Car Hire
at Myrtle Beach Airport

After you collect your luggage from the baggage reclaim carousels, look for the overhead signs directing you to 'Hire Cars' or 'Ground Transportation.' The hire car desks for all on-site agencies are conveniently grouped together in a dedicated area within the main terminal building. This centralised location makes it easy to find your provider and begin the hire process without having to leave the terminal.

The car hire facility at Myrtle Beach International Airport is designed for traveller convenience, and no shuttle is required. Once you complete your paperwork at the desk, you can walk directly to the adjacent covered multi-storey car park where the hire vehicles are located. This seamless, walkable access from baggage reclaim to the hire car park makes for a quick and easy start to your trip.

On a peak summer Saturday, it's sensible to allow extra time for the entire arrival and hire process at MYR. Factoring in disembarkation, waiting for checked bags and potential queues at the car hire desk, it can realistically take between 60 and 90 minutes from landing to driving away. Having your reservation details and driving licence ready can help speed up your turn at the desk.

For a smooth late-night pickup, the most important step is to verify the opening hours of your specific car hire agency at MYR. Most companies align their hours with scheduled flight arrivals, but it's always best to confirm. Ensure your flight number is included in your booking, as this helps staff anticipate your arrival. Having all your documents ready will also help make the process as quick as possible.

When arriving during a major event like Bike Week, the key is to plan for significant delays and exercise extra patience. The airport and hire car desks will be much busier than usual, so expect longer queues. Before leaving the hire car park, take a moment to programme your satnav, as roads around the airport and throughout the Grand Strand will have unusually heavy traffic and potential diversions.

To reach Ocean Boulevard, the most direct route is taking Harrelson Boulevard from the airport to US-17 Business. While this route can be busy, it provides the most straightforward access. For hotels further north or south, consider using the US-17 Bypass for part of your journey to avoid the most congested central areas, then cut over to Ocean Boulevard closer to your destination.

The drive to North Myrtle Beach is fairly direct but can be confusing due to two main parallel routes: US-17 Business and the US-17 Bypass (SC-31). First-time visitors sometimes get tripped up by staying on the slower Business route with its many traffic lights. The Bypass is a quicker, motorway-style option, but you must pay close attention to your specific exit to avoid overshooting your destination.

After leaving the airport, you'll find several convenient options for supplies just a few minutes away. Major supermarkets like Food Lion, Publix and Walmart are located along US-17 Business and other main roads near the airport. These are perfect for stocking up on groceries, drinks, sunscreen and any other beach essentials before you head to your hotel or holiday rental.

For a group with golf clubs and several suitcases, hiring a standard or full-size SUV is a reliable choice. These vehicles provide ample boot space to accommodate bulky golf bags and luggage without compromising passenger comfort. A people carrier (minivan) is another excellent option, offering generous, easily accessible storage for all your gear.

When travelling with a pushchair and bulky beach gear, it's helpful to have a loading strategy before you even get to the car. Plan to load the largest items, like cool boxes or beach chairs, first to create a stable base. Opting for a mid-size SUV or a people carrier can make this process much easier, as they typically offer more flexible cargo configurations and better accessibility than a saloon.

During a quick walkaround, travellers often overlook small dents on bumpers and minor scratches along the doors, which can be common in busy tourist areas. It's also wise to check the windscreen carefully for any small chips or cracks that are easy to miss at first glance. Inside, check for any lingering sand or dampness in the upholstery from previous beach trips.

The hire car pickup area at Myrtle Beach Airport is located in a covered multi-storey car park, which provides a well-lit and protected environment for a thorough vehicle inspection. This setting is ideal for taking clear photos or a video of the car's condition from every angle. Use your phone's torch to get a better look at lower areas like bumpers and wheels before you leave the lot.

To avoid the heaviest traffic right after leaving the airport, programme your navigation app to prioritise the US-17 Bypass, also known as Carolina Bays Parkway (SC-31). This highway route allows you to bypass the frequent stops and commercial congestion of US-17 Business. It's the most efficient way to head toward North Myrtle Beach or destinations south of the airport like Murrells Inlet.

