Dollar Car Rental
Myrtle Beach

After you've collected your bags from the baggage claim area at Myrtle Beach International Airport, look for the prominent overhead signs directing you to the "Rental Car" counters. The Dollar service desk is conveniently located within this consolidated rental car facility right inside the main terminal building. You will not need to take a shuttle or exit the building to complete your rental agreement. Once you have your keys, staff will direct you to the adjacent parking garage where your vehicle will be waiting.

Navigating MYR late at night is typically straightforward as the airport is well-signed and less crowded. Once you deplane, follow the main flow of passengers toward the central part of the terminal and down to the baggage claim level. After you have your luggage, simply look for the "Rental Car" signage. The Dollar counter is situated in the rental car center within the terminal, making it a short and direct walk without any complex turns or the need to go outside.

Peak summer Saturdays are the busiest arrival days in Myrtle Beach, so building in a generous time buffer is a smart strategy. While the rental process is efficient, you should anticipate potential waits for baggage and at the rental counter. To avoid any stress about making your hotel check-in, it's wise to allow at least 60 to 90 minutes from the time your plane lands to the time you're driving away. This cushion comfortably accounts for deplaning, baggage claim, and completing the rental pickup process during a high-traffic period.

A great strategy for a smooth group arrival is to designate one driver to head directly to the Dollar rental counter while the rest of the party proceeds to baggage claim. The rental car facility is located in the terminal, just a short walk from the baggage carousels. While the driver completes the paperwork, the others can gather all the luggage and find a comfortable spot to wait near the terminal exit. Once the driver has the car, they can coordinate via phone to meet the group at the passenger pickup curb just outside baggage claim.

When Kings Highway (Business 17) is congested, the most efficient alternative is almost always Highway 17 Bypass. After leaving the airport, follow the signs to get on the Bypass, which runs parallel to the coast but has fewer traffic lights and a higher speed limit. You can travel north or south on the Bypass much faster than on the main strip. Once you are near your hotel's cross-street, use your GPS to find a major connector road, like 29th Avenue North or Farrow Parkway, to cut back east toward the oceanfront.

For first-time visitors driving to the Broadway at the Beach area, using major thoroughfares is the least stressful approach. From the airport, taking the Highway 17 Bypass to 29th Avenue North is a very direct route. This avoids the slower, more complex traffic patterns on Kings Highway. Once on 29th Avenue North, you'll have a straight shot that leads you directly to the entrances of Broadway at the Beach. This path minimizes confusing turns and keeps you on wider, more manageable roads.

Driving from MYR to the Market Common district is one of the easiest routes in Myrtle Beach. Upon exiting the airport, you will be on Harrelson Boulevard. Simply stay on this road and follow the clear signage for Market Common. The entrance to the district is a very short and direct drive from the airport terminal, requiring only a few simple turns at well-marked intersections. This route completely avoids the need to get on major highways and is perfect for a stress-free start to your trip.

During major events like bike weeks, you should plan on driving times doubling or even tripling, especially on main roads like Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway. The key is to travel during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or later in the evening, if possible. Rely heavily on a real-time traffic app to identify congestion and find alternate routes, like Highway 17 Bypass or Highway 31. For short trips, consider that walking might even be faster than driving through the heaviest event traffic.

Highway 17 (both Business and Bypass) features many dedicated turn lanes, but the key is to get into the correct lane well in advance. Many resort and attraction entrances are right-turns, but for those on the opposite side of the road, you will often use a center turn lane or proceed to the next signalized intersection to make a U-turn. Pay close attention to your GPS and road signs, as missing a turn can sometimes require a lengthy detour to get back on track due to the medians separating traffic.

To minimize challenging left turns, focus on routes that utilize signalized intersections or roads with gentler traffic flow. The areas around Market Common and the southern end of Myrtle Beach tend to have more modern road designs with protected turn signals. When traveling north or south, using Highway 17 Bypass and then making a right turn onto a connector road to reach your destination is a great strategy. This approach avoids crossing multiple lanes of oncoming traffic on the busier Kings Highway.

Choosing between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach depends on your priorities. Myrtle Beach proper places you in the center of the action, closer to the airport, Broadway at the Beach, and the SkyWheel, but this also means more consistent traffic. North Myrtle Beach is generally quieter with a more relaxed driving environment, making it a great base for trips to Barefoot Landing or ventures further north. If your itinerary is spread out, staying near the Highway 17 Bypass and Highway 31 interchange can provide excellent flexibility for driving in either direction.

The most efficient way to travel between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach is by using the main highways that bypass the coastal congestion. From Myrtle Beach, get on Highway 17 Bypass and head north. For an even faster and less crowded drive, take Highway 31 (the Carolina Bays Parkway). This expressway has limited exits and allows you to cover the distance quickly before exiting near your North Myrtle Beach destination, completely avoiding the stop-and-go traffic on Kings Highway.

For a seamless day trip south, plan your route sequentially. From Myrtle Beach, drive south on Highway 17 Bypass to avoid city traffic until you reach the Murrells Inlet area. You could visit Brookgreen Gardens first in the morning when it's cooler and less crowded. Afterward, it's a very short drive back north on Highway 17 to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for a late lunch or dinner. This plan keeps your driving consolidated in one area and concludes with a simple, direct drive back to Myrtle Beach.

