Car Hire
Myrtle Beach

Getting from your arrival gate to the hire-car desks at Myrtle Beach International Airport is straightforward. The hire-car facility is conveniently located inside the main terminal, directly adjacent to the baggage reclaim area. That means you won’t need a shuttle or a long walk outside. Simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" after you deplane, and you’ll reach the desks after a short indoor walk, which is very manageable even with carry-on luggage.

For late-evening arrivals at MYR, the hire-car collection process is generally smooth, though it’s wise to confirm your specific company’s opening hours. The hire-car desks are inside the terminal, so you’ll be in a well-lit, secure area. After completing the paperwork at the desk, you will be directed to the adjacent car park where the vehicles are staged. The process is designed to be efficient, allowing you to be on your way to your accommodation with minimal delay after a long flight.

When returning a hire car for an early-morning flight at MYR, it’s good practice to add an extra 30 minutes to your usual airport arrival schedule. The return is typically quick, with clear signage directing you to the hire-car return area in the main car park. Building in this buffer accounts for any potential queues, final vehicle inspection, and the short walk from the car park back to the airline check-in desks. This helps ensure a low-stress start to your travel day.

To avoid the heaviest summer traffic when returning to MYR from North Myrtle Beach, using the Carolina Bays Parkway (SC-31) is often your best option. This route bypasses much of the congestion on U.S. 17 Business. You can take SC-31 South to the U.S. 501 interchange, then follow the signs for Myrtle Beach International Airport. While it may be a few more miles, this route generally offers a more consistent and predictable travel time compared with navigating stop-and-go traffic nearer the coast.

Hire-car drop-off at Myrtle Beach International Airport is in the main car park, which is directly connected to the terminal building. Clear signage on the airport approach roads will guide you to the designated return lanes for your hire company. Once you’ve returned the vehicle, it’s a very short and convenient walk from the car park to the airline check-in desks inside the terminal. The entire distance is easily manageable with luggage and typically takes only a few minutes.

If you prefer not to drive straight after landing, a good strategy is to take a taxi or rideshare from the airport to your hotel on Ocean Boulevard. This lets you settle in and relax without navigating an unfamiliar area at night or after a long flight. Many hire companies have off-airport branches throughout the Myrtle Beach area. You can then arrange to collect your hire car the next day from a nearby branch, often with the convenience of a shuttle from your hotel.

Driving in Myrtle Beach during peak season, especially around the Boardwalk and on Ocean Boulevard, requires heightened awareness and patience. The area is bustling with visitors, so expect heavy foot traffic and frequent pedestrian crossings, often outside marked crossings. It’s essential to drive slowly, remain vigilant for people stepping into the road, and be prepared for sudden stops. While traffic can be slow-moving, driving defensively and embracing the lively atmosphere will help ensure a safe, positive experience.

Yes, U.S. 17 and U.S. 501 experience significant congestion at predictable times, which can affect your plans. Traffic is typically heaviest between late morning and early afternoon as people head to the beaches and attractions, and again in the late afternoon and early evening as they return for dinner. On weekends, especially Saturdays during check-in and check-out times, these main roads can be particularly slow. Planning travel for earlier in the morning or later in the evening can help you spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying your destination.

For a weekend trip focused on both beach relaxation and local exploration, having a hire car offers the ultimate flexibility. A compact or mid-size car is often ideal, as it’s easy to park and economical for short trips to restaurants, shops or nearby attractions. This allows you to leave the beach when you want, without relying on other transport schedules. You can easily drive to different parts of the Grand Strand for dinner or explore a state park, making the most of limited time.

Areas slightly away from the central Ocean Boulevard strip, such as the northern end of Myrtle Beach or parts of North Myrtle Beach, often offer more convenient and less congested parking. Many condo complexes and resorts in these neighbourhoods feature dedicated parking garages or spacious lots for guests. The Market Common district is another area known for ample, well-organised parking. When booking, it’s a good idea to ask about the specific parking situation to ensure it meets your needs.

