Rent a Car in Myrtle Beach for Flexible Coastal Travel at Competitive Prices

Compare airport and city pickup options, understand fees and insurance, and use this comprehensive guide to book the right vehicle for beaches, golf, and day trips across the Grand Strand.

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Myrtle Beach Car Rental Guide: Where to Pick Up and What to Know

Renting a car in Myrtle Beach is one of the easiest ways to explore the Grand Strand on your schedule, especially if you plan to visit multiple beach towns (North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet) or take longer drives (Charleston or Wilmington). Availability is generally strong, but prices can rise during spring break and peak summer weekends. Expect straightforward driving on major routes like US-17 and SC-31, with occasional congestion near the beach strip and attractions at night. To avoid surprises, pay attention to the fuel policy (prepay vs. return-full), taxes and airport concession fees, additional driver charges, and deposit/hold amounts on your card.

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Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) Car Rental Center

The primary airport serving Myrtle Beach. Most major brands operate here, and pickup is designed for quick access right after landing. Follow in-terminal signage for Ground Transportation/Car Rentals; counters and vehicles are located in the airport’s designated rental area. Pros: widest selection, longest hours, easy after-hours returns. Cons: airport concession fees and peak-period lines can increase total cost.

Central Myrtle Beach (Kings Highway / US-17 Business Corridor)

Popular for travelers staying along the beachfront or near major attractions. Pros: potentially lower overall cost than airport in some cases, convenient if you don’t need a car immediately. Cons: shorter business hours, limited vehicle classes during peak season, may require rideshare to reach the office.

North Myrtle Beach / Barefoot Landing Area

Good for resorts and rentals north of the city and quick access to SC-31. Pros: easier parking and less congestion than the central strip, convenient for North Myrtle Beach stays. Cons: fewer office locations, inventory can be limited, and one-way returns may be more restricted.

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What do you need to rent a car in Myrtle Beach?

Renting a car in Myrtle Beach is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Form of ID: A valid physical national photo ID (Japan for JP rentals, United States for US rentals) is required for the main driver and must match the country of residence declared in the booking.
Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Minimum holding period varies by offer but is typically 1–2 years (some offers require exactly 1 year or exactly 2 years). Japanese residents must present an original Japanese driver’s licence (MyNa Menkyo alone is not accepted).
Notes: Japan rentals: If you use automated immigration gates, you must request an entry stamp/seal; without it, car rental is not permitted. ETC rental is unavailable with MyNa Menkyo, and re-entry within 3 months does not reset the landing date for international licence validity. Some offers require official Japanese translations for licences issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Estonia, Monaco, and Taiwan (from JAF, ALADDIN, ADAC, or Embassy/Consulate). For IDP from the Philippines, you must also bring your Philippine passport and driver’s licence. US rentals: Renters declaring residence outside the US or Canada must also present a return airline ticket.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required for most rentals. Accepted credit card brands include Visa, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, and in some cases UnionPay. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa/Master/Discover/AMEX) or cash (limited locations). Certain US offers require two credit cards in the main driver’s name. E‑voucher or printed voucher may be required at pickup for some US rentals.
Age requirements: Standard age ranges across offers vary between minimum 18–25 and maximum 70–99, depending on location and vehicle category. Common configurations include 18–70/80/99, 20–80, 21–80, 21–75, 25–70/80/75/99. Some offers state that additional drivers must be at least 25. Where a young driver policy applies, drivers aged 21–24 may rent (excluding certain vehicles such as luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty/cool cars, full‑size and premium SUVs) subject to a young driver surcharge: if age is between 21 and 24 inclusive, an additional fee of $27.00 per day (plus taxes where applicable) is charged.

Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, typically held for 1–2 years (some offers specify 1 year, others 2 years, or refer to full T&Cs). Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + IDP (issued under the 1949 Convention, A6 booklet format; vehicle seats must match IDP category) or
• Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish) without IDP where explicitly allowed or
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) for non‑Latin scripts (IDP is a translation only; original licence is mandatory; copies not accepted) or
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with English translation on the back or
• Original licence from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco, Taiwan, or Estonia + official Japanese translation (from JAF, ALADDIN, ADAC, or embassies/consulates); for Taiwan, a Taiwan licence + Japan translation is required.
Notes: Japan rentals: If you use automated immigration gates, request an entry stamp/seal; without it, car rental is not permitted. Vehicles cannot be rented with a MyNa Menkyo alone—an original driver’s licence is required, and ETC rental is unavailable. For residents registered in Japan, re‑entry within 3 months does not reset the landing date for international licence validity. Some offers specify that driver’s licence, passport, and IDP must be issued in the same country. For IDP issued in the Philippines, you must also bring your Philippine passport and driver’s licence.
Form of ID: A valid passport is required for foreign renters and must be presented with the driving licence at pick‑up.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required where creditcard is listed. Commonly accepted brands: Visa, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, and sometimes UnionPay. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa/Master/Discover/AMEX) or cash (limited). In certain US rentals, two credit cards are required. An e‑voucher or printed voucher may be required at pickup. Where stated, you may need printed proof of insurance coverage from your credit card or insurer.
Age requirements: Standard age ranges across offers vary between minimum 18–25 and maximum 70–99, depending on location and vehicle category. Common configurations include 18–70/80/99, 20–80, 21–80, 21–75, 25–70/80/75/99. Some offers state that additional drivers must be at least 25. Where a young driver policy applies, drivers aged 21–24 may rent (excluding certain vehicles such as luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty/cool cars, full‑size and premium SUVs) subject to a young driver surcharge: if age is between 21 and 24 inclusive, an additional fee of $27.00 per day (plus taxes where applicable) is charged.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport (MYR)

