Alamo Car Rental
Myrtle Beach

After collecting your luggage at the MYR baggage claim, look for prominent overhead signs directing you to the "Rental Car Center." The Alamo rental counter is conveniently located inside the main terminal building, just a short walk from the baggage claim area, so you won't need to take a shuttle. Once you complete your paperwork at the counter, you will be directed to the adjacent parking garage where the rental vehicles are staged for pickup.

Arriving late at Myrtle Beach International Airport is a common scenario for many travelers. The rental car counters typically align their hours with the final flight arrivals of the day to accommodate passengers. To ensure a smooth process, it's highly recommended to include your flight number in your reservation, which helps the staff anticipate any delays. The airport terminal and rental car garage are well-lit, making the walk to your vehicle straightforward and secure even after dark.

During peak summer travel times, especially on weekends, you should plan for a bit of extra time to get through the rental process. While the walk from the terminal to the Alamo counter and then to the car is very short, lines at the counter can be longer during these busy periods. A reasonable expectation would be to budget around 30 to 45 minutes from the time you leave baggage claim to the time you are driving away, which accounts for potential queues and completing the rental agreement.

To reach Ocean Boulevard hotels smoothly, exit the airport onto Harrelson Boulevard. Continue straight until you reach US-17 Business, also known as Kings Highway, and take a left to head north. This major road runs parallel to Ocean Boulevard and has less stop-and-go tourist traffic. Drive along Kings Highway until you are near your hotel's cross-street, then make a right turn toward the ocean to access your destination, minimizing your time on the most congested parts of the main strip.

When heading to North Myrtle Beach from the airport on a busy weekend, the main traffic bottleneck is often the US-17 Bypass bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. An alternative that can sometimes be smoother is taking SC-31 (the Carolina Bays Parkway). This route has fewer traffic lights and can help you bypass the most congested commercial areas. You can then exit SC-31 onto SC-22 or Robert Grissom Parkway to connect back to US-17 in the North Myrtle Beach area, avoiding the heaviest backups.

The most straightforward route from MYR to Broadway at the Beach is to take Harrelson Boulevard east from the airport. This road will turn into Jetport Road and then lead you to US-17 Bypass North. Take a left onto the Bypass and drive for about two miles until you see the large signs for Broadway at the Beach on your right. The complex has multiple entrances off the Bypass, with the main ones being at 21st Avenue North and 29th Avenue North, both of which lead into expansive, free parking lots.

For travelers heading south to Surfside Beach or Garden City, the best alternative to the slow-moving traffic on Ocean Boulevard is US-17 Business (Kings Highway). This route runs parallel to the coast and has a more consistent traffic flow, though it still has many signals. For an even less congested drive, you can take US-17 Bypass south. This allows you to travel a longer distance with fewer stops before turning east toward the coast on a road like Glenns Bay Road or the Surfside Drive connector.

A great strategy for a quick grocery run is to stop at a store before you get deep into the main tourist corridors. After leaving the airport, you can easily access several large supermarkets located along US-17 Business (Kings Highway) or Farrow Parkway. These are just a few minutes from the airport and are situated before the heaviest congestion begins around the central Myrtle Beach resort area. This allows you to stock up on essentials and then proceed to your accommodations without a major detour.

Driving on Highway 17, both the Business and Bypass routes, requires extra attention, especially for first-time visitors. The road is characterized by numerous traffic lights, constant lane changes from other drivers, and a mix of high-speed sections and sudden stops. It's wise to stay in the center or right lane unless you have an upcoming left turn. Always use your turn signals well in advance and be prepared for vehicles making abrupt entrances and exits from the many shopping centers and restaurants that line the highway.

For visitors looking for convenient park-and-walk experiences, areas like Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing are excellent choices. Both offer massive, free parking lots and are designed as self-contained entertainment districts where you can walk between dozens of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Another good option is the Market Common district, which provides a more upscale, town-center feel with ample street and garage parking, allowing for easy strolling between boutiques, eateries, and a movie theater.

In the bustling downtown and boardwalk area, finding parking outside of your hotel can be a challenge, but public options are available. The city operates numerous metered street parking spots and several public parking lots, which are clearly marked. A large public parking garage is also located at 9th Avenue North, just a short walk from the boardwalk and SkyWheel. During peak season, arriving early in the day gives you the best chance of securing a spot in one of these convenient locations.

Saturday check-ins at condos are notoriously busy, so a good strategy is essential. Plan to pull into the designated unloading zone, which is often near the main lobby entrance, even if it's temporarily occupied. It's helpful to have one person from your party stay with the vehicle while another goes inside to begin the check-in process. Unload your luggage onto the curb or a provided cart quickly, and then immediately move your car to a designated parking spot to free up the space for the next arriving guest.

Making left turns can be challenging on busy roads like Kings Highway (US-17 Business) and Ocean Boulevard due to heavy, multi-lane traffic. During peak times, it's often safer and faster to make three right turns to loop around a block instead of waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic. Many sections of these main roads also have dedicated center turn lanes, but they can be congested. For U-turns, locals often use intersections with traffic signals or find a side street or parking lot to safely reverse their direction.

