Payless Car Hire
Myrtle Beach

After collecting your luggage at baggage reclaim, look for the clear signs directing you to the Car Hire Centre. The Payless counter is conveniently located within this dedicated area inside the main terminal building. All hire companies are grouped together, making it straightforward to find the desk. If you have any trouble, the airport information staff can point you in the right direction.

The most efficient way is to complete your paperwork at the hire desk inside the terminal first. Once you have your keys and agreement, the staff will direct you to the hire car park. This is typically a short walk from the terminal, often in an adjacent multi-storey car park or a designated surface lot. Follow the overhead signs for hire car pickup and they will lead you straight to your vehicle.

Arriving late can be disorienting, but finding the rental lot is generally simple. After visiting the Payless desk in the terminal, follow the illuminated signs for rental car pickup. The route usually leads directly out of the terminal doors to a nearby car park or lot where the hire vehicles are staged. Take note of the row or bay number provided by the agent to locate your specific car quickly.

During summer weekends, especially on Saturdays, traffic leaving the airport for the beach can be quite heavy. Main routes such as US-501 and Kings Highway (US-17) often become congested due to the high volume of visitors. It's sensible to anticipate delays and add at least 30 to 45 minutes to your estimated travel time. Using a navigation app with live traffic updates can help you find less crowded alternative routes if available.

For a straightforward drive to North Myrtle Beach, the most common route is to take the SC-31, also known as the Carolina Bays Parkway. From the airport you'll use a few local roads to get onto this multi-lane highway, which bypasses much of the stop‑and‑go traffic on Kings Highway. This route is generally quicker and less stressful for those who don't know the area. Your satnav will likely recommend it, and it is well signed.

The most direct route to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is to take US‑17 Business south. After leaving the airport area, head south on Kings Highway, which becomes US‑17 Business. This road takes you through Surfside Beach and Garden City straight into Murrells Inlet. The restaurant district will be clearly visible on your left. This drive avoids complicated interchanges and keeps you on one main road for most of the journey.

To reach the downtown Boardwalk area from MYR, a low‑stress option is to take Harrelson Boulevard east from the airport. This road leads to Kings Highway (US‑17 Business). From there, turn left (north) and drive a few miles into the city centre. Ocean Boulevard runs parallel to Kings Highway, so you can turn right onto one of the numbered avenues to get to a seafront hotel.

The drive from the airport to Broadway at the Beach is short in distance but can be slow during peak evening hours. You should plan for approximately 20 to 30 minutes of travel time. The route typically involves the US‑17 Bypass, which experiences heavy traffic, especially around the dinner rush and at weekends. Allowing a little extra time ensures you won't be late for a reservation or show.

A day trip to Charleston is a great option; the drive takes about two hours each way without traffic. To make the most of the day, aim to leave Myrtle Beach early, ideally before 08:00, to avoid the morning rush. The primary route is US‑17 South, scenic but often busy. For the return, try to leave Charleston before 16:00 or after 18:30 to miss the worst of the evening commuter traffic.

A same‑day round trip to Wilmington is very realistic and popular with visitors. The drive typically takes about 90 minutes each way via US‑17 North. That gives you plenty of time to explore Wilmington's historic riverfront, visit the battleship or enjoy local shops and restaurants. Leaving in the morning will maximise your time for sightseeing before returning in the late afternoon or evening.

The drive to Brookgreen Gardens from central Myrtle Beach is a pleasant trip south on US‑17, usually taking around 30 to 40 minutes. The entrance is well signed off the highway. On arrival you'll find ample parking conveniently located near the main entrance. The car parks are roomy, so finding a space is rarely an issue even on busier days.

For a first‑time visitor, the easiest and most direct route to Georgetown is to take US‑17 South. This main highway leads straight from the Myrtle Beach area down the coast into Georgetown's historic district. The drive is scenic and takes about an hour, depending on your start point and traffic. The route is well signed, making it very straightforward.

When driving north to Cherry Grove, congestion most often occurs on Kings Highway (US‑17) through Myrtle Beach and around attractions such as Barefoot Landing. The junction of US‑17 and Main Street in North Myrtle Beach can also be very busy. To avoid the worst, consider using the SC‑31 bypass for a large portion of the journey and exit nearer your destination to reduce time in local traffic.

