Hertz Car Rental
Myrtle Beach

The rental car counters at Myrtle Beach International Airport are conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After you collect your luggage from the baggage claim carousels, you will see signs directing you to the rental car area, which is just a short, indoor walk away. The vehicles themselves are parked in a dedicated garage directly attached to the terminal. This setup is very user-friendly, as you won't need to take a shuttle bus or walk a long distance to get your car.

Navigating to the rental car area at MYR is straightforward, even after a late flight, because the entire process is handled on foot inside the terminal. Once you exit the secure gate area and collect your bags, simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars." The counters are located within the main terminal lobby, so you will not need to go outside or interact with the terminal road loop at all. After completing your paperwork, you'll be directed to the adjacent parking garage to pick up your vehicle.

Arriving on a Saturday, the primary changeover day for weekly rentals, requires some extra patience. Expect significant traffic on major roads leading from the airport to the oceanfront, particularly US-501, Kings Highway, and the US-17 Bypass. To make your arrival smoother, consider stopping for groceries or supplies at a store near the airport before heading into the most congested resort areas. Building an extra 30 to 60 minutes into your travel time will help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed start to your vacation.

During busy periods, the drive from MYR to central Myrtle Beach hotels can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, despite the short distance. The main route via Harrelson Boulevard to Kings Highway (US-17 Business) is subject to many traffic lights and heavy congestion. Traffic volume, especially in the summer and on weekends, is the biggest factor influencing your travel time. It's always a good idea to check a real-time traffic app before you leave the airport to see if the US-17 Bypass offers a slightly faster alternative.

For the most straightforward and least stressful drive to North Myrtle Beach, taking SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) is highly recommended. From the airport, follow signs for SC-31 North. This is a multi-lane, limited-access highway that bypasses the heavy stop-and-go traffic and numerous intersections found on Kings Highway and US-17 Business. It provides a much smoother and faster journey, allowing you to exit closer to your destination in North Myrtle Beach with minimal confusion.

The most efficient and least stressful route from the airport to Murrells Inlet is to take the US-17 Bypass South. This route avoids the dense commercial strip and frequent traffic lights of Kings Highway (US-17 Business) through central Myrtle Beach. The Bypass is a more direct artery for traveling south along the Grand Strand. Be sure to allow ample time, as even the Bypass can experience congestion during peak dinner hours in the high season.

For a simple drive to Surfside Beach, your best option is to take US-17 Bypass South from the airport area. This route is a major thoroughfare with well-marked lanes and fewer complex intersections compared to driving through the heart of Myrtle Beach on Kings Highway. You will follow the Bypass for a few miles and then take a clearly signed exit for Surfside Beach. This path helps you avoid the heaviest tourist traffic and makes for a more direct arrival at your destination.

To minimize parking hassles, plan to drive and park at each major location just once. Start your afternoon at Broadway at the Beach, where there is extensive free parking available throughout the complex. Later in the day, drive from there to the oceanfront and park in one of the large public parking garages near the Boardwalk, such as the one at 9th Avenue North. This strategy allows you to leave your car securely parked for the evening while you enjoy the sunset, dinner, and attractions on foot.

Driving on Kings Highway (US-17) requires extra attention due to its numerous medians and designated U-turn lanes, often called "Michigan lefts." To make a left turn, you will frequently need to drive past your intersection, get into a dedicated U-turn lane, and then come back to make a right turn. The key is to anticipate your turns well in advance and get into the correct lane early. Be prepared for other drivers making sudden stops or lane changes as they approach these turnarounds.

Yes, GPS systems can occasionally get confused in the core tourist district, especially along Ocean Boulevard. Some sections of the boulevard become one-way or have traffic patterns that change seasonally, which navigation apps may not always reflect in real-time. It's always wise to pay close attention to posted road signs, particularly for one-way streets and no-turn restrictions. Cross-referencing your GPS with the actual signs is the best way to avoid making a wrong turn in a congested area.

The rental car return area of the airport parking garage can often provide a quiet, covered space to install car seats before you hit the road. If you prefer more room, the large parking lots at The Market Common, located just a minute or two from the airport, are an excellent option. Find a spot away from the main store entrances, and you will have plenty of space to work without feeling rushed or being in the way of traffic.

The most strategic approach is to make your grocery stop before you drive into the main oceanfront resort area. There are several large grocery stores conveniently located near the airport, either in The Market Common district or along US-501. By shopping at one of these locations first, you can avoid navigating heavy beach traffic to find a store and then having to backtrack. This gets your errands done efficiently while traffic is relatively lighter.

During the summer, especially on a weekend, you should plan for the drive from central Myrtle Beach to a golf course in North Myrtle Beach to take between 45 and 60 minutes. Morning traffic can build quickly as people head to the beach and other attractions. Using SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) is almost always your fastest option. Leaving a little earlier than you think you need to provides a comfortable buffer for any unexpected delays.

