Enterprise Car Hire
Myrtle Beach

The Enterprise hire car desk is conveniently located within the dedicated rental car facility at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). After collecting your luggage from the baggage reclaim carousels, simply exit the main terminal doors. The rental car centre is directly across the road and the route is clearly signed with overhead boards for all rental agencies. The walk is short and straightforward, taking just a few minutes from the terminal to the desk to begin the collection process.

For a smooth late‑night arrival, it’s sensible to confirm the hire desk’s opening hours in advance to ensure staff will be available. Once you have your vehicle, take a few moments in the well‑lit hire car lot to adjust mirrors and seats and connect your phone for navigation. The roads around the airport are typically much quieter late at night, which can make the first drive less stressful. Proceed cautiously until you’re familiar with the car and local roads before heading to your accommodation.

The most direct route from MYR to the heart of Ocean Boulevard is usually via Harrelson Boulevard, which leads directly from the airport. You then connect to US‑17 Business, also known as Kings Highway, and from there numerous side streets lead straight to Ocean Boulevard. To avoid the heaviest beach traffic, try to arrive outside the peak hotel check‑in window of 3pm to 6pm. This straightforward route is well signed and is the primary artery for visitors heading to the beachfront hotels.

To bypass the heaviest coastal congestion on your way to North Myrtle Beach, the simplest route is to use SC‑31, also known as the Carolina Bays Parkway. From the airport, take Harrelson Boulevard to join SC‑31 North. This multi‑lane expressway lets you avoid the frequent traffic lights and commercial traffic on US‑17. You can then take one of several exits, such as Robert M. Grissom Parkway, to access your destination in North Myrtle Beach easily.

The most effective way to reach Barefoot Landing while avoiding complex traffic patterns is by taking SC‑31 (Carolina Bays Parkway). After leaving the airport on Harrelson Boulevard, follow the signs to join SC‑31 North. This highway provides a direct, limited‑access route that bypasses the busy commercial sections of US‑17. Exit at Robert M. Grissom Parkway or follow signs for your specific destination as you approach North Myrtle Beach, which will lead you directly to the Barefoot Landing area.

For a simple drive to Broadway at the Beach, take Harrelson Boulevard east from the airport terminal. Follow the signs to merge onto US‑17 Bypass North. This main road will take you directly past the attraction, which will be on your right after only a few miles. The entrance is large and clearly marked, making it easy to spot even for first‑time visitors to Myrtle Beach.

The least stressful route to Surfside Beach from the airport is to take US‑17 Bypass South. From Harrelson Boulevard, follow the signs to join the bypass heading south. This road is the main artery for reaching communities south of Myrtle Beach, including Surfside Beach, Garden City and Murrells Inlet. It allows you to avoid the slower, more congested traffic on the parallel US‑17 Business (Kings Highway).

When driving from MYR to Murrells Inlet during peak dinner hours, it’s wise to plan for extra travel time. The route via US‑17 Bypass South is the most direct, but evening traffic can cause significant slowdowns, especially around major junctions and restaurant clusters. While the drive might take around 25 minutes in light traffic, you should budget 45 to 60 minutes during busy periods to ensure a relaxed and timely arrival.

The best and most reliable way to drive to Garden City Beach is by using US‑17 Bypass South. After leaving the airport on Harrelson Boulevard, clear signage will direct you onto this major highway. Staying on the bypass ensures you avoid getting lost on smaller residential streets and unnecessary traffic lights. As you approach the Garden City area, your satnav will guide you to the correct local exit to reach your final destination.

For first‑time visitors, the easiest approach to Huntington Beach State Park is to take US‑17 South from the airport area. You will mainly use the US‑17 Bypass, which eventually merges with US‑17 Business as you head further south toward Murrells Inlet. The park entrance sits on the east side of US‑17 and is very well marked with large brown official state park signs, making it hard to miss.

Yes, SC‑31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) is an excellent and highly recommended bypass for travelling between the southern and northern ends of the Grand Strand. This limited‑access highway helps you avoid heavy traffic and numerous traffic lights on US‑17. Key exits to know include International Drive, which connects to the Carolina Forest area, and Robert M. Grissom Parkway, which provides access to central Myrtle Beach attractions and the northern coastline.

