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Car Rental Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina Guide

Arriving at Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina, and wondering how to best tackle the 60-mile stretch of pristine coastline known as the Grand Strand? For most international visitors, picking up a rental car right at the terminal is not just a convenience—it’s practically a necessity. While ride-sharing services and taxis are available, the public transportation network is limited compared to major European or Asian cities. The Coast RTA bus system does operate in the area, but it doesn’t efficiently serve the scattered beach communities, golf resorts, and marsh-side seafood shacks that make this region special. Renting a car at Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina, gives you the instant freedom to flee the tourist hub of Broadway at the Beach and find a quiet spot on Pawleys Island or a hidden gem in Murrells Inlet, the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina."

There is a distinct advantage to picking up your vehicle directly from the airport versus a city center location. The Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina, rental center is integrated into the ground transportation area, meaning you can walk from baggage claim to the rental counter in under ten minutes. Off-site locations might save you a few dollars on the base rate, but they add the hassle of a shuttle bus and lose the "grab-and-go" efficiency. Be aware that renting at the airport almost always incurs a Customer Facility Charge (CFC)—a daily surcharge that funds the rental center. While this might add $4 to $8 USD per day to your bill, the time saved and the convenience of having your car steps from the gate usually outweighs the extra cost for international travelers on a tight schedule.

Money-Saving Tip: Even though you are flying into Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina, check the prices of "off-site" rental locations just 1-2 miles away. Sometimes the base rate is significantly lower, and a cheap Uber to that location can save you over $100 USD on a weekly rental, especially during peak summer months.

Car Rentals Requirements in Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina

Before you book that convertible to cruise Ocean Boulevard, you need to ensure you have the correct paperwork. The legal driving age in South Carolina is 16, but rental companies at Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina, operate much stricter policies. For standard cars, the minimum age is typically 21, although drivers under 25 will face a "Young Driver Surcharge," which can range from $15 to $35 USD per day. If you are looking for a premium SUV or a luxury vehicle, many suppliers will not rent to anyone under 25 at all.

Your primary driver's license must be valid and fully legible. International travelers can usually drive with their home country's license for up to 90 days, provided it uses the Roman alphabet. If your license is from a non-Roman alphabet country (such as Japan, China, or the UAE), you must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license. A major credit card in the driver's name is non-negotiable; debit cards are rarely accepted for the security deposit hold, which can be $500 USD or more. You will also need your passport for identification. Insurance is mandatory; if you decline the rental company's Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), you must provide proof of your own travel insurance or credit card coverage at the counter.

IDP Requirement: An International Driving Permit is strictly required if your native driver’s license is not in English. Even if you have an English translation, the IDP serves as a standardized backup that South Carolina Highway Patrol officers recognize. You must obtain this permit in your home country before departure—it cannot be issued in the United States.

Why Rent a Car in Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is not a "walking city" like New York or Boston. It is a sprawling string of beach communities connected by Highway 17 (Kings Highway) and Highway 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway). Relying on ride-sharing for a week-long stay would cost you a fortune if you plan to visit the boardwalk, the state parks, and the outlet malls. Having your own rental car turns a static beach holiday into an active exploration of the Lowcountry. You can wake up in North Myrtle Beach for a round of mini-golf, drive 20 minutes south for lunch at the Waccamaw River, and end the day watching the sunset over the marshes in Georgetown.

For families, the math is simple. Car seats (which you can rent with the vehicle for about $13 USD per day), beach gear, and coolers are cumbersome to drag onto shuttles. A spacious SUV gives you the mobile base camp you need. Furthermore, the climate in 2026 has been unpredictable; if a storm rolls in, having a car allows you to drive inland to Broadway at the Beach’s indoor attractions or catch a movie without waiting for a taxi in the rain.

• Freedom to Explore: Drive south to Huntington Beach State Park to see alligators in their natural habitat, just 20 minutes from the airport.
• Scenic Drives: The route from Myrtle Beach to Charleston via Highway 17 is a stunning, oak-lined journey through plantation country.
• Golf Cart Access: Many rental packages allow you to add a golf cart, but you need a car to get the cart to the gate.
• Grocery Shopping: Stock up on supplies at the massive Walmart or Lowes Foods without paying tourist markup.
• Late Night Food: The best local diners and drive-thrus are spread out; a car is essential for late-night cravings.
• Day Trips: Wilmington, NC (home of the USS North Carolina) is just 75 minutes north.

