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Car Rental Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Guide

Renting a car in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is the golden ticket to unlocking this sun-drenched stretch of the Atlantic coast on your own terms. While the famous Ocean Boulevard and the sandy shores are walkable in parts, the Grand Strand area stretches for 60 miles, and relying on taxis or limited public transport can quickly eat into your vacation budget and flexibility. The public bus system, The Coast RTA, does serve the area, but it doesn't reach many of the hidden gem restaurants, state parks, and outlet malls that make a trip here special. For international travelers, a rental car transforms a simple beach holiday into an exploratory adventure.

You have two main choices for picking up your vehicle: at the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) or from a downtown city center location. Picking up directly at MYR is incredibly convenient—you can walk from baggage claim to the rental counter in minutes. However, be aware that airport locations often tack on a facility surcharge or concession recovery fee, which can add 10-15% to your total bill. City center locations (like those near Broadway at the Beach or on North Kings Highway) may offer slightly lower base rates, but you'll need to factor in the cost of a taxi or rideshare to get there from the airport. A smart money-saving tip is to compare the total "out-the-door" price including all taxes and fees for both airport and off-airport locations before you book.

Car Rentals Requirements in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Before you pack your sunscreen, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements for renting a car in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The rules are standard for the USA but can be different from what you're used to at home. Generally, you must be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle. However, drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 almost always face a "young driver surcharge," which can range from $15 to $35 per day. Some luxury or specialty vehicles may require drivers to be 25 or older.

You will need a valid, government-issued driver's license from your home country. If your license uses non-Roman characters (like Arabic, Japanese, or Cyrillic), you must also carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). A major credit card in the primary driver's name is mandatory at virtually all agencies—debit cards are rarely accepted for the security deposit. You will also need your passport for identification. As for insurance, South Carolina state law requires liability coverage, but rental companies will push a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Check if your travel insurance or personal car insurance covers rentals abroad before you pay double.

Why Rent a Car in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

While the beach itself is the main event, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a sprawling coastal region. Without a car, you are largely tethered to the immediate vicinity of your hotel. The freedom of having your own set of wheels means you can chase the perfect wave, hunt for the best shrimp and grits, or simply drive north to the quieter shores of Pawleys Island without negotiating a single taxi fare. The weather is also a factor; afternoons can bring sudden summer thunderstorms, and waiting for a bus in the humidity is no one's idea of a vacation.

For families, a rental car is a sanity saver. Hauling beach chairs, coolers, and tired toddlers onto public transport is a logistical nightmare. With an SUV or minivan, you have a mobile home base. You can pack changes of clothes, store your shopping finds from the Tanger Outlets, and make spontaneous stops at roadside produce stands for fresh peaches. International travelers often underestimate the sprawl of the Grand Strand; driving from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk to the restaurants at Murrells Inlet takes about 20 minutes by car, but over an hour by bus and foot.

• Freedom to Explore: Visit Brookgreen Gardens or the Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park without tour group schedules.
• Scenic Drives: Cruise the Ocean Boulevard by night or take the coastal route to Georgetown for a true Lowcountry feel.
• Grocery Access: Stop at a Publix or Kroger to stock up on drinks and snacks, avoiding expensive hotel mini-bars.
• Weather Flexibility: Duck into your air-conditioned car during sudden heatwaves or rain showers.
• Nightlife Hopping: Safely drive between Broadway at the Beach, The Market Common, and local oyster bars.
• Cost-Effective for Groups: Splitting the rental and gas cost among 3-4 people is cheaper than four individual Uber rides.

Best Car Rental Companies in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

At Myrtle Beach International Airport, you will find a mix of global giants and American mainstays. Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget have the largest fleets and longest operating hours, making them reliable for late-night arrivals. Alamo is particularly popular with families due to its inclusive mileage policies and easy-to-use kiosks. While Sixt has a limited presence here compared to Europe, Enterprise is often the go-to for off-airport pickups and one-way rentals. Local suppliers may offer vintage convertibles for cruising the strip, but they often have stricter fuel and mileage policies.

When comparing companies, don't just look at the daily rate. Look at the "fuel policy" (full-to-full is best), cancellation terms, and what happens if you cross state lines. Often, the cheapest rate comes with a 450-mile limit, which could be restrictive if you plan to drive to Charleston or Charlotte. Remember that prices fluctuate wildly based on bike week events, golf tournaments, and summer holidays in 2026.