After leaving the airport you'll find several major supermarkets conveniently located along the main routes towards the beach, such as US‑501 and US‑17. Many are in large shopping centres just a few minutes' drive from the airport. To save time, look up a store on your satnav before you leave the hire car park. That lets you make an efficient stop for essentials before you reach your hotel or condo.

If your condo has limited parking, confirm their specific policies before you arrive. Check whether you need a parking pass and how many vehicles are allowed per unit. It's also sensible to ask about designated overflow parking in case the main lot is full. Knowing these details in advance will prevent last‑minute stress and ensure you have a safe place for your hire car during your stay.

For visiting the Boardwalk you'll find several convenient public parking options. There are numerous council‑run car parks and pay‑and‑display bays along Ocean Boulevard and adjacent side streets. Additionally, several large car parks are located just a block or two from the seafront. Arriving earlier in the day, especially in peak season, gives you the best chance of securing a spot close to the main attractions.

Driving during Bike Week calls for extra patience and awareness due to the significant increase in motorcycle traffic. The busiest roads are US‑17 Business (Kings Highway) and Ocean Boulevard, as well as key routes to event hubs like Murrells Inlet. Expect slower journeys, frequent stops and raised noise levels. Be extra vigilant, check your blind spots often and give motorcycles plenty of space on the road.

Traffic around Coastal Grand Mall and the US‑17 Bypass/US‑501 interchange becomes noticeably heavier at weekends and holidays. The area is a major hub for locals and tourists, leading to congestion at mall entrances and nearby junctions. Plan for potential delays when travelling through, particularly in the afternoon and early evening. A navigation app with live traffic will help you anticipate slowdowns.

To avoid the main Myrtle Beach strip traffic when staying in Surfside Beach, use the US‑17 Bypass for north‑south travel. This route runs parallel to the busier Kings Highway and has fewer traffic lights and commercial entrances. For local trips, side streets such as Ocean Boulevard in Surfside itself are generally less crowded than their Myrtle Beach equivalents. This approach lets you reach attractions without getting stuck in the busiest tourist corridors.

Kings Highway is the main commercial artery of Myrtle Beach and is a busy multi‑lane road with frequent traffic signals. If you're not used to such roads, it's best to remain in the middle or right‑hand lanes to avoid sudden lane changes for turns. Be prepared for abrupt stops and watch for cars pulling in and out of businesses. Maintaining a safe following distance and staying alert are key to navigating it comfortably.

The area around the airport features several major road interchanges that can be confusing for first‑time visitors. The convergence of Harrelson Boulevard, US‑17 Bypass and Kings Highway requires careful attention to signage. When leaving the airport, make sure you are in the correct lane for your intended route well in advance. Using a satnav and having a co‑pilot read the directions can help you navigate these merges and turns smoothly.

The easiest way to reach Barefoot Landing is to take US‑17 in North Myrtle Beach. The complex has large, well‑signed entrances directly off the highway, making it hard to miss. Barefoot Landing offers extensive free parking in several large lots surrounding the shops and restaurants. Even during busy periods you can usually find a spot within a short walk of the main boardwalk area, making for a convenient visit.

To make a morning flight from MYR, you should leave North Myrtle Beach about 2½ to 3 hours before your departure time. The drive itself can take 30 to 45 minutes without traffic, but morning commuter patterns can add delays. This buffer accounts for returning your hire car, checking luggage and clearing security. It's better to have extra time at the airport than to be rushed.

The most practical approach is to drive to the airport terminal and follow signs for Departures. You can pull up at the kerb to unload your family and luggage. After they have checked in, follow the signs for Rental Car Return. This avoids the hassle of carrying bags from the hire car park back to the terminal.

When approaching from the beach, follow the main airport signs from US‑17 or Kings Highway. As you near the terminal, the signage will split to Departures, Arrivals and Rental Car Return. Stay in the lane designated for rental car returns; it will guide you to a specific entrance, often leading to a dedicated garage or lot for all hire companies.

Don't worry if you miss the turn for the rental car return. The airport road system is laid out as a loop. Simply continue following the main airport roadway around past Departures and Arrivals. The signs will eventually guide you back to the main entrance, where you can follow the Rental Car Return directions again. It's a simple loop and easy to navigate.

On busy summer Saturdays it's wise to allow at least 30 minutes for the rental car return process itself. This accounts for potential queues of cars waiting to be checked in and the time it takes for an agent to inspect the vehicle and complete the paperwork. Factor this into your schedule in addition to your drive to the airport and check‑in time for a stress‑free departure.

