Thrifty Car Hire
Myrtle Beach

The Thrifty rental desk at Myrtle Beach International Airport is located inside the main terminal building. After collecting your luggage from the carousels, follow the clear overhead signs for rental cars. The desks are grouped together in a dedicated area just a short, indoor walk away, directly opposite baggage claim. You won't need a shuttle or to exit the building, making the transition from your flight to collecting the vehicle quick and straightforward.

For a smooth late-night collection, head straight to the rental counter after collecting your bags, as it is situated inside the terminal. Having your reservation details and driving licence to hand will speed up the process. Before leaving the airport, enter your hotel's address into your preferred satnav app while you're still in the well-lit car park. At night traffic is generally light, so following the primary route suggested by your navigation should deliver a direct drive to your accommodation without unnecessary detours.

When travelling with children and lots of kit, one practical approach is to have one adult wait with the kids and luggage at baggage claim while the other goes to the rental counter. This avoids hauling everything through the terminal. Once the hire agreement is complete, the driver can retrieve the car from the garage and drive it round to the terminal pick-up curb. That way you can load car seats, suitcases and beach equipment directly from the kerb, which is far easier than doing it in the car park.

During peak summer check-in periods, especially on Saturday afternoons, the drive from Myrtle Beach International Airport to North Myrtle Beach can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour. The main route, US-17 Bypass, often experiences significant congestion as many holidaymakers head to their hotels and condos at the same time. It's sensible to allow extra time in your schedule and have snacks and drinks for the journey. Using a real-time traffic app can help anticipate delays.

To avoid the busiest areas, it's often less stressful to take Harrelson Boulevard from the airport to US-17 Bypass North. Rather than following US-17 Business or Kings Highway all the way, stay on the Bypass until you're closer to your specific destination on Ocean Boulevard. Then use a cross street such as 21st Avenue North or 29th Avenue North to reach the seafront. This helps you bypass the worst congestion around Broadway at the Beach and the central tourist district.

For a first-time visitor, the simplest route is to take US-17 Bypass North directly from the airport area. Follow Harrelson Boulevard out of the airport and merge onto US-17 Bypass heading north. You will remain on this main road for roughly 15 miles. Barefoot Landing is well signed and has a dedicated exit and bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. This route avoids the frequent stops and turns of Kings Highway (US-17 Business), making the drive much simpler.

The key is to understand that US-17 splits into a Business route and a Bypass. The Bypass is generally faster, while the Business route runs through the commercial and tourist heart with many traffic lights. Use a satnav and pay attention to signs for US-17 Business versus US-17 Bypass. If your destination isn't directly on the Business route, sticking to the Bypass is almost always the simpler and quicker option.

Driving near Broadway at the Beach requires extra attention, especially on evenings and weekends when it is busiest. The complex has several entrances, mainly off US-17 Bypass and 21st Avenue North. Congestion is common at the main entrance on 29th Avenue North, so using the entrances on 21st Avenue or off the Bypass can sometimes be easier. Be prepared for heavy pedestrian traffic and be mindful of dedicated turn lanes, as traffic patterns can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the layout.

A good strategy is to visit a supermarket located away from the main tourist thoroughfares. After leaving the airport, instead of heading straight east towards the ocean, use your satnav to find a store west of US-17 Bypass. For example, there are several options along Carolina Forest Boulevard or International Drive. These stores are frequented more by locals and are less likely to suffer the extreme congestion found closer to the beach, allowing you to stock up and get to your hotel more efficiently.

During Bike Week, the most difficult areas are US-17 Business through Murrells Inlet and Surfside, as well as Ocean Boulevard in central Myrtle Beach. These areas become heavily congested with slow-moving motorcycle traffic and crowds. The most effective alternate route is SC-31, also known as the Carolina Bays Parkway. This road runs parallel to US-17 but further inland, allowing you to bypass the heaviest event traffic when travelling between the northern and southern parts of the Grand Strand.

On a summer weekend evening, the drive to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for dinner can be significantly slower than during the week. US-17 Business, the direct route, becomes very congested with both restaurant-goers and general beach traffic. A 15-minute drive can easily stretch to 30–40 minutes. To mitigate this, plan to leave earlier than you think you need to, particularly if you have reservations. Alternatively, check a traffic app to see if taking US-17 Bypass south to SC-707 offers a slightly less crowded although longer alternative.

To reach Brookgreen Gardens while avoiding the worst traffic, your best option is to use US-17 Bypass South. This allows you to circumvent the stop-and-go of US-17 Business through Surfside Beach and Garden City. Once south of the main beach communities the routes merge back together. From there Brookgreen Gardens is only a few miles further on your left, with clear signage to the entrance. This approach is generally faster and far less stressful than taking the Business route the whole way.

For a day trip to Charleston, leaving Myrtle Beach by 7:30am is ideal. This lets you get south of the Grand Strand traffic before it builds up for the day. The early departure also helps you reach the Charleston area before its late-morning rush hour develops around Mount Pleasant and downtown. For the return, leaving Charleston either before 3:00pm or after 6:30pm can help you avoid the worst of both Charleston's evening commute and the dinner rush around Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet.

