Hertz Car Hire
Myrtle Beach

The hire car desks at Myrtle Beach International Airport are conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After you collect your luggage from the baggage reclaim carousels, follow the signs to the hire car area — it’s just a short indoor walk. The vehicles are parked in a dedicated multi‑storey car park attached directly to the terminal. This layout is very user‑friendly, as you won't need a shuttle or a long walk to reach your car.

Getting to the hire car area at MYR is straightforward even after a late arrival, because the whole process is handled on foot inside the terminal. Once you exit the secure gate area and collect your bags, simply follow the overhead signs for 'Rental Cars'. The desks are in the main terminal lobby, so you won’t need to go outside or navigate the terminal road loop. After you complete the paperwork you'll be directed to the adjacent car park to pick up your vehicle.

Arriving on a Saturday, the primary changeover day for weekly holiday lets, requires extra patience. Expect heavy traffic on the main roads from the airport to the seafront, particularly US‑501, Kings Highway and the US‑17 Bypass. To make your arrival smoother, consider stopping for groceries or supplies at a shop near the airport before heading into the busiest resort areas. Building in an extra 30 to 60 minutes will reduce stress and help ensure a relaxed start to your break.

During busy periods the drive from MYR to central Myrtle Beach hotels can take 20 to 40 minutes despite the short distance. The main route via Harrelson Boulevard to Kings Highway (US‑17 Business) has many traffic lights and heavy congestion. Traffic volume, especially in summer and at weekends, is the main factor affecting journey times. It’s a good idea to check a real‑time traffic app before leaving the airport to see if the US‑17 Bypass is a faster option.

For the most straightforward and least stressful drive to North Myrtle Beach, take the SC‑31 (Carolina Bays Parkway). From the airport follow signs for SC‑31 North. This is a multi‑lane, limited‑access road that bypasses the stop‑and‑go traffic and numerous junctions on Kings Highway and US‑17 Business. It provides a smoother, faster journey and brings you out closer to your destination in North Myrtle Beach with minimal confusion.

The most efficient and least stressful route from the airport to Murrells Inlet is to take the US‑17 Bypass South. This avoids the dense commercial strip and frequent traffic lights on Kings Highway (US‑17 Business) through central Myrtle Beach. The Bypass is a more direct artery for travelling south along the Grand Strand. Allow plenty of time, however, as the Bypass can also experience congestion during peak dinner times in high season.

For a simple drive to Surfside Beach, take the US‑17 Bypass South from the airport area. This is a major thoroughfare with well‑marked lanes and fewer complex junctions compared with driving through the heart of Myrtle Beach on Kings Highway. Follow the Bypass for a few miles and take the clearly signed exit for Surfside Beach. This route helps you avoid the heaviest tourist traffic and makes for a more direct arrival.

To minimise parking hassles, plan to park at each major location just once. Start your afternoon at Broadway at the Beach, where there is extensive free parking across the complex. Later drive to the seafront and park in one of the large public car parks near the Boardwalk, for example the one at 9th Avenue North. This allows you to leave your car parked for the evening while you enjoy the sunset, dinner and attractions on foot.

Driving on Kings Highway (US‑17) requires extra attention because of its numerous medians and designated U‑turn lanes, often called 'Michigan lefts'. To make a left you will frequently need to drive past your intersection, get into a dedicated U‑turn lane and then come back to make a right. The key is to anticipate your turns well in advance and get into the correct lane early. Be prepared for other drivers making sudden stops or lane changes near these turnarounds.

Yes, navigation systems can occasionally become confused in the core tourist district, especially along Ocean Boulevard. Some sections of the boulevard are one‑way or have seasonal traffic patterns that navigation apps may not reflect in real time. It’s wise to pay close attention to posted road signs, particularly for one‑way streets and no‑turn restrictions. Cross‑referencing your GPS with the actual signs is the best way to avoid a wrong turn in a congested area.

The hire car return area of the airport car park often provides a quiet, covered space to install car seats before you set off. If you prefer more room, the large car parks at The Market Common, located only a minute or two from the airport, are an excellent option. Find a spot away from main store entrances and you’ll have plenty of space to work without feeling rushed or obstructing traffic.

The most strategic approach is to make your grocery stop before you drive into the main oceanfront resort area. There are several large supermarkets conveniently located near the airport, either in The Market Common district or along US‑501. By shopping at one of these locations first you can avoid driving into heavy beach traffic to find a store and then having to backtrack. This gets your errands done efficiently while traffic is relatively lighter.

During summer weekends you should plan for the drive from central Myrtle Beach to a golf course in North Myrtle Beach to take between 45 and 60 minutes. Morning traffic builds quickly as people head to the beach and other attractions. Using SC‑31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) is almost always the quickest option. Leaving a little earlier than you think you need provides a comfortable buffer for unexpected delays.