Driving to The Market Common is generally very straightforward for visitors. It is located very close to the airport and is well-signed from major roads like US-17 Bypass and Harrelson Boulevard. The area does feature several modern roundabouts, or traffic circles, but they are designed to be intuitive. Simply yield to traffic already in the circle and follow the signs for your desired exit. The layout is designed for easy navigation once you are inside the district.

Plan for a 30- to 45-minute drive south from central Myrtle Beach on US-17 to reach this area. It's best to visit Huntington Beach State Park first, arriving before 10:30 a.m. on busy days to secure parking, as the lots can fill to capacity. After enjoying the beach, you can then drive directly across the highway to Brookgreen Gardens for the afternoon. Both attractions have ample parking, but the state park's beach access lots are the first to become crowded.

The easiest way to reach Barefoot Landing, especially from the south, is by taking SC-31 North to the exit for SC-22, then following signs. This route helps you bypass the often-congested US-17. Parking is generally most available in the morning before 11 a.m. or later in the evening after the dinner rush has subsided. Midday and early evening, particularly during peak season, can be very busy, so arriving during off-peak hours will make parking much simpler.

For the smoothest late-night drive back to the Crescent Beach or Windy Hill areas of North Myrtle Beach, use the US-17 Bypass or SC-31 North. These highways will have significantly less traffic and fewer stoplights than Kings Highway (US-17 Business). This allows for a quicker and more direct trip back to your accommodations. Both routes are well-lit and easy to navigate after dark, making them a reliable choice.

During peak travel times, such as weekday rush hours or Saturday afternoons in the summer, you should budget an extra 15 to 25 minutes for crossing the main Intracoastal Waterway bridges. The bridge on US-501 and the one on SC-544 are major choke points where traffic can back up significantly. Planning your travel to cross these bridges during off-peak hours can save you considerable time and frustration.

Driving on SC-31 is similar to a modern interstate experience; it's a multi-lane, limited-access highway with a higher speed limit. This parkway is your best tool for avoiding the heavy, stop-and-go traffic found on US-17 Business (Kings Highway) and the US-17 Bypass. It is ideal for any long-distance travel along the Grand Strand, such as driving from Surfside Beach up to North Myrtle Beach. Using SC-31 can easily save you 30 minutes or more on a trip during peak season.

Yes, the streets immediately surrounding the Boardwalk, particularly Ocean Boulevard, can be much more challenging to drive than a map suggests. This area is characterized by extremely heavy pedestrian traffic, constant searching for limited street parking, and slow-moving vehicles. The grid of side streets can also be confusing with one-way designations. It's often far less stressful to park in a garage a few blocks away and walk to the Boardwalk.

For a quick and safe drop-off, use the passenger loading and unloading zones located along Ocean Boulevard. These are specifically designated for this purpose and prevent you from having to find a parking spot. Alternatively, you can briefly pull into the entrance of a nearby public parking garage or lot. This allows your group to get out safely on a sidewalk away from the main flow of traffic on the boulevard.

To ensure a smooth entry and find good parking at Myrtle Beach State Park, it is best to arrive before 10:00 a.m., especially on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. By mid-morning, a long line of cars often forms at the entrance gate, and the most desirable parking lots near the pier and picnic areas fill up quickly. Arriving early allows you to bypass the wait and enjoy a more relaxed start to your visit.

On a busy day, driving in Cherry Grove requires patience as the streets are narrower and more residential than in central Myrtle Beach. Parking is the main challenge; public access lots are small and fill up very early in the morning. Be prepared to look for street parking, paying close attention to all posted signs and regulations. Near the popular Cherry Grove Pier, be mindful of one-way streets and heavy pedestrian traffic, which can make turning around difficult.

For a safe sunrise drive, stick to major, well-lit thoroughfares like Kings Highway (US-17 Business) or Ocean Boulevard. Before you leave, use a map app to pinpoint a specific public beach access point that has a designated parking lot. Driving directly to a pre-selected lot is much safer than trying to find street parking in the dark. This simple planning ensures you can park easily and walk directly to the beach without navigating unfamiliar side streets before dawn.

First-time visitors on US-501 are often surprised by the sheer number of traffic lights and the density of commercial businesses, which can make the final few miles into Myrtle Beach slow. The approach to the Intracoastal Waterway bridge is a major bottleneck where traffic frequently backs up, especially on weekends. Additionally, the intersections with SC-31 and US-17 Bypass can be large and confusing, so it's important to know which lane you need to be in well ahead of time.

During a heavy thunderstorm, low-lying areas are prone to temporary flooding and deep standing water. The most common trouble spots include sections of Kings Highway (US-17 Business) and Ocean Boulevard, especially in the older, more central parts of the city. It is wise to drive with extreme caution in these areas during a downpour or, if possible, use the higher-elevation US-17 Bypass as an alternate route until the water has had time to recede.