This is an excellent plan as it naturally avoids the worst traffic. After enjoying the sunrise, you'll be on the road before the main morning rush begins, which typically picks up after 7:30 a.m. Most golf courses are easily accessible from major roads like Highway 17 Bypass. By heading to your course early, you'll be traveling against the primary flow of traffic heading toward the beach and offices. After your round of golf, the midday traffic is usually much lighter, allowing for a smooth drive back to your accommodations.

Myrtle Beach offers numerous public beach access points, many with parking. For ease of access, look for the access points located at the ends of major avenues, especially in the residential sections north of the main boardwalk area. These often have metered parking spots right near the beach. Additionally, Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park offer large parking lots and extensive beach access for a daily entrance fee, providing a guaranteed and less stressful parking experience compared to searching for a spot on the street.

Myrtle Beach State Park has several large, dedicated parking lots conveniently located near the pier, picnic areas, and main beach access points. Upon entering the park, you can follow the signs to the lot that best suits your planned activities for the day. During peak season, especially on summer weekends and holidays, it is highly recommended to arrive early. To secure a good spot and avoid potential lines at the entrance gate, aim to get there before 10:00 a.m.

The least stressful approach to Broadway at the Beach on a busy evening is to use the less-obvious entrances and be prepared to walk a little. Instead of using the main entrance off 29th Avenue North, consider using the entrance from 21st Avenue North or the one near Grissom Parkway. These are often less congested. Arrive earlier in the evening, before the main dinner rush, to find a spot more easily in one of the vast, free parking lots. Don't fixate on parking right next to your destination; all lots are within a reasonable walking distance of the main attractions.

Parking near the SkyWheel and Boardwalk requires some planning during busy times. The most convenient option is the large, multi-level parking garage located right next to the SkyWheel on Ocean Boulevard. While it is a paid lot, it saves you the time and stress of searching for street parking. There are also several other paid surface lots along Ocean Boulevard and the adjacent side streets. To avoid circling, it's best to pick a lot and head directly for it rather than hoping to find a free spot on the street.

Driving on Ocean Boulevard on a summer night is an experience that demands patience and heightened awareness. You should expect very slow, often bumper-to-bumper traffic as people cruise the strip and look for parking. The area is bustling with pedestrians, so it's crucial to drive slowly and be extremely vigilant, especially around crosswalks and hotel entrances. The atmosphere is lively and festive, but from a driver's perspective, it requires a defensive mindset and anticipating frequent, sudden stops.

A great strategy is to visit a grocery store located away from the main tourist corridors immediately after leaving the airport. There are several large supermarkets situated along Highway 17 Bypass or on connector roads like Farrow Parkway. These stores are easily accessible from the airport and have large parking lots designed for local shoppers, not just tourists. By stocking up here before heading to your oceanfront hotel, you can avoid the smaller, more crowded grocery stores on Kings Highway.

After picking up your vehicle from the rental garage at MYR, take a moment to get organized before you hit the main roads. Find a spot in the garage where you are out of the main flow of traffic to load your luggage, stroller, and beach gear into the car comfortably. Adjust your mirrors and set up your GPS navigation while you are still parked. This few minutes of preparation ensures that all your gear is secure and you can focus entirely on driving once you exit the airport.

Many of the older, high-rise hotels located in the central part of Myrtle Beach, especially along the most condensed sections of Ocean Boulevard, can have tighter parking garages. These structures were often built when vehicles were smaller and may feature narrow ramps, low clearance heights, and compact spaces. If you're renting a large SUV or minivan, you might find parking easier at newer resorts or those located in less dense areas like the northern end of Myrtle Beach or in North Myrtle Beach, which often have more spacious surface lots or modern garages.

Driving a larger SUV on the hotel strip along Ocean Boulevard can be challenging, particularly during check-in and check-out times. The main thoroughfare is often congested, and hotel loading zones can be crowded with cars, luggage carts, and pedestrians. Maneuvering a larger vehicle requires extra caution and patience. It's helpful to have a passenger assist with spotting when backing up or navigating tight spaces. When possible, try to time your arrivals and departures for non-peak hours to have a less stressful experience.

A rental car offers the most flexibility for families visiting attractions that are spread out or require transporting gear. Places like Myrtle Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, and the Alligator Adventure in North Myrtle Beach are ideal to visit with your own vehicle. You can travel on your own schedule and easily store strollers, coolers, and changes of clothes. For attractions in highly congested areas like the Boardwalk or Broadway at the Beach, a rideshare can be a good option to avoid parking hassles, but a rental car provides ultimate freedom for the overall trip.

To create a smooth itinerary, use the major highways to your advantage. Start your day by taking Highway 31 directly to North Myrtle Beach for your beach time, avoiding the stop-and-go traffic on Kings Highway. In the afternoon, it's a very short and easy drive from the beach to Barefoot Landing for shopping and dinner. After your evening there, you can hop back on Highway 31 or Highway 17 Bypass for a quick and direct route back to your accommodations in Myrtle Beach.