The most straightforward drive to Wilmington is to take US-17 North for the entire trip. The highway is well maintained and the route is very direct. As you approach the North Carolina state line be aware that speed limits often change, so keep an eye on the posted signs. The area around Calabash and Shallotte can sometimes have minor slowdowns, especially around meal times, but it is generally a smooth drive. Once in North Carolina continue following US-17 North into the Wilmington area.

Driving between Myrtle Beach and Calabash, North Carolina, during peak dining hours can involve some traffic, particularly on US-17. The stretch near the state line and through Little River can back up as people head to the well-known seafood restaurants. Allow a bit more time than your satnav estimates, perhaps an extra 15–20 minutes. Leaving a little earlier, prior to the main 6:00pm dinner rush, can help you secure parking more easily and avoid the worst congestion.

To minimise time spent in traffic, consider staying in an area with easy access to SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway). Locations in Carolina Forest or near the northern end of Myrtle Beach close to Grande Dunes are excellent choices. These areas allow you to use SC-31 to travel quickly north or south to various golf courses without getting stuck on the more congested US-17 Business or Bypass. This strategic base can save you significant driving time and make for a more relaxed golf break.

On a summer Saturday you should plan for significant travel time from North Myrtle Beach to MYR. This is the main check-out day for many holiday rentals, leading to heavy southbound traffic. For a morning flight it is wise to leave at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight's departure time. This accounts for potentially an hour or more of driving, plus time for returning the car, checking bags and getting through airport security, which will also be very busy.

You'll find several easily accessible petrol stations just minutes from the airport, making the pre-return fill-up very convenient. A number of stations are located on Harrelson Boulevard, the main road leading into the airport terminal and rental car return area. Additionally there are multiple options at the junction of US-17 Bypass and Harrelson Boulevard. Using any of these stations allows you to refuel quickly and proceed directly to the airport entrance without complicated detours.

Summer afternoon thunderstorms in Myrtle Beach can bring sudden, heavy downpours that drastically reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions. Key roads such as Ocean Boulevard and parts of Kings Highway (US-17 Business) are prone to temporary flooding, especially in lower-lying areas. Traffic slows considerably as drivers become more cautious. It's best to pull over in a safe place if the rain becomes too intense, or at least slow down, increase your following distance and avoid driving through standing water.

Most hotels and resorts along Ocean Boulevard have a designated circular driveway or a covered portico for check-in and loading. The easiest approach is to pull into that area to unload passengers and luggage. This keeps you out of the flow of traffic on the main road. After your party and bags are safely at the hotel entrance you can then proceed to find a permanent parking spot in the hotel's garage or car park.

Attractions such as Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing are generally very accessible for those with pushchairs or mobility needs. They feature large, free car parks with numerous disabled spaces located close to the main entrances. The Market Common is another good choice, offering wide pavements and convenient street-level parking. These modern, sprawling complexes were designed with car access in mind, making them much easier to navigate than some of the older, tighter oceanfront areas.

Driving to the Boardwalk in the evening, especially during peak season, involves heavy traffic and searching for parking. Ocean Boulevard becomes very congested with both cars and pedestrians. Parking is available in several paid lots and a few multi-storey car parks located a block or two off the seafront. It's best to arrive early to find a space more easily. Be prepared to pay for parking and potentially walk a few blocks to reach the heart of the Boardwalk attractions.

On busy summer days Myrtle Beach State Park can reach its parking capacity, particularly between late morning and mid-afternoon. When this happens park staff may temporarily close the entrance to incoming vehicles until enough cars have left. To ensure entry it is highly recommended to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 10:00am. The drive to the park entrance on US-17 Business is usually straightforward, but be prepared for a possible wait or being turned away at peak times.

Getting to The Market Common from the airport is very simple as it's located just on the other side of US-17 Bypass. From the airport exit on Harrelson Boulevard you can practically see the shopping district. The most common entrance for visitors is to cross US-17 Bypass and enter on Farrow Parkway. This main road takes you directly into the heart of the district, with plenty of street parking and larger car parks available throughout the area.

When travelling from Surfside Beach to central Myrtle Beach attractions, the most efficient route is often to use SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway). You can access it by taking SC-544 west for a few miles. While this may look longer on a map, SC-31 is a higher-speed, limited-access road that allows you to bypass the many traffic lights and congestion on US-17 Business and Bypass. This can save considerable time and frustration, especially during the peak tourist season.

To plan an evening at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk efficiently, arriving early is the best tactic, ideally before 5:30pm. This gives you a much better chance of finding a parking space in one of the restaurant lots before the main dinner rush. Another option is to look for paid satellite car parks nearby, which often have availability when the primary lots are full. Some visitors also use ride-sharing services for their return trip, allowing one person to drop the group off and park further away without pressure.

