Where to rent a car in Myrtle Beach and what each option costs

The largest rental companies in Myrtle Beach operate from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and from locations along North Kings Highway near the tourist strip. Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National all have airport counters; Enterprise and Budget also have off-airport locations that sometimes offer lower daily rates. Airport rentals include a 10% South Carolina airport concession fee on top of the base rate, which off-airport locations do not charge.

Daily rates vary by season and vehicle type. In summer (June through August) and during spring break, economy cars typically rent for $35 to $60 per day at off-airport locations and $40 to $70 at the airport. Winter rates (November through February) drop to $25 to $45 per day. Weekend rates are usually higher than weekday rates by $5 to $15 per day. Luxury and full-size SUVs cost roughly double the economy rate. Always check the total cost including taxes, fees, and insurance before confirming your reservation—the advertised daily rate is rarely the final price.

Key Takeaways

  • Renting from an off-airport location saves the 10% airport concession fee but may require a short drive or rideshare to reach the rental office.
  • Daily rates depend heavily on season, with summer and spring break costing 50% more than winter, and weekend rates higher than weekdays.
  • Your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover rental damage, so check your policy before paying for the rental company's collision coverage.
  • You must present a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card in your name at pickup; some companies require a second form of ID.
  • Fuel charges and late-return fees add significantly to your bill, so return the car on time and refuel near the rental location before drop-off.

Insurance and damage coverage: what you actually need to pay for

Rental companies offer collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage, which costs $12 to $25 per day and limits your liability if the car is damaged or stolen. However, you may already be covered. Check your personal auto insurance policy—most cover rental cars at the same level as your own vehicle. If you have collision coverage with a $500 deductible on your own car, that same $500 deductible typically applies to a rental. Credit cards like American Express, Visa Signature, and Mastercard often include rental car damage coverage if you charge the full rental to that card, though coverage limits and exclusions vary.

Before you decline the rental company's waiver, call your insurance agent or credit card issuer and confirm the coverage applies to rentals in South Carolina and includes both collision and theft. If you have neither personal insurance nor credit card coverage, the rental company's waiver is worth buying—without it, you are liable for the full repair cost, which can exceed $5,000 for significant damage. If you already have coverage, declining the waiver saves $60 to $150 on a week-long rental.

What documents and payment methods you need at pickup

You must bring a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state, the U.S. military, or a U.S. territory. An international driver's license is accepted only if accompanied by a passport or national ID. The rental company will also ask for proof of insurance—either your auto insurance card or a credit card statement showing coverage. A credit card in your name is required to hold the reservation and authorize the rental; debit cards are rarely accepted, and prepaid cards are not accepted at all.

Some companies, particularly Hertz and National, require a second form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or credit card. If you are under 25, expect to pay a young driver surcharge of $15 to $30 per day; some companies do not rent to drivers under 21. Bring all documents in physical form—digital copies on your phone are not accepted at the counter. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your reservation time, especially during peak season, because counter lines can extend 30 minutes or longer.

Fuel, mileage, and late-return charges that add to your bill

Most Myrtle Beach rentals come with unlimited mileage, so you will not pay per mile. However, fuel is your responsibility. You have two options: return the car with a full tank (you pay the rental company's fuel price, typically $5 to $7 per gallon, which is higher than local gas stations), or prepay for a full tank at the time of rental and return it empty or partially full (you do not get a refund for unused fuel). The prepay option is usually cheaper if you will use most of the tank. If you return the car less than full, the company charges you their per-gallon rate for the missing fuel plus a service fee of $5 to $10.

Late returns incur hourly charges of $15 to $40 per hour for the first few hours, then a full day's rental charge if you are more than 2 to 3 hours late. If your flight is delayed or you want to keep the car longer, contact the rental company when ready—they may extend your reservation at the daily rate rather than charging hourly penalties. Always return the car to the exact location where you picked it up; returning to a different branch location may trigger additional fees.

Booking online versus at the counter, and when to reserve in advance

Booking online through the rental company's website or through aggregator sites like Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline usually shows lower rates than booking at the counter. Online rates are often locked in, meaning the price will not increase if rates rise before your rental date. However, read the cancellation policy—free cancellation is standard, but some discounted rates cannot be changed or canceled without penalty. Aggregator sites sometimes add their own fees, so compare the final total on the rental company's own website before committing.

Book at least one week in advance during off-season (November through February) and two to three weeks in advance during peak season (June through August and spring break). Last-minute bookings within 48 hours sometimes offer steep discounts if inventory is high, but they also risk higher prices if inventory is low. If you are renting during spring break (typically mid-March through early April) or summer vacation, book as early as possible—popular vehicle types sell out, and prices spike. Check your reservation a few days before pickup to confirm the rate, vehicle type, and pickup time have not changed.

Damage inspections and what to document before you drive away

Before you leave the rental lot, the agent will walk you around the car and point out any existing damage. You will be asked to sign a damage report form. Do not skip this step. If there is a scratch, dent, or stain you did not cause, point it out and ask the agent to note it on the form. Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior on your phone, including the odometer reading and fuel gauge. Email these to yourself when ready so you have a time-stamped record. If the agent refuses to document damage you see, take your photos anyway and request a printed copy of the damage report before you drive away.

When you return the car, the agent will inspect it again and compare it to the original report. If new damage appears, you will be charged unless you can show it was already documented. If you believe a charge is unfair, ask to speak to the manager on duty and request a copy of the damage photos the company took. Keep your rental agreement and all receipts for at least 30 days in case a charge appears on your credit card statement later.

Special considerations for Myrtle Beach rentals during peak season

Spring break (mid-March through early April) and summer (June through August) bring heavy traffic to Myrtle Beach and high demand for rental cars. During these periods, expect longer lines at rental counters, higher daily rates, and limited availability of economy cars—you may be offered an upgrade to a larger vehicle at no extra charge, or you may be asked to choose a different car type. Book early and confirm your reservation one week before arrival.

Myrtle Beach traffic is heaviest on North Kings Highway and around the downtown tourist area during midday and early evening. If you are unfamiliar with the area, use GPS navigation and allow extra time for driving. Parking at hotels and attractions can be tight during peak season; some beachfront hotels charge $10 to $15 per day for parking. Consider whether you actually need a car for your entire stay—many visitors rent for only a few days to explore outside the when ready beach area and use rideshare or hotel shuttles for local trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I have an international driver's license?

Yes, but only if your international license is accompanied by a passport or national ID. The rental company will not accept an international license alone. If you are visiting from outside the United States, bring both documents.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late returns are charged hourly at $15 to $40 per hour for the first few hours, then as a full day's rental if you exceed the grace period (usually 2 to 3 hours). Contact the rental company as soon as you know you will be late—they may extend your reservation at the daily rate instead of charging hourly fees.

Is it cheaper to rent at the airport or off-airport?

Off-airport locations are usually cheaper because they do not charge the 10% airport concession fee. However, you must arrange transportation to the off-airport location. Compare the daily rate savings against the cost of a rideshare or taxi to the rental office—the airport location is often faster and more convenient, even if slightly more expensive.

Do I need to buy the rental company's insurance if I have my own auto insurance?

Not necessarily. Call your insurance agent before your trip and confirm your policy covers rental cars in South Carolina, including collision and theft. If it does, you can decline the rental company's waiver and save $60 to $150 per week. If you are not covered, buy the rental company's waiver.

What should I do if the rental car has damage when I pick it up?

Point out the damage to the agent when ready and ask them to document it on the damage report form. Take photos or video of the damage and email them to yourself. Do not drive away until the damage is noted in writing—otherwise you may be charged for it when you return the car.