Popular Car Rental Categories & Prices in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The type of car you choose in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, depends heavily on your itinerary. Economy cars like the Nissan Versa or Kia Rio are perfect for solo travelers or couples who just need to get from the hotel to the restaurant. However, due to flat terrain and wide highways, many visitors upgrade to a convertible (Ford Mustang) to feel the sea breeze. SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler or Chevrolet Equinox are incredibly popular for families needing space for beach gear, while minivans (Chrysler Pacifica) are the unsung heroes for multi-generational trips.

Pricing is extremely seasonal. In the summer "High Tourist Season" (June to August), demand skyrockets, and you might pay triple the low-season rate. "Low Season" (January to February) offers the best deals, but some smaller rental offices have reduced hours. Be wary of "Holiday Demand" during Memorial Day (late May) and Labor Day (early September) when the city is packed with domestic travelers.

Road Trips from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

One of the best reasons to rent a car here is the ability to escape the tourist crowds and see the real South Carolina. The roads are generally flat and well-marked, making for easy driving for international visitors used to left-hand driving (remember, in the US we drive on the right).

• Georgetown & The Lowcountry: Head south on Highway 17 for about 30 minutes (25 miles). Highlights include the historic waterfront of Georgetown (the third oldest city in SC), hopping antique shops, and the Hobcaw Barony nature preserve. It feels like stepping back in time to the pre-tourist era.
• Brookgreen Gardens & Huntington Beach State Park: Only a 20-minute drive south of the airport. This is a must-do. Brookgreen is a world-class sculpture garden, while the state park next door offers a natural beach (no high-rises) and a historic castle, Atalaya.
• Murrells Inlet (The Seafood Capital): A 15-minute drive south. Perfect for an evening drive to eat fresh oysters and hushpuppies on the Marsh Walk. You can park for free and walk from restaurant to restaurant.
• North Myrtle Beach & Little River: Drive north for 20 minutes to escape the big hotels. You'll find the House of Blues, barefoot landing shopping, and the quieter Windy Hill Beach. Continue to Little River to see the working fishing fleet.
• Conway Riverwalk: Drive west about 15 minutes inland. The historic town of Conway offers a charming riverwalk along the Waccamaw River, shaded by massive live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. It’s a cool, serene escape from the ocean sun.

Driving Rules in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Driving in the US is straightforward, but Myrtle Beach has specific local quirks. The most important thing to remember is that you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Overtaking is done on the left. Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially along Ocean Boulevard and Highway 17 business route, which are heavily patrolled during tourist season.

The legal alcohol limit is a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. For commercial drivers, it's 0.04%. South Carolina has an open container law, meaning you cannot have an open beer or wine bottle in the passenger area of the car while driving—keep those coolers in the trunk. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and children under 8 years old (or under 57 inches tall) must be secured in an appropriate car seat or booster seat. There are no winter tire laws here because snow is extremely rare, but watch out for "black ice" on bridges if you visit in January.

Toll Roads in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Here is some good news for your budget: there are no toll roads directly in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. You can drive from the airport to North Myrtle Beach without paying a single cent in tolls. The entire Grand Strand area is accessible via standard public highways (primarily US-17 and US-501).

However, if you decide to take a road trip towards Charlotte, North Carolina, or further north to Virginia, you will encounter toll roads (like the Southern Connector near Greenville or the I-85 Express Lanes). Most rental cars in Myrtle Beach come with a standard transponder, but using it usually triggers a "convenience fee" from the rental agency (often $3.95 per day even if you don't use the toll). If you plan to stay strictly on the coast, ask the rental agent to remove the transponder from the windshield to avoid accidental daily charges.

Parking in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Parking in Myrtle Beach is a mixed bag. During the off-season (September to May), you can usually park for free or cheap almost anywhere. However, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the city flips a switch. Street parking along Ocean Boulevard and near the SkyWheel is metered and monitored aggressively by parking enforcement officers. Expect to pay between $2 and $4 per hour at meters, with a maximum time limit of 2-3 hours.

For longer stays, use the city-owned parking garages (like the 8th Avenue North or Plyler Park garages). They charge by the hour or offer a flat daily rate of around $15-$20 USD. Many hotels charge a "resort fee" that includes parking, but always check—some budget motels still charge $10-$15 per night for a single car. The biggest challenge is finding a spot during major events like "Bike Week" in May or October, when the city swells with motorcyclists and car parking spaces become rarer than a quiet beach.