Best Car Rental Companies in Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina

You will find the usual suspects of the American rental landscape at the airport. Hertz and Avis tend to have the newest fleets and the fastest "Preferred" lanes for loyalty members, but they command a premium price, especially in June and July. Enterprise is famous for its customer service, often rated highest for solving issues like a dead battery or a flat tire. Budget and Thrifty are excellent for the cost-conscious traveler, though their lines at the counter can be long on Saturday afternoons when flights from Canada and the UK land back-to-back. Sixt has a growing presence in the Southeast, offering more European luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes, which appeals to travelers wanting a touch of class without paying exotic car rental prices.

While local mom-and-pop shops exist outside the airport, booking within the Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina, terminal guarantees you a 24/7 return desk. If you return the car outside of hours, the airport facility is better lit and more secure than a random city lot. Remember to always check the fuel policy—"Full to Full" is the only standard you should accept to avoid inflated refueling charges.

Popular Car Rental Categories & Prices in Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina

The flat, wide roads of the Grand Strand are kind to all vehicle types, but your choice depends on your itinerary. Economy cars (like the Nissan Versa or Toyota Yaris) are tempting for their low price, but remember that you will be sharing the road with massive Ford F-150 pickups and SUVs. A Compact car (like the Hyundai Elantra) is the "sweet spot" for couples—easy to park in cramped beachfront hotel lots but enough power for Highway 31. SUVs are the king of Myrtle Beach. A Jeep Wrangler with the top down is a cliche for a reason; it looks perfect parked at the beach. For large families or golf groups (four sets of clubs fit easily), the Chrysler Pacifica or Toyota Sienna minivan is the practical hero. Luxury vehicles are available, but the salt air can be harsh on paint, so you might find the "luxury" car isn't as pristine as in a landlocked city.

Prices fluctuate wildly based on demand. The high tourist season (June through August) sees daily rates triple. Conversely, the "low season" (November through February, excluding holidays) offers absurdly low prices, sometimes $15 USD per day for a compact car. Hurricane season (September to November) is a gamble—low prices but potential weather disruptions. Thanksgiving week (late November) and the week between Christmas and New Year's are mini-peaks with high demand.

Road Trips from Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina

Your rental car is a ticket to the Lowcountry. Here are the essential escapes starting from the airport terminal.

• Georgetown Historic District & Harborwalk: A 25-minute drive south on Highway 17. Highlights include the Kaminski House Museum, the old rice plantations, and riverfront seafood dining. It is the perfect half-day trip if you only have a few hours before a flight.
• Charleston, SC: Approximately 2 hours (95 miles) via Highway 17. Major highlights include Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter, the battery, and world-class southern cooking. Start early to beat the traffic through Mount Pleasant.
• Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach, NC: A 75-minute drive north on Highway 17. Visit the USS North Carolina battleship, stroll the downtown riverwalk featured in "Dawson's Creek," or surf at Wrightsville Beach.
• Brookgreen Gardens & Huntington Beach State Park: Only 20 minutes south. Brookgreen is a massive sculpture garden and wildlife preserve, while the state park next door lets you see alligators sunbathing on the road. A must-do for nature lovers.
• The "Lowcountry" Loop (Conway to Pawleys Island): A 3-hour scenic drive. Start in historic Conway (the "Rivertown") for antique shopping, then take the backroads through the Waccamaw River swamps to Pawleys Island for a hammock swing.

Driving Rules in Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina

Driving in South Carolina is straightforward but requires attention. You drive on the right-hand side of the road. Overtaking is done on the left. The most important local rule to remember is the "Move Over" law: if you see a police car, ambulance, or tow truck stopped on the shoulder with lights flashing, you must move to the next lane over. If you cannot move over safely, you must slow down to 15 mph (24 km/h) below the posted speed limit. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and children under 8 years old must be in a car seat or booster seat. South Carolina has a "hands-free" law; you cannot hold your phone while driving. Using GPS is allowed, but the device must be mounted on the dashboard or windshield.

Road conditions are generally good, but watch out for "snowbird" drivers (elderly seasonal residents) in the winter who drive slowly, and golf carts crossing main roads near beach access points. Winter tire laws do not exist here. When it does snow (rarely), the city shuts down because there are no snowplows.

Toll Roads in Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina

Good news for your wallet: There are no traditional toll roads directly in the Myrtle Beach area. The major arteries—Highway 17, Highway 501, and Highway 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway)—are entirely free to drive. However, if you take your rental car south towards Charleston or north towards the Outer Banks, you may encounter express lanes. The most likely toll you will hit is the "Southern Connector" near Georgetown if you take a specific shortcut, though standard GPS avoids it. Unlike the northeastern US, South Carolina does not use the E-ZPass system widely. If you accidentally drive on a toll road, the rental company will charge an administrative fee (usually $15-$25 USD) plus the toll amount to your credit card after the fact. Stick to Highway 17 for the scenic route, and you will never pay a toll.