The drive to Conway is a pleasant escape from the beach traffic. The most direct route is to take US-501 West from Myrtle Beach. This major highway leads you straight into the heart of Conway. Once you arrive in the historic downtown area, you'll find ample free public parking. Look for the municipal parking lots located just off the main streets, which are clearly signed and offer easy access to the Riverwalk, shops, and restaurants.

To have a smooth start on a day trip to Wilmington, plan to be on the road from Myrtle Beach by 9:00 a.m. at the latest. This departure time allows you to get past the most congested areas of North Myrtle Beach before the peak mid-morning traffic builds up. The drive itself is straightforward, primarily on Highway 17 North. Leaving early ensures you have more time to enjoy Wilmington's historic downtown and riverfront without feeling rushed by your travel time.

While the drive to Charleston is typically about two hours, it's wise to budget at least two and a half to three hours each way during the summer. Traffic can be heavy leaving the Myrtle Beach area and again as you approach Charleston. To make the most of your day, depart early in the morning, preferably before 8:00 a.m., to get ahead of the worst congestion. The route is primarily on Highway 17 South, which passes through several small towns that can also slow you down.

A common mistake is not getting into the correct turn lane early enough on multi-lane roads like Kings Highway and Highway 17. Due to raised medians, missing a left turn can require you to drive a significant distance before you can make a U-turn. Another frequent issue is confusing Highway 17 Business (Kings Highway) with Highway 17 Bypass. Always double-check your GPS to ensure you are on the correct roadway, as the Bypass will take you past many of the oceanfront attractions.

It's very common to find sand blown onto roadways and collected in parking lots near beach access points. While a light dusting is harmless, be cautious of deeper patches of sand, as they can reduce traction and make your vehicle slide, especially when turning or braking. Drive slowly in these areas and avoid parking in deep sand to prevent getting stuck. Before returning your vehicle, it's a good idea to vacuum out any excess sand that has been tracked inside.

During hurricane season (June through November), it's essential to stay informed about the weather forecast. If a storm is approaching, local authorities may issue evacuation orders, which will designate specific routes inland and could reverse traffic flow on major highways. Bridges, especially those over the Intracoastal Waterway, may be closed to traffic if wind speeds become too high. Always follow the guidance of local officials and have a plan that includes knowing your evacuation route in advance.

While GPS is generally reliable, it can sometimes be slow to update with recent traffic pattern changes. In the heart of Myrtle Beach, especially around the convention center and the boardwalk, be mindful of one-way streets that might not be immediately obvious on a map. The biggest challenge is often with median-divided highways like Highway 17, where your GPS might tell you to turn left, but you actually need to proceed to a designated U-turn location further down the road. Always supplement GPS with careful observation of road signs.

For a stress-free early-morning return, follow the prominent "Rental Car Return" signs as you approach the airport terminal. These signs will direct you into the correct lanes for the rental car facility, which is located in the main parking garage. The process is typically very quick, with staff available to check you in efficiently. To ensure a predictable timeline, give yourself about 15-20 extra minutes beyond your usual airport arrival time to drop off the car and walk over to the airline check-in counters.

A great strategy for a smooth return is to first drop off your family and luggage at the terminal's departure curb. One adult can stay with the children and the bags while the driver takes the car to the rental return area in the adjacent garage. This eliminates the hassle of maneuvering luggage carts and kids through the parking garage. After returning the vehicle, the driver can walk back to the terminal in just a few minutes to rejoin the family and proceed to security.

Many travelers find it convenient to stop at one of the gas stations located on Harrelson Boulevard or Highway 17 just before they reach the airport. Most of these stations have vacuums and large trash receptacles available for customer use. This allows you to do a quick clean-out of sand, wrappers, and any other vacation debris. Taking a few minutes to tidy up the car at one of these nearby locations makes the return process at the airport much smoother and faster.

The best way to coordinate a multi-flight pickup is to use the airport's cell phone lot. The driver who arrives first can pick up the rental car and then wait in this designated lot, which is a short, two-minute drive from the terminal. When the second flight lands and that part of the group has their luggage, they can call the driver. The driver can then proceed to the passenger pickup curb outside baggage claim for a perfectly timed and stress-free meeting.

For an easy and beautiful drive, head south from Myrtle Beach on Highway 17 toward Pawleys Island and Georgetown. This route offers lovely stretches with views of salt marshes and live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The drive through Huntington Beach State Park and the Litchfield area is particularly scenic. Another option is to drive north on Highway 17 to the Little River area, where you can see the fishing fleet and enjoy views of the Intracoastal Waterway, all on well-traveled roads with plenty of services available.

With limited parking, the key is to plan your car usage strategically. Use your rental car for longer trips, like grocery runs, day trips to other towns, or visiting attractions far from your condo. For local exploration, take advantage of the walkability of your area or use rideshare services for short trips to congested places like the Boardwalk. This hybrid approach allows you to enjoy the freedom of a rental car for big excursions while avoiding the daily frustration of moving your car and searching for parking for every small outing.