Where is Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach is a fun-filled and exciting beach destination for travelers from all over the country and world, as well as locals in South Carolina. Known as The Grand Strand, it comprises fourteen beach communities along the South Carolina shore. If you’re wondering how to get to Myrtle Beach, there is an option to fit your needs.
Traveling to Myrtle Beach By Plane
Where is the Myrtle Beach airport?
Most people from out of state will travel to Myrtle Beach by flying. The closest airport is Myrtle Beach International (MYR) and is often the cheapest, offering lower-than-average fares and convenience. The airport is within city limits and serviced by popular airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest. Car rental services can be arranged in the airport. Hotel accommodations are available near the airport and on the coast, closer to attractions, along with restaurants.
Flying into Myrtle Beach is the most direct path with many nonstop connections and most convenient for those not wishing to rent a car. If a nonstop flight is not available, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has several flights a day to MYR.
While ATL is a good option for connecting flights, it is about 5 to 6 hours driving to Myrtle Beach. Alternative airports with major airlines that are within driving distance of Myrtle Beach are Florence Regional Airport (FLO), Wilmington International Airport (ILM), Charleston International Airport (CHS), and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), in order of distance away from Myrtle Beach. FLO is primarily used for regional travel and is about 1 hour and 21 minutes away by car. ILM is approximately 78 miles from Myrtle Beach and reachable in about 1 hour and 35 minutes.
CHS is convenient for connecting flights or state residents coming from Charleston—about 102 miles from Myrtle Beach. It also serves the major airlines and flight destinations. Nearby Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) in North Carolina is also an option at 175 miles, or three and a half hours.
RDU is the largest airport on the list and offers extensive flight options across the country. The airport is about 197 miles from Myrtle Beach with an approximate driving time of 3 hours. No matter where you begin, there is an airline to get you there.
Getting Around Myrtle Beach Without A Car
If flying is not an option, there is public transportation (buses, taxis, ridesharing services) and car rental. The Coast Regional Transportation Authority (Coast RTA) operates the limited public bus services with ten regularly scheduled routes available 362 days a year. Coast RTA offers a free seasonal Entertainment Shuttle designed to pick up travelers from their hotels and ride to downtown locations and area attractions.
The bus system is considered sporadic and some routes run infrequently. Taxis tend to be more expensive than ridesharing, but are convenient for short trips around the city or nearby attractions. Overall, ridesharing is the most convenient for locals and tourists, with popular vendors Uber and Lyft available. Car rental is another option and can be arranged at Myrtle Beach International, and other locations throughout the city.
Tips For Driving Around Myrtle Beach
It is easy to navigate around Myrtle Beach with the simple numbering system for its streets. First Avenue is the dividing line between north and south, with subsequent streets numbered in order—Second Avenue North and Second Avenue South, for example. The Harrelson Boulevard/George Bishop Parkway runs directly in front of Myrtle Beach International Airport for travelers arriving there. Robert M. Grissom Parkway runs north-south through Myrtle Beach and is a convenient route for getting around the city’s local attractions and neighborhoods. Mr. Joe White Avenue (known as The Joe) runs east-west and can help avoid traffic congested areas. Peak traffic times are around 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. when people are heading out for dinner and entertainment. Parking meters are in effect March 1 to October with some all-day parking available, and parking can be limited during peak tourist seasons.
Driving To Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach is accessible from major highways and connecting routes. The primary route for travelers is US Highway 17. It runs parallel to the coast and connects coastal towns, providing a scenic background to the trip. Another option for those coming from South Carolina is US Highway 501 (US 501), which is heavily traveled and can be busy during tourist season and commute hours.
A newer highway is South Carolina Highway 31 (SC 31), also known as Carolina Bays Parkway, has a higher driving speed of 65 mph and runs from Little River to Socastee. South Carolina Highway 544 is an alternate route through Socastee and provides access to Surfside Beach. South Carolina Highway 22, locally known as Conway Bypass, routes traffic around Conway and connects with US 501, making it convenient for those wanting to avoid commuter congestion.
Another good option for those coming from the north is South Carolina Highway 9, which is the longest state highway in South Carolina. It runs from North Carolina down to Cherry Grove Beach, and offers an alternative to US 501.
Myrtle Beach is a premier destination, offering sixty miles of beaches, celebrity-designed golf courses, and SkyWheel, one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels. There is something for everyone, no matter how you choose to get there.
Driving Directions From Top Cities
Directions from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach
