Budget Car Hire
Myrtle Beach

After you've collected your luggage from the baggage claim area at MYR, simply follow the overhead signs directing you to the Rental Car Centre. The Budget desk is located within this facility, which is attached to the main terminal building. You can reach it via a short, covered walkway, so there is no need to wait for a shuttle bus. Following the clear airport signage will lead you straight to the desk where you can complete your paperwork and head out to the vehicle pickup area.

Arriving late at night at Myrtle Beach International Airport is generally a smooth experience for collecting your rental car. The rental car facility is located directly adjacent to the terminal, so you can walk there without waiting for transport. While there may be fewer agents working late hours, overall passenger volumes are lower too, which can result in a quicker process at the desk. To expedite your pickup, have your reservation details and driving licence ready to present to the Budget agent on arrival.

During peak travel times, such as a summer Saturday, it's wise to plan for a little extra time to get through the airport and rental process. After deplaning and collecting your bags, you'll walk to the on-site rental car centre to find the Budget desk. The main variable will be how many other travellers are ahead of you in line. A good approach is to have one person from your party go to the rental desk while the others wait for the luggage, which helps streamline the process and get you on your way to the beach sooner.

To bypass the heaviest congestion on your way to North Ocean Boulevard, consider taking a route that initially avoids the main tourist strips. From the airport, use Harrelson Boulevard to connect to the US-17 Bypass North. This highway runs parallel to the coast and has fewer traffic lights than Kings Highway (US-17 Business). You can travel north efficiently on the bypass and then use a major cross-street, like 21st or 29th Avenue North, to cut over to your oceanfront hotel, minimising your time in stop-and-go traffic.

For the most straightforward drive to North Myrtle Beach, use the main bypass highways. From the airport, take Harrelson Boulevard to SC-31, also known as the Carolina Bays Parkway. This is a limited-access road designed to move traffic efficiently along the Grand Strand, bypassing the congestion of central Myrtle Beach entirely. Follow SC-31 North until you reach the exit for your area in North Myrtle Beach for a much smoother and less stressful journey.

When heading south from MYR to Surfside Beach or Murrells Inlet during the evening, it's best to use the US-17 Bypass South. This route helps you avoid the significant restaurant and shopping traffic that clogs the more commercial US-17 Business, especially around The Market Common and other popular dining areas. The bypass has fewer intersections and a higher speed limit, making for a quicker journey. Once you are closer to your destination, you can exit the bypass and use local roads for the final leg of your trip.

Driving on Highway 17, particularly the Business route, requires patience and heightened awareness, especially during peak season. Expect frequent and sometimes abrupt stops as drivers turn into countless shops, restaurants and attractions that line the road. Be prepared for numerous traffic lights that can make travel times longer than expected for relatively short distances. Always leave plenty of following distance and stay alert for pedestrians and sudden lane changes.

When leaving the airport rental lot, the most common point of confusion is navigating the initial roundabout and the subsequent split between US-17 Business and US-17 Bypass. Pay close attention to the overhead signs as you exit onto Harrelson Boulevard. To avoid the slower, more congested route you'll want to be in the correct lane for the US-17 Bypass or SC-31, depending on whether you're heading north or south. Using your sat-nav from the moment you start the car can help you anticipate these crucial lane choices.

Many oceanfront hotels have compact check-in areas that can be challenging to navigate with luggage. A good strategy is to pull into the designated check-in or unloading zone and have one person stay with the vehicle while the rest of your party unloads the bags and begins the check-in process. This prevents you from having to circle or block traffic. After the luggage is out, the driver can then proceed to the hotel's car park or lot without the added stress of managing bags in a tight space.

To make a quick grocery stop after leaving MYR, look for a supermarket located just off one of the main bypasses before you head east toward the ocean. There are several large grocery stores along the US-17 Bypass and near the interchanges for SC-31. Stopping at one of these locations allows you to do your shopping in a less congested area. You can then take a less-travelled road to your accommodation, avoiding the heavy traffic often found around stores closer to the beachfront.

When making frequent short trips around Myrtle Beach, modern driver-assist features can significantly reduce stress. A backup camera is invaluable for navigating tight parking spots in crowded car parks at attractions and restaurants. Blind-spot alerts are also extremely helpful for changing lanes on multi-lane roads like Highway 17, where traffic patterns can be unpredictable. Choosing a vehicle with these features can enhance your safety and confidence while driving in an unfamiliar and busy tourist area.

Before selecting your rental vehicle, it's a good idea to check your resort's website or call ahead to ask about their parking garage specifications. Some older garages may have low clearance heights that could be an issue for larger SUVs or vans. When driving in these garages, take your time, especially on tight ramps and turns. If you're travelling with a larger vehicle, you might enquire whether the resort has any alternative surface-level parking options for oversized vehicles.