The Carolina Opry has a large, dedicated parking area that is free for show attendees, so finding a space is generally not a problem. To ensure a relaxed experience, plan to arrive around 30 to 45 minutes before the show's start time. This gives you time to park, walk to the theatre, collect your tickets and find your seats. Traffic on US‑17 near the theatre can be heavy, so factor that in.

The easiest route to Myrtle Beach State Park is via US‑17 Business (Kings Highway) south of the main tourist strip. The entrance is clearly signed on the ocean side of the road. On peak summer days car parks can fill, especially those near the pier and picnic areas. Arrive early in the morning to secure a convenient spot and avoid potential closures due to capacity.

To enjoy Huntington Beach State Park with fewer crowds, plan to arrive early, ideally before 10:00. This helps you avoid the heaviest traffic heading south on US‑17 and increases your chances of finding a parking space, as lots can reach capacity on fine summer days. An early start also improves your chances of seeing wildlife and enjoying the beach before the biggest crowds arrive.

From the Convention Centre area the smoothest route to MYR is typically to take Oak Street west to the US‑17 Bypass. Head south on the Bypass for a few miles then follow the signs for the airport exit onto Harrelson Boulevard. This route helps you avoid much of the stop‑and‑go traffic on Kings Highway and is a direct, efficient way to reach your flight on time.

During heavy thunderstorms, common in summer, it's crucial to drive with extreme caution. Reduce your speed significantly and increase your following distance to allow for poor visibility and wet roads. Be particularly wary of low‑lying sections of Kings Highway and Ocean Boulevard which can be prone to temporary flooding. If the rain becomes too intense, it's safest to pull over into a car park until the worst of the storm passes.

Driving at night in Myrtle Beach can be vibrant but also challenging because of bright attraction lighting and heavy pedestrian activity. Areas around Broadway at the Beach and the tourist core on Ocean Boulevard can feel most confusing, as side streets may be poorly lit. Using your satnav is helpful, but drive defensively and be extra watchful for people crossing the road, especially where there are many bars and restaurants.

For a quick break with children away from beach traffic, consider parks slightly inland. The Market Common, a short drive from the airport, offers open green spaces, a playground and easy‑access restaurants. Another good option is North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, which has play areas and walking trails. Both locations have ample parking and provide a relaxing environment to stretch your legs.

Relying on navigation apps is highly recommended and generally effective in the Myrtle Beach area. Mobile signal is strong in most places, so loss of signal is uncommon. However, during peak season some apps may route you through residential streets to avoid congestion, which can be more confusing. It's often best to stick to major routes like US‑17 or SC‑31 unless the app indicates a significant incident ahead.

When planning drives between golf courses always add a generous buffer to your travel time, particularly in peak season. A drive that takes 20 minutes off‑season could easily take 40–50 minutes in summer. Use SC‑31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) when possible to bypass the congested commercial strips of US‑17. This provides a more predictable and quicker route between distant courses, helping you arrive relaxed and ready to play.

Driving to popular dining areas such as Murrells Inlet MarshWalk or downtown Myrtle Beach during the dinner rush requires planning. Traffic on US‑17 into these areas becomes very heavy between 18:00 and 20:00. Parking can also be challenging. Aim to arrive earlier in the dinner hour or consider booking a later reservation to avoid the busiest crowds and the stress of finding a parking space.

When staying on busy Ocean Boulevard, use your hotel's designated loading and unloading zone, usually at the main entrance. Pull completely off the road to avoid blocking traffic. It's most efficient to unload luggage with one person checking in while the driver waits or circulates the block. Once you have your room key and parking pass, move the car to the allocated space.

Planning a sunrise trip is one of the perks of having a hire car. The easiest way to find parking is to aim for public beach access points with their own small lots or on‑street metered bays. At that early hour, typically before 07:00, these spots are almost always empty and easy to pull into. Many meters do not start charging until later in the morning, but check signage to confirm hours of operation.

The drive between Myrtle Beach and Florence takes about 90 minutes and primarily uses US‑501. This road connects directly to the I‑95, making it a straightforward trip. US‑501 alternates between divided highway and smaller town sections, so be mindful of changing speed limits. Traffic is usually light but can increase at weekends as people travel to and from the coast. It's a simple, direct connection for extending your trip.