Ten-minute drives to most Myrtle Beach condos start at the rental garage across from Terminal 1.
Car rentals at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) work best if you’re hauling kids, golf bags, or groceries out to condos in North Myrtle, Surfside, or Murrells Inlet for several days. Counters sit inside Terminal 1 near baggage claim, and the rental car garage is directly across the road, so you’re usually in a car within minutes after landing. Figure 10–20 minutes of driving to reach most central Myrtle Beach spots once you exit the airport loop.
Daily base rates can run as low as about $18/day in slower months, but Reddit threads and local boards are full of warnings about pricing spikes on summer weekends and during bike weeks in May and October. In those peak windows, prices jump sharply and some car classes sell out completely, especially minivans and SUVs that work better for families and foursomes with clubs. If your condo check‑in is Saturday afternoon, lock something in early.
On-airport rentals suit anyone planning to cover a lot of ground along the Grand Strand beyond central Myrtle Beach, like Pawleys Island or Barefoot Resort, where Uber coverage thins out late at night. Google reviews highlight that pickup at MYR feels quick versus big hubs because you just cross one access road to the garage instead of riding a shuttle for 15 minutes. Most major brands operate here, so you can usually stick with the same program you use at ATL, CLT, or your home airport.
Regulars swear by signing up for the rental companies’ loyalty programs, such as preferred or fast‑lane tiers, to skip long counter lines that stack up on Saturdays between noon and 4 p.m. in June and July. Some frequent visitors even book off‑airport agencies and grab a 10‑minute Uber ride if MYR’s on‑airport rates run two or three times higher during peak weeks. One‑way rentals out of MYR often carry noticeable drop fees, so check totals before planning a coastal road trip drop‑off in Charleston or Wilmington.
How to use MYR car rentals step by step
- 1. Book early: Search rates 4–8 weeks out and watch for spikes around summer weekends and bike weeks; target $18–$35/day in shoulder season if possible.
- 2. Join a program: Enroll in your rental company’s free loyalty or preferred program before arrival to access any MYR fast‑lane or pre‑assigned car options.
- 3. Land and walk to baggage claim: After arriving in Terminal 1, follow “Baggage Claim / Rental Cars” signs down to the carousel area on the ground level.
- 4. Hit the counter or kiosk: Go to the specific rental desk listed on your confirmation; on Saturdays in summer, expect lines that can hit 20–30 minutes mid‑afternoon.
- 5. Cross to the garage: With contract and keys in hand, exit the terminal, use the marked crosswalk, and head straight into the rental car garage directly opposite the building.
- 6. Inspect and photograph: Before leaving the stall, take photos of all four sides, wheels, and the fuel gauge, and confirm the odometer matches your contract.
- 7. Drive to town: Follow signs for Harrelson Blvd, then US‑17; plan 10–20 minutes to most central Myrtle Beach resorts, longer if you’re heading to North Myrtle or Murrells Inlet.
- 8. Return smart: On your last day, fill up within 5–10 miles of the airport on US‑17 or Harrelson, then follow “Rental Car Return” signs into the same garage and drop the keys with the attendant or in the after‑hours box.
Practical tip: If your flight lands on a peak‑season Saturday after 1 p.m., send one adult straight to the rental counter with IDs while the rest of the group waits at baggage claim to cut your total time in line.