Parking near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, especially on an evening with events like fireworks, can be challenging, so plan ahead. There are several council-operated car parks and private garages within a few blocks of the Boardwalk, but they fill quickly. Arriving early is your best strategy to secure a convenient spot. Be prepared for metered parking or flat-rate event charges, and pay attention to posted signs to avoid being towed. A little extra walking might be necessary, but it’s part of visiting this popular downtown hub.

Broadway at the Beach offers extensive free parking in the large surrounding lots, but they can become very full on busy summer nights and weekends. To avoid circling for a spot, plan to arrive before the main dinner rush, typically before 6:00pm. Another effective strategy is to look for parking in lots slightly further from the main restaurant and nightlife areas, such as near the cinema or Ripley’s Aquarium. A few extra minutes’ walk can save significant time searching for a space.

When travelling with family members who have limited mobility, look for attractions with ample, close-in parking. Destinations like Brookgreen Gardens and The Market Common are excellent choices, offering extensive parking lots with easy access to entrances. Many larger resorts and restaurants also provide valet services or designated drop-off zones, allowing you to let passengers out at the door before you park. At the beach, seek public access points that have parking lots directly adjacent to the walkway to minimise distance to the sand.

For navigating the often-narrow spaces and tight turns of hotel car parks along the Myrtle Beach strip, a compact or mid-size saloon is typically the most manageable choice. These vehicles are easier to manoeuvre and fit comfortably into standard parking bays, reducing the stress of parking after a day of exploring. While a larger SUV offers more space for luggage and gear, its size can be a disadvantage in older or more compact parking structures. If unsure, check with your hotel about garage clearance and space.

When travelling with a full set of beach gear, hiring an SUV or a people carrier is an excellent choice for convenience. These vehicles offer generous boot space, making it easy to load and unload bulky items like chairs, umbrellas and coolers. Many models also feature fold-flat seats for even more room and durable cargo area liners that are simple to clean of sand at the end of the day. The higher ground clearance of an SUV can also be beneficial when using some beach-access car parks.

Yes, navigating certain parts of Myrtle Beach can be tricky for first-time visitors, even with GPS. The U.S. 17 Bypass is a common area of confusion due to its numerous frontage roads and interchanges that can look similar. GPS systems sometimes struggle to distinguish between the main highway and adjacent local access roads. It helps to review your route on a map beforehand and pay close attention to road signs in addition to your navigation app, especially when approaching major intersections like the one with U.S. 501.

A primary challenge for visitors on the U.S. 17 Bypass is navigating the system of frontage roads that run parallel to the main highway. It’s easy to accidentally exit onto one of these access roads too early or too late for your intended turn. Another point of confusion is the frequent use of U-turn lanes at major intersections, which can be unfamiliar to many drivers. Allow plenty of time, get into your desired lane early, and carefully read the road signs to avoid last-minute manoeuvres.

When driving from Surfside Beach to central Myrtle Beach attractions, your best bet to avoid the heaviest traffic is often to use the U.S. 17 Bypass instead of Kings Highway (U.S. 17 Business). The Bypass generally has a smoother flow with fewer traffic lights and less pedestrian-related congestion. You can take the Bypass north and then exit nearer your destination, such as Broadway at the Beach or the convention centre. This route is typically faster and less stressful than driving through the heart of the commercial strip.

A day trip to Murrells Inlet and Huntington Beach State Park from Myrtle Beach is not only realistic but highly recommended. The drive south is relatively short, usually about 30 minutes depending on your starting point and traffic. Having a hire car gives you the freedom to explore the beach and nature trails at the state park in the morning, then head to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for a late lunch or dinner. It’s an easy and rewarding way to see the natural beauty of the South Strand.

To make the most of a day at Brookgreen Gardens, plan to arrive shortly after it opens in the morning. This lets you enjoy the gardens when they’re less crowded and the weather is often cooler. You’ll also be driving south from Myrtle Beach against the main flow of beach-bound traffic. By leaving in the mid-afternoon you again avoid the peak traffic of people leaving the beaches. This timing strategy ensures a more relaxed drive and a more peaceful visit.