Parking in Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina

Parking is one area where Myrtle Beach shines compared to big cities. Street parking is generally free in residential areas, but along Ocean Boulevard and the Boardwalk, you will find paid meters or private lots ranging from $2 to $5 USD per hour. Most beachfront hotels charge a daily parking fee for guests, often between $15 and $25 USD per day, which is added to your hotel bill. Do not try to avoid this by parking on the street; most beachfront streets have strict 2-hour limits from 9 AM to 6 PM. The airport itself offers long-term parking in a garage for $8 to $14 USD per day, which is cheaper than leaving the car at a hotel if you fly out for a weekend. The biggest challenge is finding parking at the popular beach access points (like 2nd Avenue Pier) on a sunny Saturday in July—arrive before 10 AM to secure a spot.

Tips for Car Rental in Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina

Make your rental experience as smooth as the beach sand with these expert tips.

• Book Early for Summer: Inventory at Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina, sells out completely by May for July rentals. Book at least 3 months in advance for summer travel.
• Avoid the Airport Surcharge if Possible: If you are staying at a resort with a free shuttle for the first night, take it, then walk to an off-site rental location the next morning to save on the CFC fee.
• Take a Video of the Car: The sun and salt air fade paint. Take a video on your phone of the car's exterior before leaving the garage to dispute pre-existing damage claims.
• Decline the "Prepaid Fuel" Option: Unless you are driving to Florida, you won't use a full tank. Stop at the Murphy USA gas station on Highway 17 near the airport to fill up before returning the car.
• Check for Sand Removal Fees: Some contracts allow them to charge $50 USD if the car is full of sand. Buy a $5 USD dustbuster at Walmart to keep the carpets clean.
• Skip the GPS Rental: Cell service is excellent across the Grand Strand. Use Google Maps or Waze on your phone instead of paying $15 USD per day for the rental's GPS.
• Inspect the Windshield: Gravel trucks on Highway 31 are common. Ensure there are no chips in the windshield before you drive off, or you could be liable for a $300 USD replacement.

Common Car Rental Mistakes Travelers Make

Don't let small oversights ruin your beach vibe. Avoid these frequent pitfalls.

• Returning the Car Late: The grace period is usually only 29 minutes. Even 30 minutes late can trigger a full extra day's charge plus late fees.
• Ignoring "Local" Toll Roads: While we said there are no major tolls, the "Express" lane on Highway 22 is camera-enforced. Running it accidentally costs you $100 USD after rental fees.
• Not Checking the Trunk Space: A "Mid-size SUV" like a Jeep Compass has a tiny trunk. Four golf bags or three large suitcases will not fit. Ask to see the vehicle before signing.
• Forgetting Your Credit Card Pin: US rental machines require a PIN for debit transactions, but credit cards generally do not. However, for the security deposit hold, ensure your card has a high enough limit ($500+ USD).
• Leaving Valuables Visible: Myrtle Beach is generally safe, but rental cars are targeted for break-ins at crowded attractions like Broadway at the Beach. Hide GPS units, phones, and bags in the glovebox.

Real Travel Experience Renting a Car in Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina

Lena and Marco, a couple from Berlin, landed at Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina, in late September. They had booked a "Mystery Car" to save money and were slightly horrified when the agent handed them keys to a bright yellow Chevrolet Camaro convertible. After laughing off the awkwardness of fitting their luggage into the back seat, they drove straight to the nearest grocery store to buy a cheap sun hat. Over the next five days, they used the car to chase thunderstorms inland, drive to a haunted plantation at midnight, and find a tiny oyster bar in Murrells Inlet that no tour bus would ever visit. They admitted that while the Camaro was impractical, the pure joy of driving it down Ocean Boulevard with the top down as the sun set over the Atlantic made the awkward luggage situation worth it. They returned the car sandy, sunburnt, and already planning their return trip.

International Driving Permit for Travelers Visiting Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina

If you hold a driver's license issued in a country that does not use the Roman alphabet (such as China, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, or South Korea), you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before traveling. The IDP translates your license into English and is recognized by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. You cannot rent a car without it. How do you get one? The IDP is issued exclusively by your home country's authorized automobile association (like the AAA in the US, the AA in the UK, or the ADAC in Germany). You must apply in person or by mail in your home country; it is illegal to purchase an IDP online from a third-party vendor once you arrive in the US. The permit costs roughly $20 USD and is valid for one year from the date of issue. You must carry both your valid national license and the IDP together at all times. Failure to present the IDP to the rental counter at Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR), South Carolina, will result in a refusal of service and no refund on your prepaid booking.