Excuse me)
- Thank you — Thank you (Thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (How much is it?)
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom? (Where is the restroom?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Elk City. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, occasional snow) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a car‑rental option for park visits.
- Create a Route 66 walking tour map linking museum, rig and historic downtown.
Sources
Ask about Elk City
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