Driving to The Market Common is generally very straightforward for visitors. It is located close to the airport and is well signed from main roads like the US‑17 Bypass and Harrelson Boulevard. The area does feature several modern roundabouts, but they are designed to be intuitive. Yield to traffic already in the circle and follow signs for your desired exit. The layout is intended for easy navigation once you’re inside the district.

Plan for a 30 to 45 minute drive south from central Myrtle Beach on US‑17 to reach this area. It’s best to visit Huntington Beach State Park first and arrive before 10:30am on busy days to secure parking, as the lots can reach capacity. After enjoying the beach you can drive directly across the highway to Brookgreen Gardens for the afternoon. Both attractions have ample parking, though the state park’s beach access lots are typically the first to fill.

The easiest way to reach Barefoot Landing, especially from the south, is to take SC‑31 North to the exit for SC‑22, then follow the signs. This route helps you bypass the often congested US‑17. Parking is generally most available in the morning before 11am or later in the evening after the dinner rush. Midday and early evening, particularly in peak season, can be very busy, so arriving during off‑peak hours will make parking much simpler.

For the smoothest late‑night drive back to Crescent Beach or Windy Hill in North Myrtle Beach, use the US‑17 Bypass or SC‑31 North. These highways have significantly less traffic and fewer traffic lights than Kings Highway (US‑17 Business). That allows for a quicker and more direct trip back to your accommodation. Both routes are well lit and easy to navigate after dark, making them reliable choices.

During peak travel times, such as weekday rush hours or Saturday afternoons in summer, you should budget an extra 15 to 25 minutes for crossing the main Intracoastal Waterway bridges. The bridge on US‑501 and the one on SC‑544 are major choke points where traffic can back up considerably. Planning to cross these bridges during off‑peak hours can save you considerable time and frustration.

Driving on SC‑31 is similar to a modern motorway experience: it’s a multi‑lane, limited‑access road with a higher speed limit. This parkway is your best tool for avoiding the heavy stop‑and‑go traffic on US‑17 Business (Kings Highway) and the US‑17 Bypass. It’s ideal for longer journeys along the Grand Strand, such as from Surfside Beach up to North Myrtle Beach. Using SC‑31 can easily save you 30 minutes or more on a trip during peak season.

Yes, the streets immediately surrounding the Boardwalk, particularly Ocean Boulevard, can be much more challenging to drive than a map suggests. This area features extremely heavy pedestrian traffic, continual searching for limited street parking and slow‑moving vehicles. The grid of side streets can also be confusing with one‑way designations. It’s often far less stressful to park in a car park a few blocks away and walk to the Boardwalk.

For a quick and safe drop‑off use the passenger loading and unloading zones located along Ocean Boulevard. These are specifically designated for that purpose and save you from having to find a parking space. Alternatively, you can briefly pull into the entrance of a nearby public car park or lot. This allows your group to get out safely onto a pavement away from the main traffic flow on the boulevard.

To ensure a smooth entry and good parking at Myrtle Beach State Park, it’s best to arrive before 10:00am, especially at weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. By mid‑morning a long queue of cars often forms at the entrance gate and the most desirable parking spots near the pier and picnic areas fill quickly. Arriving early lets you bypass the wait and enjoy a more relaxed visit.

On a busy day driving in Cherry Grove requires patience as the streets are narrower and more residential than in central Myrtle Beach. Parking is the main challenge; public access lots are small and fill very early. Expect to look for on‑street parking and pay close attention to posted signs and regulations. Near the popular Cherry Grove Pier be mindful of one‑way streets and heavy pedestrian traffic, which can make turning around difficult.

For a safe sunrise drive stick to major, well‑lit thoroughfares like Kings Highway (US‑17 Business) or Ocean Boulevard. Before you leave use a map app to pinpoint a specific public beach access with a designated car park. Driving directly to a pre‑selected lot is much safer than trying to find street parking in the dark. This simple planning ensures you can park easily and walk straight to the beach without navigating unfamiliar side streets before dawn.

First‑time visitors on US‑501 are often surprised by the number of traffic lights and the density of commercial businesses, which can make the final few miles into Myrtle Beach slow. The approach to the Intracoastal Waterway bridge is a major bottleneck where traffic frequently backs up, especially at weekends. Additionally, the intersections with SC‑31 and the US‑17 Bypass can be large and confusing, so it’s important to be in the correct lane well ahead of time.

During a heavy thunderstorm low‑lying areas are prone to temporary flooding and deep standing water. The most common trouble spots include sections of Kings Highway (US‑17 Business) and Ocean Boulevard, particularly in the older central parts of the town. It’s wise to drive with extreme caution in these areas during heavy rain or, if possible, use the higher‑elevation US‑17 Bypass as an alternative route until the water has receded.