When leaving the airport on Harrelson Boulevard, the junction with US-17 Business can be quite busy with multiple turn lanes that require your full attention. Additionally, if you are merging onto the US-17 Bypass, be aware that traffic is moving at motorway speeds, so you'll need to be decisive. Always anticipate that other drivers may make last-minute lane changes.

A great way to plan your time is to group destinations geographically to minimise driving back and forth. Dedicate one day to exploring the southern end of the Grand Strand, starting with the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk and then continuing to the quieter beaches of Pawleys Island. Reserve a separate day for the attractions in central Myrtle Beach to avoid feeling rushed by traffic between the areas.

During the peak summer season, it is advisable to leave your North Myrtle Beach hotel at least three hours before your flight's departure time. The drive to MYR can take up to an hour in heavy traffic. This buffer provides plenty of time to return the hire car, take a shuttle or walk to the terminal, check your bags, and get through security without stress.

From the Boardwalk area, the most straightforward route is to take Ocean Boulevard south to 3rd Avenue South and turn right (west). Follow this to US-17 Business, where you will turn left (south). From there, prominent signs will guide you to Harrelson Boulevard and the airport entrance, leading directly to the well-marked hire car return.

The easiest and most direct route from Barefoot Landing is to take the US-17 Bypass (SC-31) south. This highway allows you to avoid the stop-and-go traffic of the business route. Follow the bypass for its length until you see the large, clear signs for the Myrtle Beach International Airport exit, which will put you on the correct road leading straight to the hire car return area.

Travellers can sometimes get confused as they approach the main airport entrance, which splits to serve different areas. The key is to stay in the right-hand lanes as you enter the airport complex. Pay close attention to the specific signs for 'Hire Car Return', which direct you to a dedicated entrance separate from the main departures and arrivals loop.

When returning a car with children and their associated kit, it's wise to add an extra 30 to 45 minutes to your airport timeline. This buffer accounts for the time it takes to unload luggage, properly uninstall child seats, and do a final sweep of the vehicle for forgotten toys or snacks. Managing this process while keeping an eye on the children simply requires more time.

The most direct drive between MYR and Broadway at the Beach is to use Harrelson Boulevard from the airport to connect with Grissom Parkway North. Grissom Parkway runs parallel to the busier US-17 Business and typically has less traffic. This route will take you directly to the area around 21st Avenue North, right by the Broadway at the Beach complex.

Summer thunderstorms in Myrtle Beach can create challenging driving conditions with sudden heavy showers and reduced visibility. On major roads like Highway 17 and US-501, be particularly watchful for water pooling in the outer lanes, which can cause aquaplaning. It's essential to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use your headlights to remain visible to other drivers.

Seasonal crowds have a huge impact on drive times along the Grand Strand. A trip from MYR to Cherry Grove that might take 30 minutes in the off-season can easily double to an hour or more during the summer, especially at weekends. Always check a real-time traffic app before you depart and consider using the US-17 Bypass (SC-31) to avoid the worst of the congestion.

For a golf-centric trip, staying in central Myrtle Beach or just south near the Socastee area offers a great strategic advantage. This location provides easy access to major arteries like US-17, SC-544, and the US-17 Bypass. This allows for efficient drives to a wide array of courses, whether they are in central Myrtle Beach, south toward Pawleys Island, or north.

When visiting either Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park, the best plan is to arrive early, particularly on summer weekends, as parking lots can reach capacity. Both parks charge a per-vehicle entrance fee upon arrival. The parking areas are well signed and situated conveniently close to beach access, picnic areas and other facilities.

A half-day trip to Brookgreen Gardens is very feasible and highly recommended. The drive south from the MYR area on US-17 typically takes about 30–40 minutes in normal traffic. To maximise your time and avoid the heaviest congestion, plan your visit for a weekday morning. This allows you to enjoy the gardens before the peak afternoon beach traffic builds up.