Driving during Bike Week presents unique challenges due to the massive increase in motorcycle and vehicle traffic. Expect significant delays and a very slow pace, particularly on Kings Highway, the US-17 Bypass, and in popular gathering spots like Murrells Inlet and North Myrtle Beach. The main boulevards become crowded with cruising motorcycles, so you should allow double or even triple the normal travel time. It's crucial to be extra vigilant and aware of your surroundings when sharing the road.

When a major event is happening, expect heavy traffic congestion on the roads immediately surrounding the Convention Center, including Oak Street, 21st Avenue North, and the nearby stretch of the US-17 Bypass. The primary parking lot at the center can fill up quickly, leading to attendees searching for spots in adjacent lots or on side streets. It's best to allow plenty of extra time to navigate the area and consider arriving early to secure a convenient parking space.

To have a successful day trip south, plan to leave Myrtle Beach early, ideally before 9 a.m., to get ahead of the traffic on US-17 South. For your return trip, the key is to avoid the late afternoon rush of beachgoers heading back to their accommodations. Plan to leave Georgetown or Pawleys Island either before 3 p.m. or wait until after 7 p.m. This timing helps you miss the peak congestion that typically builds between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The key to managing gear at a crowded beach lot is organization and efficiency. Before you leave for the beach, pack your car so that essential items are easily accessible. Consider investing in a collapsible beach wagon, which allows you to transport chairs, coolers, and toys from your car to the sand in a single trip. This is much easier than making multiple trips back and forth across a busy parking lot and street.

Before you arrive, it's wise to call your hotel and ask a few specific questions about their parking situation. Inquire if parking is guaranteed for every room and if they limit the number of vehicles per reservation. You should also ask if they have a separate lot for oversized vehicles if you've rented a large SUV or van. Finally, ask what their procedure is for overflow parking in case their main lot is full when you arrive.

To avoid parking challenges at the popular Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, you have two excellent options. The first is to arrive early for dinner, aiming to be there between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., which is typically before the lots become completely full. A second, and often more relaxing, option is to use a ride-sharing service. This eliminates parking from your concerns entirely, allowing you to be dropped off and picked up right at the entrance.

For an efficient day, start with your beach time in the morning when parking is easier and the sun is less intense. Afterward, drive to Broadway at the Beach for the afternoon and evening. Park your car once in their large, free lots. From there, you can walk to Ripley's Aquarium and then enjoy the rest of the shops, restaurants, and attractions at Broadway at the Beach without needing to drive again until you're ready to leave.

During peak arrival and departure times, traffic can become congested on the roads leading to and from MYR. The primary intersection to be aware of is where Harrelson Boulevard meets the US-17 Bypass, as this is a major junction for all airport traffic. The traffic lights on Harrelson Boulevard as it approaches Kings Highway can also get backed up. Allowing a few extra minutes when heading to or from the airport during these busy periods is always a good idea.

The most direct route for a day trip to Conway from Myrtle Beach is to take US-501 West. The drive is straightforward and takes about 25-30 minutes. Once you arrive in historic downtown Conway, you'll find that parking is visitor-friendly. There are numerous free public parking lots conveniently located just a block or two away from the main shopping and dining areas along the Riverwalk, making it easy to park and explore the town on foot.

The most reliable way to reach the Myrtle Beach Sports Center is to use a GPS app and navigate directly to its address. It is located very close to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, and the best approach is typically from the US-17 Bypass onto 29th Avenue North. The surrounding roads are well-marked with signage for the convention and sports district. For other tournament venues, always confirm the address beforehand as they can be spread throughout the Grand Strand area.

To make your beach-hopping day efficient, plan your stops geographically to avoid backtracking. Start at the northernmost or southernmost beach on your list and work your way along the coast. For travel between adjacent beach towns like Surfside and Garden City, using Kings Highway (US-17 Business) is often the most direct route. For longer jumps, like from central Myrtle Beach down to Surfside, the US-17 Bypass will be faster.

Saturday mornings are the peak departure time for vacationers, so you must plan for heavy traffic on your way back to the airport. The main routes like US-17, US-501, and Harrelson Boulevard will be very congested. It is crucial to allow at least 30-45 minutes of extra driving time beyond what your GPS estimates. Following the signs for "Rental Car Return" as you approach the terminal will guide you directly to the correct entrance of the parking garage.

For an early morning flight, it is wise to plan your arrival at the rental car return area at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This provides a comfortable cushion to account for any unexpected traffic delays on the road. It also gives you ample time to complete the vehicle return process, check your luggage with the airline, and get through security without feeling rushed. A little extra time can make for a much more stress-free travel day.

The most straightforward route to Wilmington is to take US-17 North directly from the Myrtle Beach area. The drive typically takes about 90 minutes without significant traffic. Along the way, you will pass through several smaller coastal towns and communities, so expect the speed limit to change periodically. The highway is mostly four lanes but does have traffic lights and commercial areas, so it is not an interstate-style drive.