Car Rental
Myrtle Beach

Navigating from your arrival gate to the rental car counters at Myrtle Beach International Airport is a straightforward process. The rental car facility is conveniently located inside the main terminal, directly adjacent to the baggage claim area. This means you won't need to take a shuttle or walk a long distance outside. Simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" after you deplane, and you'll find the counters a short, indoor walk away, making it very manageable even with carry-on luggage.

For late-evening arrivals at MYR, the rental car pickup process is generally smooth, though it's always wise to confirm your specific rental company's hours of operation. The rental counters are located within the terminal, so you'll be in a well-lit, secure area. After completing your paperwork at the counter, you will be directed to the adjacent parking garage where the vehicles are staged. The process is designed to be efficient, allowing you to get on your way to your accommodations with minimal delay after a long flight.

When returning a rental car for an early-morning flight at MYR, it's a good practice to add an extra 30 minutes to your typical airport arrival schedule. The return process itself is usually quick, with clear signage directing you to the rental car return area in the main parking garage. However, building in this buffer accounts for any potential lines, final vehicle inspection, and the short walk from the garage back to the airline check-in counters. This ensures a low-stress start to your travel day without feeling rushed.

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 strategy. This route bypasses much of the congestion found on U.S. 17 Business. You can take SC-31 South to the U.S. 501 interchange, and then follow the signs for Myrtle Beach International Airport. While it may be a few more miles, this route typically offers a more consistent and predictable travel time compared to navigating the stop-and-go traffic closer to the coast.

Rental car drop-off at Myrtle Beach International Airport is located in the main parking garage, 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 rental company. Once you've returned your vehicle, it's a very short and convenient walk from the garage to the airline check-in counters inside the terminal. The entire distance is covered and easily manageable with luggage, typically taking just a few minutes.

If you prefer not to drive right after landing, a great strategy is to take a taxi or rideshare service from the airport to your hotel on Ocean Boulevard. This allows you to settle in and relax without navigating an unfamiliar area at night or after a long flight. Many rental car companies have non-airport locations throughout the Myrtle Beach area. You can then arrange to pick up your rental car the next day from a nearby branch, often with the added convenience of a shuttle service from your hotel.

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

Yes, U.S. 17 and U.S. 501 experience significant congestion during predictable times, which can impact 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 arteries can be particularly slow. Planning your 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 rental car offers the ultimate flexibility. A compact or mid-size car is often ideal, as it's easy to park and fuel-efficient for short trips to restaurants, shops, or nearby attractions. This allows you to leave the beach when you want, without relying on other transportation schedules. You can easily drive to a different part of the Grand Strand for dinner or explore a state park, making the most of your 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 neighborhoods feature dedicated parking garages or spacious lots for guests. The Market Common district is another area known for ample and well-organized parking. When booking your stay, it's always a good idea to inquire 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 it's best to plan ahead. There are several city-operated parking lots and private garages within a few blocks of the Boardwalk, but they fill up quickly. Arriving early is your best strategy to secure a convenient spot. Be prepared for metered parking or flat-rate event parking, and pay close attention to posted signs to avoid being towed. A little extra walking might be necessary, but it's part of the experience of visiting this popular downtown hub.

Broadway at the Beach offers extensive free parking in its large surrounding lots, but they can become very full on busy summer nights and weekends. To avoid the stress of circling for a spot, plan to arrive before the main dinner rush, typically before 6:00 PM. Another effective strategy is to look for parking in the lots that are slightly farther from the main restaurant and nightlife areas, such as near the movie theater or the Ripley's Aquarium. A few extra minutes of walking can save you a significant amount of time searching for a space.

When traveling 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, as they offer 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. When visiting the beach, seek out public access points that have parking lots directly adjacent to the walkway, minimizing the distance to the sand.

For navigating the often-narrow spaces and tight turns of hotel parking garages along the Myrtle Beach strip, a compact or mid-size sedan is typically the most manageable choice. These vehicles are easier to maneuver and fit comfortably into standard parking spots, 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 you're unsure, checking with your hotel about their garage's clearance and space size is a wise precaution.