A day trip to Charleston is definitely realistic, but it makes for a long day. The drive is about two hours each way via US-17 South. To make it more enjoyable, plan to leave Myrtle Beach by 08:00 to arrive before the city gets too crowded. Aim to start your return drive by late afternoon to avoid the worst of the evening rush hour traffic in both areas.

The drive from MYR to Pawleys Island is generally much calmer and quicker than the drive to North Myrtle Beach. Heading south on US-17 takes you away from the most congested tourist zones. In contrast, the journey north requires navigating through the heart of Myrtle Beach's traffic or taking the longer, albeit faster, US-17 Bypass route.

Driving on US-17 Business requires your constant attention, as it's the commercial lifeline of the Grand Strand. Expect frequent traffic lights, numerous business entrances, and a central turn lane that is often used for U-turns. Be prepared for sudden stops and cars making quick lane changes, especially during the busy tourist season, so maintaining a safe following distance is key.

To run errands without getting stuck in heavy beach traffic, use the roads that run parallel to the main tourist strips. Grissom Parkway and the US-17 Bypass (SC-31) are excellent alternatives to Ocean Boulevard and US-17 Business. These routes offer much smoother access to supermarkets, pharmacies and other essentials, saving you considerable time and frustration.

During peak times, the most efficient route from MYR to the Convention Centre area is to take Harrelson Boulevard to Grissom Parkway North. This road runs parallel to the often-congested US-17 Business and has fewer traffic lights. Grissom Parkway provides direct access to the streets surrounding the convention centre, such as 21st Avenue North, making for a less stressful drive.

If one member of your party arrives early, they can comfortably wait with the luggage in the baggage reclaim area, where there is ample seating. Another option is the pre-security area of the main terminal, which offers cafés and more seating. Once everyone has arrived, the entire group can proceed together to the nearby car hire desks.

The most practical meetup spot for a group arriving on separate flights is the main baggage reclaim hall. It is centrally located, easy for everyone to find after disembarking, and allows the group to consolidate all luggage in one place. Once everyone is present, you can all walk over to the car hire desks together to handle the pickup.

When driving at night in busy areas like Broadway at the Beach or near the Boardwalk, extreme caution is necessary. These locations are filled with pedestrians who may not always use marked crossings. It is crucial to drive slowly, be prepared for sudden stops, and remain highly aware of your surroundings as people are often distracted by the lively atmosphere.

To bypass the heavy seasonal traffic on Ocean Boulevard and US-17 Business, make the US-17 Bypass (SC-31) your primary north-south route. This highway is the most efficient way to travel the length of the Grand Strand. For crossing the Intracoastal Waterway, major connectors like US-501 or SC-544 are necessary, so try to time your crossing outside of peak rush hours.

Attractions like the Myrtle Beach Safari are typically located inland, away from the main beach congestion. The drive from the airport area will likely involve taking US-501 West onto more rural, two-lane roads. While the roads are generally well-maintained, it's a good idea to check your satnav for an accurate travel time estimate before you leave and allow a little extra time.

For easier parking, explore the public beach access points in the more residential sections, such as the northern end of Myrtle Beach or south in Surfside Beach. These spots, often marked with blue signs, usually have smaller lots or metered street parking that doesn't fill up as quickly as the large lots near major attractions. Arriving earlier in the day is always the best strategy.

To maximise the value of your hire car, plan to group your errands and excursions together. Dedicate specific days for your longer drives, such as a trip to Brookgreen Gardens or exploring Murrells Inlet. On your primary beach days, you can minimise driving in heavy local traffic. This approach helps you use the car when it's most needed and relax when it's not.

For a low-stress departure, first drive directly to the clearly marked 'Hire Car Return' area at MYR. After you've completed the return process and gathered your belongings, proceed to the main terminal via the convenient walkway or airport shuttle. Check your bags with your airline first, and then head to the security checkpoint. Allowing at least two hours from car return to your flight's departure is a safe margin.