Visiting Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach generally involves a less stressful traffic and parking experience than central Myrtle Beach attractions. While the area can be busy, especially in the evenings, it features large, well-organised car parks that are free to use. Traffic flow on U.S. 17 in this area is often more manageable than on Ocean Boulevard. Arriving a little before the peak dinner or shopping times will make finding a convenient parking spot even easier.

Driving to Calabash, North Carolina, for its famous seafood is a very easy and popular excursion from Myrtle Beach. The trip typically takes around 30–40 minutes via U.S. 17 North. To avoid the biggest dinner crowds and potential traffic backups, especially during summer, plan to leave Myrtle Beach in the late afternoon, around 4:00–4:30pm. This should get you to one of the many excellent restaurants before the main rush, ensuring a more relaxed dining experience without a long wait.

A day trip to Wilmington is definitely a comfortable and enjoyable option with a hire car from Myrtle Beach. The drive north on U.S. 17 takes about 90 minutes, making it very manageable. To maximise your time, plan to leave early in the morning to get a full day for exploring Wilmington’s historic riverfront, visiting the Battleship North Carolina, or enjoying nearby beaches. The drive is straightforward, but leaving before the morning rush will give you a head start on a great day out.

A day trip to Charleston is very doable and a great way to see another side of South Carolina. The drive is roughly two hours each way, so an early start is key to maximising sightseeing time. Leaving Myrtle Beach by 8:00am will get you to Charleston with a full day ahead to explore the historic district, visit the market or take a carriage tour. Having your own car provides the flexibility to see multiple sights at your own pace before heading back in the evening.

During spring break season you should expect a significant increase in both traffic volume and demand for parking throughout Myrtle Beach. Main roads like Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway will be much more congested, and journey times will be longer, especially in the evenings. Parking at popular attractions, restaurants and public beach access points will be much more competitive. It’s wise to allow extra travel time, consider walking to nearby destinations and exercise additional patience and defensive driving.

During heavy rainstorms, which are common in summer, driving in Myrtle Beach requires extra caution. Some low-lying roads, particularly those closer to the ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway, can be prone to temporary flooding. Visibility can be significantly reduced, so it’s important to slow down, increase your following distance and use your headlights. U.S. 17 and U.S. 501 are generally well drained, but it’s always best to avoid driving through standing water if you’re unsure of its depth.

During Bike Week, the entire Grand Strand experiences a dramatic increase in motorcycle traffic, which alters driving patterns. Expect to see large groups of bikers, so be extra vigilant, check your blind spots frequently and give them ample space. Main drags like U.S. 17 Business will be very congested, and many businesses will have designated motorcycle-only parking areas. You can still park your hire car in standard lots, but be aware that traffic will be much slower and louder than usual.

Myrtle Beach is well served by major grocery chains like Publix, Kroger and Food Lion, with locations all along U.S. 17 Business and the Bypass. To avoid the biggest crowds, the easiest times to go grocery shopping are typically weekday mornings or later in the evening after 8:00pm. Saturday afternoons are often the busiest due to weekly condo and holiday home check-ins, so it’s best to avoid shopping then if possible. Having a hire car makes it simple to stock up on supplies for your stay.

Before arriving with a hire car at a condo with a parking pass system, it’s wise to clarify a few key details. Ask how many parking passes are allotted per unit, as some may provide only one. Enquire about the location of guest or overflow parking in case you need an additional spot. It’s also helpful to ask if there are any restrictions on vehicle size, such as for oversized trucks or vans, and to confirm the process for obtaining the physical pass on arrival to ensure a smooth check-in.

Driving from MYR to North Myrtle Beach on a summer Saturday can be one of the most stressful drives of your trip, as it’s peak check-in day for holiday rentals. Expect heavy, slow-moving traffic on both U.S. 17 and U.S. 501. The best way to mitigate stress is to use the Carolina Bays Parkway (SC-31). This outer loop bypasses most of the congestion and traffic lights, offering a much smoother and more predictable journey north. While it may be longer in miles, it almost always saves time and frustration.