Driving during Bike Week brings unique challenges due to the large increase in motorcycle and vehicle traffic. Expect significant delays and a very slow pace, particularly on Kings Highway, the US‑17 Bypass and around popular gathering spots like Murrells Inlet and North Myrtle Beach. Main boulevards become crowded with cruising motorcycles, so allow double or even triple the normal travel time. Be extra vigilant and aware of your surroundings when sharing the road.

When a major event is on expect heavy congestion on the roads immediately surrounding the Convention Centre, including Oak Street, 21st Avenue North and the nearby stretch of the US‑17 Bypass. The primary car park at the centre can fill quickly, leading attendees to seek spaces in adjacent lots or on side streets. Allow plenty of extra time to navigate the area and consider arriving early to secure a convenient parking space.

For a successful day trip south, plan to leave Myrtle Beach early, ideally before 9:00am, to get ahead of traffic on US‑17 South. For the return trip, the key is to avoid the late afternoon rush of beachgoers heading back. Aim to leave Georgetown or Pawleys Island either before 3:00pm or wait until after 7:00pm. This timing helps you miss the peak congestion that typically builds between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.

The key to managing gear at a crowded beach lot is organisation and efficiency. Before you leave for the beach pack your car so essential items are easily accessible. Consider a collapsible beach wagon, which lets you transport chairs, coolers and toys from your car to the sand in a single trip. This is much easier than making multiple trips across a busy car park and road.

Call your hotel beforehand and ask specific questions about their parking. Enquire whether parking is guaranteed for every room and whether they limit the number of vehicles per reservation. Also ask if they have a separate area for oversized vehicles if you’ve hired a large SUV or van. Finally, ask what their overflow parking procedure is in case the main lot is full on arrival.

To avoid parking challenges at the popular Murrells Inlet MarshWalk you have two good options. First, arrive early for dinner, aiming between 4:30pm and 5:30pm, typically before the lots fill. Second, and often more relaxing, use a rideshare service. This removes parking from your concerns altogether and allows you to be dropped off and picked up right at the entrance.

For an efficient day start with beach time in the morning when parking is easier and the sun is milder. Afterwards drive to Broadway at the Beach for the afternoon and evening. Park once in their large free lots. From there you can walk to Ripley’s Aquarium and enjoy the shops, restaurants and attractions at Broadway at the Beach without needing to drive again until you’re ready to leave.

During peak arrival and departure times traffic can become congested on the roads leading to and from MYR. The primary junction to watch is where Harrelson Boulevard meets the US‑17 Bypass, as this is a major node for airport traffic. The traffic lights on Harrelson Boulevard as it approaches Kings Highway can also back up. Allow a few extra minutes when heading to or from the airport during these busy periods.

The most direct route for a day trip to Conway from Myrtle Beach is to take US‑501 West. The drive is straightforward and takes about 25–30 minutes. In historic downtown Conway you’ll find visitor‑friendly parking with numerous free public car parks conveniently located a block or two from the main shopping and dining areas along the Riverwalk, making it easy to park and explore on foot.

The most reliable way to reach the Myrtle Beach Sports Centre is to use a GPS app and navigate directly to its address. It’s close to the Myrtle Beach Convention Centre and the best approach is typically from the US‑17 Bypass onto 29th Avenue North. Surrounding roads are well signposted for the convention and sports district. For other tournament venues always confirm the address beforehand as they can be spread across the Grand Strand area.

To make your beach‑hopping day efficient plan your stops geographically to avoid backtracking. Start at the northernmost or southernmost beach on your list and work along the coast. For travel between adjacent beach towns like Surfside and Garden City, Kings Highway (US‑17 Business) is often the most direct route. For longer jumps, such as central Myrtle Beach down to Surfside, the US‑17 Bypass will be faster.

Saturday morning is peak departure time, so plan for heavy traffic on the way back to the airport. Main routes like US‑17, US‑501 and Harrelson Boulevard will be very congested. It’s crucial to allow at least 30–45 minutes of extra driving time beyond your GPS estimate. Follow the signs for 'Rental Car Return' as you approach the terminal to guide you directly to the correct entrance of the car park.

For an early morning flight it’s wise to plan to arrive at the hire car return at least two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure. This provides a comfortable cushion to account for any unexpected traffic delays. It also gives you ample time to complete the vehicle return process, check in your luggage and get through security without feeling rushed. A little extra time makes for a much less stressful travel day.

The most straightforward route to Wilmington is to take US‑17 North directly from the Myrtle Beach area. The drive typically takes about 90 minutes without significant traffic. Along the way you’ll pass several smaller coastal towns and communities, so expect the speed limit to vary periodically. The highway is mostly four lanes but does have traffic lights and commercial areas, so it’s not an interstate‑style drive.