Driving on Kings Highway can be slow, especially in peak season, as it’s the main commercial artery through Myrtle Beach. Expect numerous traffic lights, a steady stream of cars and frequent stops as drivers turn into hotels, restaurants and shops. Visitors often get stuck in queues near major attractions like Family Kingdom or the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. For longer north‑south travel, it’s often quicker to use the US‑17 Bypass instead.

GPS signal is generally strong and reliable throughout the Myrtle Beach area, including at the airport and along main roads like Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway. You can confidently use your preferred navigation app for most driving. However, it’s prudent to download offline maps of the region as a backup. This ensures you have navigation available in case of network congestion during a major event or if you travel to more remote nearby areas.

A common mistake visitors make near the airport and Coastal Grand Mall is not getting into the correct lane early enough for a turn. The interchanges connecting Harrelson Boulevard, US‑17 Bypass and Kings Highway can be confusing for first‑timers. Drivers often miss their turn or make abrupt lane changes. To avoid this, review your route before you start driving and pay close attention to your satnav’s lane guidance as you approach these busy junctions.

For a golf trip, a mid‑size or full‑size saloon, or a standard SUV, offers the ideal balance of space and convenience. These vehicles provide ample boot space to comfortably fit multiple sets of golf clubs and luggage without feeling cramped. They are also easy to manoeuvre in traffic and fit well into standard parking bays. Most Myrtle Beach golf courses have large, spacious car parks, so parking a slightly bigger vehicle is rarely an issue.

When travelling with family and lots of gear, it’s a good idea to take a few extra minutes to organise everything before leaving the hire car lot. Do a quick test‑pack to ensure pushchairs, coolboxes, luggage and beach toys fit securely and don’t obstruct your view. This preparation at the airport prevents the stress of having to hastily repack on a busy hotel curb or in a tight car park on arrival.

The most efficient plan is for the first person in your group to arrive and proceed to the hire desk to complete the collection. Once they have the vehicle, they can easily drive around the airport’s one‑way loop to the arrivals kerb. This allows them to pick up the other members of your party as they exit the terminal, saving everyone from waiting together in the hire car centre with all their luggage.

On a summer Saturday, the drive to Cherry Grove Beach typically slows significantly in two main areas. The first is on US‑17 as you pass through the commercial heart of North Myrtle Beach, where traffic lights and shopping centre entrances cause queues. The second bottleneck is often on Sea Mountain Highway or other local roads leading from US‑17 to the coast, where check‑in traffic for rentals and hotels becomes concentrated.

A day trip to Charleston is a great option, with the drive taking about two hours each way via US‑17 South. For a comfortable journey, plan a brief stop in the historic town of Georgetown to stretch your legs. Once you arrive in Charleston, the easiest parking solution is to head straight for one of the public car parks located near the historic district and City Market. This saves you the frustration of searching for limited on‑street parking.

The drive to Wilmington is a straightforward trip north on US‑17, taking approximately 90 minutes. To avoid unexpected congestion, try to time your drive to pass through smaller coastal towns like Calabash and Shallotte outside peak mealtimes. The most significant potential for traffic is usually on the bridges leading into Wilmington itself. Overall, it’s a scenic and manageable drive for a day trip from the Myrtle Beach area.

Navigating to Brookgreen Gardens is very straightforward for first‑time visitors. The main public entrance is located directly off US‑17 in Murrells Inlet, south of Myrtle Beach. The entrance is clearly marked with large, prominent signage, making it easy to spot from the highway. Once inside, the road leads you to several large, well‑organised car parks situated conveniently close to the welcome centre and gardens.

To ensure a stress‑free arrival for a morning tee time in Pawleys Island, it’s best to leave the Myrtle Beach area about 75 to 90 minutes ahead of schedule. The drive south on US‑17 can be affected by local commuter traffic and school buses on weekday mornings. Allowing this extra buffer accounts for potential delays and gives you plenty of time to check in at the pro shop and warm up before you play.

For visiting the Boardwalk, the most convenient parking is often the large public car park located at 9th Avenue North and North Kings Highway. There are also numerous paid surface lots and metered street spaces in the surrounding blocks. The easiest approach is to set your satnav for the 9th Avenue car park, as this eliminates the need to circle busy streets searching for a spot, especially during peak season.

The most practical plan is to drive directly to the park via US‑17 Business (Kings Highway), as the entrance is clearly signed off this main road. Once you pay the entrance fee, you can drive into the park and choose from several large car parks. Many of these lots offer direct boardwalk access to the beach, minimising the distance you have to carry your gear and cooler from your car to the sand.