For guests with limited mobility, several attractions are very accommodating. Theaters like The Carolina Opry and Alabama Theatre have excellent, well-marked drop-off circles right at their main entrances, with parking lots close by. Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach also features a convenient drop-off area and accessible parking near its entrance. Additionally, Brookgreen Gardens offers wide, paved pathways and the option to use their own shuttle service within the grounds, making it easier to explore.

To enjoy dinner on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk without battling the worst traffic, plan your drive strategically. The heaviest congestion typically occurs between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM as people leave the beach and head out for the evening. Aim to leave Myrtle Beach either before 4:00 PM to arrive early and relax, or wait until after 7:00 PM when the initial dinner rush has subsided. Taking US-17 Bypass south is generally faster than US-17 Business for this trip.

When planning a multi-course golf trip, it's efficient to group your rounds geographically. Study a map and schedule your tee times at courses located in the same part of the Grand Strand for consecutive days. For example, play courses in the North Myrtle Beach and Little River area one day, then focus on courses in the central Myrtle Beach or southern (Surfside, Pawleys Island) areas on other days. This approach minimizes driving time and helps you avoid crossing through the most congested central tourist zones repeatedly.

Driving a larger SUV offers great comfort and space, but parking can require a bit more care. Most major attractions like Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing have spacious lots where parking is not an issue. However, older beachfront hotels, smaller restaurants, and mini-golf courses often have tighter parking spaces. You may also find that multi-level hotel parking garages have lower clearance heights, so it's always a good idea to be mindful of the vehicle's size in these more compact situations.

During major events like the spring and fall Bike Rallies, driving a rental car requires extra patience and awareness. The most heavily impacted areas are typically Ocean Boulevard in central Myrtle Beach, US-17 Business through Surfside Beach and Garden City, and the entire Murrells Inlet area. Expect significant traffic delays, temporary lane closures, and a very high volume of motorcycle traffic. It's often best to use alternate routes like SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) to bypass the main event zones whenever possible.

To avoid the post-show traffic jam when leaving a major theater, a simple parking strategy can make a big difference. When you arrive, try to park your rental car in a spot that is farther from the main entrance but closer to a parking lot exit. This might mean a slightly longer walk into the venue, but it will allow you to get onto the main road much faster when the show ends. Everyone else who parked near the front doors will be funneled into a slow-moving line, while you can often make a quicker departure.

Drivers new to Myrtle Beach are often surprised by the frequent speed limit changes on major roads. On US-17 Business (Kings Highway), the speed limit can fluctuate between 35, 45, and 55 mph depending on how commercially developed the section is. Similarly, Ocean Boulevard has a very low speed limit, often 25 mph, which is strictly enforced due to heavy pedestrian traffic. Always be vigilant for speed limit signs, as they can change quickly as you pass through different city and town limits along the Grand Strand.

The downtown area around the boardwalk can be tricky for unfamiliar drivers. The grid of avenues and boulevards that run perpendicular and parallel to the ocean often alternates between one-way and two-way traffic, so pay close attention to street signs. A common point of confusion is the split of Kings Highway into a one-way pair (North Kings and South Kings) for a section downtown. Additionally, the on-ramps and off-ramps for bridges and overpasses, like the one near Broadway at the Beach, can have short merge lanes requiring assertive but careful driving.

When traveling between Myrtle Beach and the Little River area on a busy weekend, your most reliable and efficient route is almost always SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway). This highway was designed to bypass the heavy commercial traffic and numerous stoplights on US-17. You can access SC-31 from several points in Myrtle Beach and take it north until it ends near Little River. This will save you considerable time and frustration compared to navigating the stop-and-go traffic on the main highway.

A day trip to Wilmington, North Carolina, is a great option with a rental car. The drive is straightforward and typically takes about 90 minutes. Simply take US-17 North the entire way. Once you arrive in Wilmington's historic downtown area, there are several large, clearly marked public parking decks, with the most convenient ones located on North 2nd Street. These garages offer hourly rates and place you within easy walking distance of the popular Riverwalk, shops, and restaurants.

A day trip to Charleston is definitely achievable, but it requires an early start to make the most of your time. The drive itself is about two hours each way, primarily on US-17 South. To have ample time for exploring, plan to leave Myrtle Beach no later than 8:00 AM. This should get you into Charleston's historic district with a full day ahead for walking tours, visiting the market, or seeing the sights. Be sure to account for the two-hour return drive when planning your departure from Charleston in the evening.

For a more natural and less crowded beach experience, Huntington Beach State Park is an excellent choice. The drive is a simple trip south on US-17. The park entrance will be on your left, just before you reach Murrells Inlet. Once inside, you'll find several large parking lots with boardwalks providing direct access to the beach. The northernmost parking lots are often less crowded and offer a great starting point for a quiet walk along the beautiful, undeveloped shoreline or to see the famous Atalaya Castle.