When traveling with a full set of beach gear, renting an SUV or a minivan is an excellent choice for convenience. These vehicles offer generous cargo space, making it easy to load and unload bulky items like chairs, umbrellas, and coolers without a struggle. 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 navigating some beach access parking lots.

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 the adjacent local access roads. It's helpful 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 driving 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 "Michigan Lefts" or U-turn lanes at major intersections, which can be unfamiliar to many drivers. Always allow yourself plenty of time, get into your desired lane early, and carefully read the road signs to avoid last-minute maneuvers.

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 traffic flow with fewer traffic lights and less pedestrian-related congestion. You can take the Bypass north and then exit closer to your destination, such as near Broadway at the Beach or the convention center. 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 also highly recommended. The drive south is relatively short, usually taking about 30 minutes depending on your starting point and traffic. Having a rental car gives you the freedom to explore the beautiful beach and nature trails at the state park in the morning, and then head over to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for a late lunch or dinner. It's an easy and rewarding way to experience the natural beauty of the South Strand.

To make the most of a day trip to Brookgreen Gardens, plan to arrive shortly after it opens in the morning. This allows you to enjoy the gardens when they are 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 the time you leave in the mid-afternoon, you will again miss the peak traffic of people leaving the beaches. This timing strategy ensures a more relaxed drive and a more peaceful experience at this popular attraction.

Visiting Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach generally involves a less stressful traffic and parking experience than central Myrtle Beach attractions. While the area does get busy, especially in the evenings, it features large, well-organized parking lots that are free to use. The 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, allowing you to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

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 the summer, plan to leave Myrtle Beach in the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM. This should get you to one of the many fantastic 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 rental car from Myrtle Beach. The drive north on U.S. 17 takes about 90 minutes, making it very manageable. To maximize 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 one of the nearby beaches. The drive is straightforward, but planning your departure before the morning rush will give you a head start on a great day of sightseeing.

A day trip to Charleston is very doable and a fantastic way to experience a different side of South Carolina. The drive is approximately two hours each way, so an early start is key to maximizing your sightseeing time. Leaving Myrtle Beach by 8:00 AM 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 anticipate 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 travel 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 for any trip, consider walking to nearby destinations, and exercise additional patience and defensive driving skills.

During heavy rainstorms, which can be common in the 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 are unsure of its depth.

During Bike Week, the entire Grand Strand experiences a dramatic increase in motorcycle traffic, which significantly 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 rental 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 store 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 8:00 PM. Saturday afternoons are often the busiest time due to weekly condo and vacation home check-ins, so it's best to avoid shopping then if possible. Having a rental car makes it simple to stock up on supplies for your stay.

Before arriving with a rental 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 only provide one. Inquire 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 upon your 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 this is the peak check-in day for vacation 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 might seem 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 parking lots that allow for a relatively short walk to the entrance. The Family Kingdom Amusement Park also has its own dedicated parking lot directly across the street. 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. While many people try 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 6:00 PM, will give you the best selection of spots. The area is very walkable, so parking a block or two away from your final 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 sedan will have no issues at all.

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 accomplish multiple errands at once, such as a trip to the grocery store and a nearby attraction. This minimizes the number of times you have to leave and return, ensuring your valuable parking spot is waiting for you.

Doing a 'two-beach day' is very easy and enjoyable with a rental 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 different coastal communities in a single day.

Golfers visiting Myrtle Beach should prioritize a rental car with ample and secure trunk space. A full-size sedan, mid-size SUV, or minivan 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 trunk 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 throughout your trip.

To enjoy a trip to the Tanger Outlets without the 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 great 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 parking lots. A mid-week morning visit is your best bet for a relaxed experience.

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 rental 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 a high volume of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Local law enforcement actively patrols major thoroughfares like Ocean Boulevard and the U.S. 17 Bypass, with a focus 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 that parking is generally much easier than during the day. Many of the city's public beach access lots and metered street spots are free before a certain hour, typically before 8:00 or 9:00 AM. Be sure to read the signs at the specific location to confirm the enforcement hours. Arriving early not only guarantees you a prime spot but also often allows you to park without charge, making for a peaceful and hassle-free start to your day.