The best way to unload luggage on a busy part of Ocean Boulevard is to use your hotel’s designated loading and unloading zone. Even if you have to wait a few minutes for a space to free up, it is the safest and most considerate option. Pulling over directly on the boulevard can be hazardous and cause significant traffic disruption. Have one person stay with the vehicle while others quickly move the bags to the lobby.

Navigating hotel check‑in traffic, which is heaviest between 3pm and 6pm, requires patience. The best strategy is to try to time your arrival for either before or after this peak window if your schedule allows. If you must arrive during the rush, simply join the queue and follow any directions from hotel staff who may be directing traffic. Being prepared for a short wait can make the experience much less stressful.

To avoid the main tourist areas on a drive to Conway, the least stressful route is to use the area’s highways. From most parts of Myrtle Beach you can access SC‑31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) or SC‑22. These then connect to US‑501 West, which is the main highway that leads directly into the heart of Conway. This path allows you to bypass the stop‑and‑go traffic of Kings Highway entirely.

To best manage your drive for a show at the Carolina Opry, plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the performance starts. This gives you ample time to park and find your seats without rushing. To avoid the post‑show exit rush, consider remaining in your seat for 10 to 15 minutes after the show concludes. This allows the initial wave of traffic to clear the car park, making for a much smoother departure.

During Bike Week, expect a significant increase in motorcycle traffic on all major roads, particularly US‑17 Business and in areas like Murrells Inlet. Be prepared for slower travel speeds and allow much more time to get to your destination. Drivers should be extra vigilant, check blind spots twice and be aware of potential temporary traffic pattern changes or diversions designed to manage the flow of event traffic.

During a heavy downpour, some low‑lying sections of US‑17 Business (Kings Highway) and Ocean Boulevard are known to experience temporary flooding or significant water pooling. This can cause lane closures and immediate traffic backups. Drivers should reduce their speed considerably on all roads, be cautious of hydroplaning and avoid driving through standing water, as it can be deeper than it appears.

Navigating toll‑free in the Myrtle Beach area is simple because there are no toll roads on the Grand Strand. All the primary highways you will use, including US‑17, SC‑31 and US‑501, are completely free to drive on. You can confidently use your satnav on its fastest or most direct setting without worrying about being routed onto a road that requires payment, as it will naturally guide you along these main public thoroughfares.

For early morning sunrise photos, parking is typically plentiful and easy to find. Your best options are the designated lots at public beach access points, which are scattered along Ocean Boulevard and are usually empty at dawn. Alternatively, state parks like Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park offer ample car parks with fantastic, unobstructed views of the coastline, making them ideal spots for photographers.

The simplest plan for an early morning return is to allow yourself about 20–30 minutes more than you think you'll need. The drive to the airport via Kings Highway or US‑17 to Harrelson Boulevard is usually very light on traffic before 7am. Once at the airport, follow the large, clear signs for "Rental Car Return," which will guide you directly into the designated area in the car park opposite the terminal.

The airport is designed for an easy loop. After dropping off passengers and luggage at the upper‑level departures curb, simply continue driving forward and follow the main airport roadway as it circles around. This loop will automatically bring you back toward the airport entrance. From there you can easily merge into the correct lane and follow the well‑marked signs for "Rental Car Return" to enter the car park.

If you miss the entrance to the hire car return, the most important thing is not to panic or attempt an unsafe manoeuvre. The airport has a simple one‑way traffic loop. Just continue driving safely around the loop, which will bring you back to the main airport entrance road. This will give you a second opportunity to get into the correct lane and follow the signs for rental returns.

When travelling with someone with limited mobility, it's helpful to plan ahead. Consider hiring a vehicle like an SUV or people carrier that may be easier for entry and exit. Before visiting attractions or restaurants, call to enquire about their accessible parking and entrance options. Most major Myrtle Beach destinations are well equipped with ramps and designated parking, but confirming details in advance can ensure a much smoother and more comfortable experience.

For safer night driving, it’s best to stick to the major, well‑lit thoroughfares like US‑17 Bypass or SC‑31 for longer trips. When driving on busier roads like Kings Highway, reduce your speed and be extra aware of pedestrians. Pay close attention to road signs and your satnav to anticipate turns well in advance, and always maintain a safe following distance to give yourself ample time to react to other drivers.