Traffic around Coastal Grand Mall can be heavy, especially at weekends and on rainy days, as it's a major retail hub on US-17 Bypass. The main entrances directly off the Bypass can get backed up. For easier access consider using the entrance on Harrelson Boulevard near the cinema. This entrance often has less queueing than those facing the main highway. Once inside the complex navigating the ring road around the mall is generally straightforward.

To avoid the last-minute rush for a show at The Carolina Opry it's a good idea to arrive about 45 minutes to an hour before showtime. The theatre is located on US-17 Business, which gets very busy in the pre-show hour as everyone tries to arrive at once. Arriving early allows you to pull into the car park, find a good spot and relax before the performance begins. This buffer also protects you from any unexpected traffic delays en route.

The easiest route from central Myrtle Beach to the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach is to take US-17 Bypass North. Stay on the Bypass until signs for Cherry Grove appear, then exit onto Sea Mountain Highway. Main slowdowns typically occur on US-17 itself, especially around Barefoot Landing and Restaurant Row. Once you turn onto Sea Mountain Highway traffic is generally lighter until you approach North Ocean Boulevard near the seafront.

For an early morning sunrise many of the smaller, numbered beach access points along Ocean Boulevard offer the easiest parking. At that hour street parking is typically plentiful and often free before a certain time (check posted signs). Look for public access points in the less-commercial, more residential stretches of the boulevard in either Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach. Arriving 15–20 minutes before sunrise should give you ample time to park close to a walkway and reach the sand.

Rules can vary, but as a general principle most beach access parking in both towns is paid. Myrtle Beach commonly uses parking metres or pay stations for street-end access points and enforcement is active. North Myrtle Beach also has paid lots and on-street parking but they may have different hours or seasonal regulations. It's crucial to read the signs carefully at any spot you park, as rules on payment, time limits and resident-only areas can differ from one block to the next.

For a trip with bulky gear like fishing rods, coolers and beach chairs a mid-size SUV or a minivan is an excellent choice. These vehicle types provide generous boot space, so you won't have to sacrifice passenger comfort for equipment. An SUV offers versatility while a minivan's sliding doors can be a huge advantage in tight parking spots. Opting for a larger vehicle from the start helps make loading and unloading for daily excursions much more convenient.

The best plan is to drive to Broadway at the Beach in the morning and park once for the entire day. The complex is designed to be walkable and Ripley's Aquarium is one of its main anchors. You can easily spend hours exploring the aquarium then walk to the other shops, attractions and numerous restaurants for dinner. This strategy saves you the hassle of searching for new parking spots and navigating often-congested car parks multiple times.

A simple plan is to visit Huntington Beach State Park in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and potential park closures due to capacity. After your time at the park it's a very short and direct drive north on US-17 Business for a few miles to Garden City. Turn east onto Atlantic Avenue which leads directly to Garden City Pier. Parking near the pier is mostly in paid lots which will be busy in the afternoon but you should be able to find a space.

During spring break the most stressful areas to drive are central Ocean Boulevard, the area around Broadway at the Beach and US-501 near the outlets. These locations see extremely heavy traffic and high pedestrian volumes, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Driving is generally much calmer in the early mornings, before 11:00am. Using alternative routes like SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) to travel north and south can also help you avoid the worst of the central congestion.

Driving in Myrtle Beach after dark can be challenging for a first-time visitor due to bright lights, heavy traffic and large numbers of pedestrians. On US-17 the multiple lanes and frequent turn-offs can be confusing while Ocean Boulevard is often crowded with people and slow-moving cars. It's important to drive defensively, reduce your speed and be extra vigilant for people crossing the road. Using a satnav with voice instructions can help you keep your eyes on the road instead of reading signs.

In the central Boardwalk district the road grid can be tricky due to a mix of one-way streets and the constant flow of cars entering and exiting hotel driveways. North Ocean Boulevard and South Ocean Boulevard are separated by the main Boardwalk promenade and connecting avenues can be one-way. This means you might have to loop around the block to get to a destination that appears close. It's best to drive slowly, yield to cars pulling out and use your satnav to navigate the specific one-way patterns.

Before your trip it's wise to ask the condo management or owner about their specific parking policies. Key questions include how many parking passes are provided per unit and whether they can accommodate oversized vehicles if you've hired one. You should also ask about the location of overflow parking in case the primary lot is full on arrival. Clarifying these details in advance ensures you won't face unexpected parking issues or extra fees on arrival.

For safe photo stops it's essential to find a legal and secure place to park completely off the road. Never stop in a travel lane or on the hard shoulder of a busy road like US-17. For landmarks such as large mini-golf courses or iconic signs, pull fully into their car parks to take your picture. For beach or pier photos use a designated public beach access lot. A few extra minutes to park properly ensures your safety and that of other road users.

A good plan is for the first person to arrive to handle the rental paperwork at the counter. They can then wait for the others in the baggage claim area, which has seating and is easy to find. Once the whole group has arrived and collected their luggage you can all proceed to the car park together to load the vehicle. This prevents anyone having to wait at the kerb and keeps the group and luggage in one convenient location until everyone is ready to leave.