Parking at Broadway at the Beach can become challenging, especially on weekend evenings and during peak summer weeks. To secure a good spot, plan to arrive before the main dinner rush, typically before 5:00 pm. The easiest approach is to enter from the US-17 Bypass side, as this entrance provides access to several large lots. Following the directional signs within the complex will guide you to available parking areas, but arriving earlier in the day is always the best strategy for a stress-free experience.

To minimise the hassle of finding parking near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, aim for one of the council-operated car parks or larger lots located a block or two away from Ocean Boulevard. Instead of driving directly onto the main strip, use a parallel road like Kings Highway and turn towards the ocean near a known public parking facility. Arriving earlier improves your chances of finding a convenient spot. Using a parking app on your phone can also help identify available lots before you even get there.

When visiting Ripley's Aquarium, which is part of the Broadway at the Beach complex, the key to minimising walking is to park in the lots on the eastern side, closest to the aquarium's entrance. Try to enter Broadway at the Beach from 21st or 29th Avenue North rather than the main entrance off the bypass. This approach often leads you to the parking areas adjacent to the aquarium and other child-friendly attractions. Arriving right when they open is another excellent strategy to secure a prime parking spot.

Navigating to Barefoot Landing during a busy evening is most easily done by using the main entrance directly off Highway 17. While it may seem busy, this entrance is well designed to filter cars into the sprawling parking areas that surround the complex. Follow the internal signage carefully, as it will direct you toward different sections. If the lots near the main restaurant areas are full, you can often find more availability near the theatre or the shops on the far ends of the property, requiring just a short, pleasant walk.

To enjoy a day trip to Brookgreen Gardens, plan your drive to avoid peak commuter and beach traffic times. The best approach is to head south on US-17 Bypass in the morning after the initial rush, typically after 9:30 am. The drive is scenic and straightforward. For your return in the afternoon, try to leave the gardens either before 3:00 pm or after 6:00 pm to miss the heaviest northbound traffic as people head out for dinner or return from their day's activities.

For a day trip to Charleston, the most direct route is to take US-17 South for the entire journey, which takes about two hours. To avoid navigating the narrow historic streets immediately, aim for a specific car park on the outskirts of the main tourist district, such as the Visitor Centre garage on Ann Street. Program your sat-nav to that garage's address. This allows you to park your rental car securely and then explore the historic downtown on foot or by using the city's free shuttle service.

A drive to Georgetown from Myrtle Beach is a pleasant trip primarily along US-17 South. The road is multi-lane for most of the way, but be prepared for the speed limit to drop as you pass through smaller communities like Pawleys Island. Once you arrive in Georgetown, driving becomes much more relaxed, with a historic downtown featuring slower speeds and on-street parking. It's a very manageable drive, but stay mindful of changing speed limits as you transition from the open highway to the small-town environment.

A day trip to Wilmington is very doable, with the drive taking approximately 90 minutes via US-17 North. The route is straightforward but passes through several smaller beach towns, so expect some traffic lights and varying speed limits. For the return trip, especially on a summer afternoon, be prepared for potential southbound traffic delays as you get closer to North Myrtle Beach. To mitigate this, consider leaving Wilmington either before 3:00 pm or after the evening dinner rush has subsided.

During peak season or special events, the main roads in the Cherry Grove and Ocean Drive sections of North Myrtle Beach can become very congested. The primary access road, Ocean Boulevard, often moves at a crawl. To save time, use a major north-south artery like Highway 17 for as long as possible and then cut over to your destination using a numbered avenue. Be prepared for limited parking, and consider arriving early in the day to find a spot before the lots fill up.

When golfing across the Grand Strand, always add a significant buffer to your sat-nav's estimated travel time, especially if your route involves crossing the Intracoastal Waterway. The main highways like US-17 and US-501 can experience unexpected backups, and the swing bridges can cause delays. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 20–30 minutes to your planned drive time. Using a navigation app with live traffic data is essential for getting real-time updates and potential alternative routes to ensure you make your tee time.

To keep your rental car clean, it's helpful to bring a few key items. Large, inexpensive plastic totes are perfect for containing sandy toys, chairs and umbrellas in the boot. Keep a designated towel or sheet on the back seat for passengers to sit on after being at the beach. A small dust brush and pan can also be a lifesaver for quick clean-ups of sand from the floor mats, making the return process much smoother at the end of your trip.

After picking up your car, you can find a low-traffic area to install your car seat in the airport's cell phone waiting lot. This lot is typically quiet and provides a safe space to take your time with the installation without the pressure of holding up traffic. Alternatively, you can pull into a parking space in one of the less-crowded sections of the airport's main car park. Once you're confident the seat is secure, you can merge onto the main roads with peace of mind.

A convenient and easy-to-find meetup spot for multiple cars is the cell phone waiting lot at MYR. It's located just a short drive from the rental car return area and is clearly marked with airport signs. This location provides a safe place to park for a few minutes while you coordinate with the other vehicle and ensure everyone has the correct hotel address programmed into their sat-nav. It's a perfect, low-stress spot to regroup before starting your holiday drive.