Downtown/City

Why Choose MYR Airport Pickup

Picking up at Myrtle Beach International Airport is ideal if you want to start driving immediately after arrival. You’ll typically find the broadest range of vehicles (economy to SUVs and minivans), more frequent availability during busy weekends, and better support for late flights and early departures. Keep in mind that airport rentals often include added facility and concession fees, so compare total pricing—not just the base rate.

Gear HaulerSUV

Myrtle Beach (MYR) Car Rentals - See Top-Rated Deals

Read verified reviews from real travelers to find the best car rental at Myrtle Beach Airport. Make informed choices before you book.

Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
2.1 3300+ reviews	$76	Shuttle bus	Low deposit	●Budget-friendly rental options ●Easy pickup and return process ●Friendly staff at select locations
1.8 3700+ reviews	$77	Shuttle bus	Low deposit	●Friendly and Professional Staff ●Clean and Reliable Vehicles ●Quick and Efficient Service
1.3 95 reviews	$118	In terminal, Walk to counter	$300 - $1,101	●Competitive online pricing available ●Easy pickup and dropoff process ●Helpful staff at select locations
1.2 5500+ reviews	$162	In terminal, Walk to counter	$300 - $1,414	●Professional and helpful staff ●Clean and reliable vehicles ●Quick pickup process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 13 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

Stress-Free Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA

This guide provides a step-by-step approach for international visitors on how to fuel up a rental car in the USA, covering fuel types, payment methods, and essential tips for a stress-free experience.

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Ultimate USA car rental guide avoid hidden fees insurance traps and extra charges

Discover how to avoid hidden car rental fees in the USA with a practical step by step strategy. Learn the real cost of CDW LDW SLI and PAI insurance, how to use third party coverage like QEEQ full protection, and when credit card coverage works. Understand fuel policy tricks like prepaid fuel vs full to full, airport concession surcharges, young driver and additional driver fees, and expensive extras such as GPS and child seats. Get clear guidance on handling toll roads without overpriced transponder packages and follow a detailed checklist for booking, pickup, and return so the price you book is the price you pay on your US road trip.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations dominate US car rentals with 65% market share; MYR captures 55% of Myrtle Beach rentals. Enterprise and Hertz lead the market at 28% and 22% respectively."

Booking Patterns

"SUV bookings grew 20% YoY in 2024 for beach destinations; economy cars declined from 35% to 28%. Peak summer (Jun-Aug) drives 50-60% demand surge with 45% price premium. Average rental 4.3 days."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of US renters cite hidden fees as top complaint; 38% experience price discrepancies. Insurance confusion affects 31% of customers, according to Zubie 2024."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Grand View Research - US Car Rental Market Analysis
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce - Tourism Statistics
IBISWorld - Car Rental in the US Industry Report
Enterprise Apps Today - Car Rental Statistics
Mordor Intelligence - US Car Rental Market
Zubie Survey - US Car Rental Behavior
Zubie Survey 2024 - Car Rental Consumer Behavior
J.D. Power 2024 Car Rental Satisfaction Study
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Car Rental Complaints

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Myrtle Beach

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Myrtle Beach

Myrtle BeachBoston

From

$160.00

Popular Routes And Road Trips From Myrtle Beach

Scenic Drives And Easy Day-Drive Routes:

Myrtle Beach To Charleston (Historic Coastline Route)

City-to-city coastal drive2 hr 15 min–2 hr 45 min (one way, traffic dependent)

Drive south through the Lowcountry toward Charleston for cobblestone streets, award-winning dining, and iconic harbor views. This is a straightforward route that’s ideal for a full day in Charleston or an overnight.

Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, Huntington Beach State Park, Georgetown Historic District, Shem Creek (Mount Pleasant), Historic Downtown Charleston

Myrtle Beach To Wilmington (Cape Fear Coast Route)

Beach towns and waterfronts1 hr 15 min–1 hr 45 min (one way, traffic dependent)

Head north into North Carolina for riverfront dining, a walkable historic downtown, and nearby beaches. Great for families and travelers who want a change of scenery without a long drive.

Barefoot Landing (North Myrtle Beach), Calabash, NC (seafood stop), Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson (near Wilmington), Wilmington Riverwalk, Wrightsville Beach

Myrtle Beach To Brookgreen Gardens & Pawleys Island (Grand Strand Nature Loop)

Local scenic loop / half-day drive45 min–1 hr 30 min total driving (flexible loop)

A relaxed loop just south of Myrtle Beach featuring sculpture gardens, wildlife viewing, and a quieter barrier-island beach vibe. Perfect when you want nature and fewer crowds.

Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach

Popular Trips (Half-Day To Multi-Day):

Outer Banks-Style Beaches: North Myrtle Beach To Sunset Beach

4–6 hours total (round trip with stops)

Cruise up the northern end of the Grand Strand for wide beaches, calmer surf, and a laid-back feel. Sunset Beach is great for a short boardwalk stroll and a low-key beach afternoon.

Georgetown Waterfront + Harborwalk Day Trip

5–7 hours total

Spend a day in charming Georgetown for waterfront views, boutique browsing, and an easygoing historic district that feels like a quieter alternative to larger coastal cities.

Conway Riverwalk + Downtown Eats

3–5 hours total

A quick inland escape to Conway for a scenic riverwalk, small-town storefronts, and casual dining—ideal if beach traffic is heavy or you want something different.

Charleston Highlights (Full-Day City Trip)

10–14 hours total (day trip) or 2 days (recommended)

See Charleston’s historic streets, harbor views, and signature Lowcountry food scene. Start early to maximize walking time and reduce parking stress.

Car Rental Planning Tips For Myrtle Beach

Book early for summer and holiday weeks: Myrtle Beach is highly seasonal. Reserve as soon as flights or lodging are set to get better rates and more vehicle choices—especially for minivans and SUVs.

Pick the right fuel plan and refuel near the airport: If you choose “return full,” refuel before drop-off to avoid premium fuel charges. There are multiple gas stations along US-17 and near major corridors on the way back to the airport.

Expect beach traffic and plan drive times with buffers: US-501, US-17, and SC-544 can slow significantly on weekends and summer afternoons. Add extra time for bridge approaches and beach-area turn lanes.

Plan for parking costs and garage height limits: Beachfront and downtown areas may use paid lots/garages. If you rent a large SUV, confirm garage clearance and consider smaller vehicles for easier parking.

Understand insurance: collision coverage vs. your card: Check whether your personal auto policy or credit card covers rental collision damage (and any exclusions). If not, consider the rental company’s CDW/LDW for peace of mind.

Use offline maps and watch for toll-free routing: Most routes around Myrtle Beach are toll-free, but cell coverage can vary in marsh and rural areas. Download offline maps and save your hotel and airport routes.

Confirm child seat rules and reserve seats ahead: If traveling with kids, confirm your seat needs and reserve early—quantities can be limited. Check installation options if you prefer using your own seat.

Drive Myrtle Beach: Your Ultimate Coastal Road Trip Guide

Everything you need to know about driving, car rentals, gas prices, and road rules for an unforgettable Myrtle Beach adventure along South Carolina's stunning coastline

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

32-48 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

105-113 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced for 21+, 0.02% for under 21)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$0.76/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.68/L - $0.92/L

Myrtle Beach Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and rental answers for your South Carolina beach vacation

Can I use my foreign driver's license to rent a car in Myrtle Beach?

Yes, but with conditions. U.S. citizens only need their state-issued driver's license. International visitors require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home country's license—it's mandatory at most rental counters. The IDP is a translation, not a replacement, so keep both documents on hand. Book online in advance to avoid availability issues during peak summer season (June-August).

I'm 22—will I pay a young driver surcharge, and how much?

Yes, drivers under 25 typically pay a "young driver surcharge" of $20-$35 per day. Most major rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis) set the minimum age at 21, but some specialty vehicles or luxury SUVs may require 25. At 22, you're eligible for nearly all standard sedans and crossovers. Decline the rental company's CDW/LDW coverage if your personal auto insurance or credit card provides coverage to save $25-$45 daily.

How do I pay for toll roads around Myrtle Beach?

South Carolina uses a mix of tolls and express lanes. The major ones: the Cross Islands Toll (near Hilton Head, ~$1.50), and some I-95 express lanes. Rent a car with an E-ZPass transponder already installed—look for the small white box on the windshield. If yours doesn't have one, download the PalPass app and link a credit card. Cash lanes are disappearing fast; all-electronic tolling is the standard. Don't skip a toll—rental companies tack on a $15-$25 administrative fee plus the toll amount.

What's the biggest weather threat when driving in Myrtle Beach?

Summer hurricanes and tropical storms (June-November). During hurricane season, evacuation orders can hit fast—I-501 and US-501 are the main routes inland. If a storm approaches, return your rental immediately; rental companies waive late fees during mandatory evacuations. Summer thunderstorms are daily occurrences—pull over if visibility drops below 100 feet. Winter ice is rare but bridge surfaces can frost on cold December-January mornings; watch for black ice on elevated roadways.

Is parking at the beach easy, and how much does it cost?

It depends on the beach—parking is notoriously scarce and expensive during summer. City-managed lots charge $2-$3/hour or $15-$25/day during peak season. Beach-access parking lots fill by 10 AM on summer weekends. Consider staying at a hotel with free beach parking, or use the Myrtle Beach Bike and Beach Taxi (operates May-September) to avoid the hunt. Street parking near the Boardwalk has a 3-hour max and meters run $1.50-$2/hour—bring quarters or use the ParkNYC app.

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