Driving to Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach during prime dinner hours can involve significant traffic, especially on US-17. The complex has two main entrances. The southern entrance, near the Alabama Theatre, often gets very backed up with traffic turning left from the highway. The northern entrance, closer to the main shopping village, can sometimes be a slightly faster way to get into the parking lots. Regardless of which entrance you use, plan for extra travel time between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM.

Yes, summer in Myrtle Beach often brings short but intense afternoon thunderstorms. These storms can dramatically reduce visibility, so it's crucial to slow down, turn on your headlights, and increase your following distance. Certain low-lying areas, particularly on parts of Ocean Boulevard and some secondary roads, can be prone to temporary flooding during a heavy downpour. It's wise to avoid driving through standing water, as it can be deeper than it appears and may stall your vehicle.

Night driving along Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway requires heightened awareness. Pedestrians, often distracted and wearing dark clothing, may cross the street unexpectedly, not always at designated crosswalks. Be especially cautious and reduce your speed in brightly lit, busy areas. Also, be on the lookout for scooters and golf carts, which can be difficult to see and may make sudden turns. Maintaining a safe distance and constantly scanning the road ahead is the best way to ensure safety.

When you have oversized items like surfboards or multiple large bags, efficiency at pickup is key. After completing your rental agreement, it's a good idea for one person in your party to head to the assigned vehicle in the garage while another waits with the luggage. This allows the driver to pull the car up to a designated loading area near the terminal exit. This way, you can load your bulky gear quickly without holding up the flow of traffic in the rental car pickup lanes.

When leaving items in your rental car at a public beach access lot, the best practice is to secure all valuables out of sight. Before you arrive at the lot, place items like purses, electronics, and shopping bags in the trunk or glove compartment. Leaving less valuable items like towels, strollers, or beach chairs visible is generally lower risk, but covering them with a blanket can add an extra layer of discretion. Always remember to lock the vehicle and take the keys with you.

A great way to structure a day is to focus on a single entertainment complex. For example, you can park once at Broadway at the Beach and spend the entire day visiting Ripley's Aquarium, WonderWorks, and various shops and restaurants without ever moving your car. Similarly, Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach allows you to park and easily walk between Duplin Winery, the Alabama Theatre, and numerous dining options along the waterway, making for an efficient and enjoyable outing.

When a major event is happening at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, you should anticipate increased traffic on the surrounding streets, particularly Oak Street and 21st Avenue North. The convention center has a large, dedicated parking lot, but it can fill up during peak event times. If you're staying nearby, walking to the venue is often the easiest option. If you must drive, allow extra time for potential traffic delays and to find parking, especially during morning arrival and evening departure times.

Navigating back to the rental car return at MYR is simple if you follow the airport signage instead of relying solely on GPS. As you approach the airport on Harrelson Boulevard, ignore the signs for "Departures" and "Arrivals." Instead, stay in the designated lane and look for the large, clear signs that specifically say "Rental Car Return." These signs will guide you to a separate entrance that leads directly into the rental return garage, completely avoiding the passenger terminal loop.

On a peak summer Saturday, it is wise to build a generous time cushion into your departure plan. Factoring in heavy resort traffic, potential lines at the gas station, and the rental return process, you should aim to arrive at the airport's rental car return area at least two and a half to three hours before your scheduled flight. This allows ample time to complete the vehicle return, get your luggage, and navigate what will likely be long check-in and security lines inside the terminal without feeling rushed.

There are several gas stations conveniently located for a quick refuel before your rental return. You will find multiple options along US-17 Business (Kings Highway) and Harrelson Boulevard, both of which are main roads leading directly to the airport entrance. Stopping at one of these stations within a two-mile radius of the airport allows you to easily top off the tank and then proceed directly to the "Rental Car Return" entrance without any significant detours or backtracking through heavy traffic.

An effective plan is to first drop off your entire group and all the luggage at the airline's departure curb. While they head inside to check the bags and wait in the air-conditioned terminal, you can proceed alone to the rental car return garage. The walk from the rental return area back to the main terminal is short and mostly covered. This strategy ensures your group stays comfortable and minimizes the time anyone has to spend waiting outside in the sun or heat.

For an early morning or late-night beach visit, target public beach access points that have dedicated, well-lit parking lots rather than just street parking. Many of these lots have minimal traffic during off-hours, making parking simple. For safety, choose a location in a more populated area rather than an isolated one, and always be aware of your surroundings. Remember to lock your vehicle and keep any valuables out of sight, just as you would during the day.

When staying in a gated community, be sure to have your check-in information ready before you arrive at the gate. You will likely need to provide your name and reservation details to the security guard, who will then issue a temporary parking pass for your rental car's dashboard. These communities can be large and confusing, so it's helpful to have a map of the property, which is usually provided at check-in. Pay close attention to building numbers and directional signs within the resort to find your specific unit.