For families with children, several Myrtle Beach attractions are very car-friendly. Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach has vast car parks that allow for a relatively short walk to the entrance. The Family Kingdom Amusement Park also has its own dedicated car park directly opposite. Additionally, many of the miniature golf courses along Kings Highway feature convenient on-site parking right next to the course, making them an easy and fun outing for the whole family.

The Market Common is known for its ample and convenient parking, but a smart strategy can make your visit even smoother. Rather than trying to park directly on the main streets, the large lots behind the shops and restaurants often have plenty of open spaces. Arriving slightly before the peak dinner hour, around 6:00pm, will give you the best selection of spots. The area is very walkable, so parking a block or two away from your destination is still incredibly convenient and stress-free.

While most of Myrtle Beach is easily navigable with any standard vehicle, a low-clearance car could be a minor inconvenience in a few specific situations. Some public beach access lots, particularly in less developed areas, may have unpaved or sandy surfaces where higher clearance is helpful. Additionally, some older properties or beach houses might have steep driveway aprons. However, for the vast majority of hotels, attractions and main roads, a standard saloon will have no issues.

If you have a designated parking spot at your lodging, the best strategy is to use your car for planned excursions rather than very short trips. For going to a restaurant a few blocks away, walking is often easier and safer than re-parking. When you do drive, plan your outings to combine multiple errands, such as a trip to the supermarket and a nearby attraction. This minimises the number of times you leave and return, ensuring your parking spot is waiting for you.

Doing a 'two-beach day' is very easy and enjoyable with a hire car, as it gives you the freedom to explore different parts of the Grand Strand. The drive from central Myrtle Beach to the Cherry Grove area of North Myrtle Beach is straightforward, primarily using U.S. 17. The key is to plan for mid-day travel between the two locations, as traffic will be lighter than during the morning or evening rush. Having a car allows you to pack all your gear and experience the unique vibe of two coastal communities in a single day.

Golfers visiting Myrtle Beach should prioritise a hire car with ample and secure boot space. A full-size saloon, mid-size SUV or people carrier can comfortably accommodate multiple sets of clubs, shoes and bags. It’s crucial to choose a vehicle where your gear can be stored completely out of sight in a locked boot or covered cargo area. This provides peace of mind when you stop for lunch or run errands between rounds, ensuring your valuable equipment remains secure.

To enjoy a trip to the Tanger Outlets without traffic headaches, timing is everything. Plan to visit on a weekday morning right when the stores open, as this is typically the least crowded time. This allows you to find a good parking spot and shop comfortably before the afternoon rush. Avoid visiting on rainy days or weekends if possible, as the outlets become an extremely popular destination, leading to significant congestion on U.S. 501 and in the car parks. A mid-week morning visit is your best bet.

For coordinating pickups at MYR, the best plan is to use the airport’s cell-phone waiting lot. This free lot allows you to wait comfortably in your hire car until your friends have collected their luggage and are standing at the curbside pickup area. Once they call you, it’s just a short two-minute drive to the terminal arrivals lane. This strategy avoids the stress of circling the terminal and helps keep traffic flowing smoothly for everyone.

As a visitor, it’s important to be aware that Myrtle Beach is a busy tourist destination with high volumes of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Local law enforcement actively patrols main thoroughfares like Ocean Boulevard and the U.S. 17 Bypass, focusing on speed limits and pedestrian safety. The best etiquette is to drive patiently and defensively, yield to pedestrians and strictly adhere to posted speed limits. Be prepared for sudden stops and allow extra space between vehicles, especially during peak season.

For early-morning sunrise viewing, you’ll find parking is generally much easier than during the day. Many of the city’s public beach access car parks and metered street spots are free before a certain hour, typically before 8:00 or 9:00am. Be sure to read the signs at the specific location to confirm enforcement times. Arriving early not only secures a prime spot but often allows you to park without charge, making for a peaceful and hassle-free start to your day.