Tips for Car Rental in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

To ensure your rental experience is as smooth as the Atlantic sand, follow these insider tips. International travelers often miss these small details, which can lead to big headaches at the return counter.

• Book Early for Summer: If you are visiting between June and August, book your car at least 2-3 months in advance. Prices double in the last two weeks before arrival.
• Avoid Airport Surcharges: If you are staying for a week or more, check prices at the Hertz or Enterprise location on North Kings Highway. The base rate is often lower, and you can take an Uber there for $15.
• Say "No" to the Prepaid Fuel: Always choose the "Full to Full" policy. Pick up the car with a full tank, fill it up at a cheap station (like Murphy USA or Sam's Club) near the airport before returning it.
• Inspect for Sand: Take a video of the car before you drive off. Rental agencies in Myrtle Beach charge hefty cleaning fees ($50-$100) for excessive sand inside the car. Vacuum your shoes before entering.
• Choose the Right Insurance: Check your travel insurance policy first. Many international policies include CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) in the USA. If not, buying the rental company's "Full Coverage" for $20-$30/day is cheaper than paying for a dent out of pocket.
• Watch for "Bike Week" Dates: Avoid renting during the Atlantic Beach Bikefest (usually May) and Fall Rally (October) unless you love traffic jams. Rental prices triple during these ten days.

Common Car Rental Mistakes Travelers Make

Even seasoned travelers slip up when renting in a tourist hotspot like Myrtle Beach. Avoid these errors to keep your vacation stress-free and your wallet intact.

• Assuming Public Transport is Viable: Trying to rely on the Coast RTA bus to get from the airport to your hotel in Surfside Beach is a recipe for a 2-hour journey. You need a car here.
• Skipping the Walk-Around Inspection: Failing to photograph existing scratches and dents. When you return the car, agents will check for "curb rash" on rims and door dings.
• Leaving Valuables Visible: Myrtle Beach is generally safe, but rental cars are targets for smash-and-grabs in crowded parking lots (Broadway at the Beach is a hotspot). Hide GPS units, bags, and phones in the trunk.
• Ignoring Toll Transponders: Not asking the agent to remove the transponder. If you leave it on, the agency charges a daily fee (often $5-$10) for the entire rental period, even if you never pass a toll.
• Returning the Car Late: The "grace period" is usually only 29 minutes. If you are 30 minutes late, you could be charged for an extra full day, especially during busy 2026 seasons.
• Not Having a Physical Map: Cell service can get spotty in the rural areas just outside the city (like the Waccamaw Neck). Download offline Google Maps for the entire Grand Strand before you leave the rental lot.

Real Travel Experience Renting a Car in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Last June, my family landed at MYR after a long flight from London. We had booked a mid-size SUV from a well-known agency, but the queue at the counter took 45 minutes. The agent tried to upsell us to a massive Chevy Suburban, but we stuck to our guns. When we got to the garage, they tried to give us a dirty minivan with a "check engine" light on. We refused and demanded the Nissan Rogue we reserved. That extra 20 minutes of arguing saved us a week of headaches. Once we had the keys, the real trip began. We drove straight to the Garden City Pier for lunch, parked for free on a side street, and then spent the afternoon driving north with the windows down, comparing the different beaches. On our last night, we drove 10 minutes inland to a supermarket to fill up the tank for just $3.29 a gallon, returning the car spotless and sand-free. The freedom to ditch the crowded tourist shuttles and buy our own groceries made the initial rental hassle entirely worth it.

International Driving Permit for Travelers Visiting Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

As an international traveler, you might have heard conflicting advice about the International Driving Permit (IDP). Here is the hard truth for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: South Carolina state law does not explicitly require an IDP for short-term visitors with a valid license from their home country. However, the rental car company's policy overrides state law. Most major agencies like Hertz and Enterprise will demand an IDP if your home license is not printed in the English alphabet (e.g., if you have a license from China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, or Greece).

Obtaining an IDP is simple but must be done in your home country before you leave, as they are not sold in the US. You typically need two passport photos, a copy of your valid driver's license, and a small fee (usually $20-$30 USD). The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. While you might get lucky and the agent overlooks it, do not risk your 2026 vacation. If you are in an accident and do not have an IDP when required, your insurance will be void, and you could face fines. Carry your passport, home license, and IDP together at all times.