Yes, the area immediately around the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk can be tricky for first-time visitors. Ocean Boulevard runs one-way southbound for a significant stretch in the heart of the tourist district. Many of the smaller avenues leading to it are also one-way. It's crucial to pay close attention to street signs and your sat-nav to avoid turning the wrong way. When in doubt, using a larger, two-way road like Kings Highway to get your bearings is a safer bet.

The Intracoastal Waterway runs the length of the Grand Strand, and several key routes require crossing a drawbridge, such as the one on Highway 501 or the Socastee Swing Bridge. During peak boating season in summer, these bridges may open for boat traffic, causing significant road delays that can last 15–20 minutes. If your route involves a bridge crossing, especially during midday, it's wise to build extra time into your travel plans to allow for a potential opening.

Summer thunderstorms in Myrtle Beach can develop quickly and be intense, drastically affecting driving conditions. Expect sudden downpours that can reduce visibility to near zero and cause roads like Highway 501 to become slick. Drivers often slow down significantly, which can cause rapid backups. If you find yourself in a heavy thunderstorm, it's best to slow down, increase your following distance, turn on your headlights and pull over to a safe location if visibility becomes too poor.

During heavy rain, lower-lying areas and roads with older drainage systems are prone to standing water. Sections of Kings Highway (US-17 Business) and Ocean Boulevard can experience significant puddling. Be particularly cautious on major routes like US-501, where water can pool in the outer lanes. It's always safest to avoid driving through large puddles of unknown depth and to choose a main artery like the US-17 Bypass, which generally has better drainage.

For a stress-free early morning return, familiarise yourself with the airport layout beforehand. As you approach MYR, follow the prominent signs for "Rental Car Return." These signs will direct you to a dedicated entrance, separate from the main departures and arrivals loops. Dropping off passengers and luggage at the terminal kerb first can also streamline the process, allowing the driver to return the car without extra hassle. Always allow a little extra time for this process before an early flight.

As you drive toward Myrtle Beach International Airport, pay close attention to the large overhead signs that differentiate traffic lanes. You will need to be in the lane specifically marked for "Rental Car Return." This entrance is typically well signed and appears before the main terminal loop for passenger drop-off and pickup. Following these specific signs is the key to avoiding a frustrating and time-consuming detour through the wrong area.

The most efficient sequence is to first drive to the airline departures kerb. Here, you can unload all passengers and their luggage directly at the entrance for your airline. Once everyone and everything is safely on the kerb, the driver can then proceed alone to follow the signs for the "Rental Car Return" area. This strategy prevents the entire party from having to manage luggage on the walk from the rental car lot back to the terminal, saving time and effort.

The airport's cell phone waiting lot is an excellent place for a final reorganisation before you return your vehicle. It's located on airport grounds but away from the bustle of the terminal, providing a calm space to sort through your luggage. You can take a few minutes there to throw away any rubbish, check for personal items under the seats and in the glovebox, and get your bags ready for check-in. This quick stop can prevent the stress of rushing at the return counter and ensures you don't leave anything behind.

To make your final fuel stop easy and stress-free, look for a petrol station on Harrelson Boulevard or on Kings Highway just before you make the final turn toward the airport. There are several major-brand stations in this area that offer easy entry and exit back onto the main road. Refuelling here allows you to avoid the more congested and sometimes confusing roads immediately surrounding the airport entrance. This strategy ensures you can complete your refuelling obligation conveniently and proceed directly to the rental car return area.

If you only plan to use your rental for a couple of days, staying in an area with easy access to a major bypass is ideal. Locations just west of the Intracoastal Waterway or near the US-17 Bypass offer less congestion and more straightforward parking than the oceanfront strip. These areas allow you to quickly get onto main highways like SC-31 or the bypass for day trips. You can avoid the daily struggle of navigating dense beach traffic and finding parking each time you want to use the car.

When a large event is happening at the Myrtle Beach Convention Centre, expect significantly increased traffic on the surrounding roads, particularly Oak Street and 21st Avenue North. To avoid the worst of it, try to approach the convention centre from the west using the US-17 Bypass rather than coming up from Ocean Boulevard. Arrive well before your event's start time, as the parking lots fill up quickly. Be prepared for directed traffic patterns managed by police, which may alter your planned route.

During major events like Bike Week, you should anticipate heavy motorcycle traffic and altered traffic patterns throughout the Grand Strand. Ocean Boulevard often has a designated one-way loop to manage the flow, and you'll experience significant congestion, especially in areas like Murrells Inlet and North Myrtle Beach. It's crucial to be extra vigilant for motorcycles, allow much more time for any journey, and check local news or council websites for information on specific road closures or detours before you head out in your rental car.