How Far to North Myrtle Beach: Distances & Travel Tips
Discover how far North Myrtle Beach is from key locations, travel tips, and the best ways to reach this coastal destination.
Planning a trip to North Myrtle Beach? Knowing the distance from your starting point helps you plan better. Whether you’re coming from nearby cities or farther away, understanding travel times and routes makes your journey smooth and stress-free.
In this guide, we’ll cover how far North Myrtle Beach is from popular locations, the best ways to get there, and tips for your trip. You’ll also find advice on local transport and what to expect when you arrive. Let’s get started!
Where Is North Myrtle Beach Located?
North Myrtle Beach sits along the Atlantic coast in South Carolina. It’s just north of the larger Myrtle Beach city. This area is famous for its wide beaches, golf courses, and family-friendly attractions.
The city lies in Horry County and is part of the Grand Strand, a long stretch of sandy beaches. It’s a quieter alternative to Myrtle Beach but still offers plenty of fun and relaxation.
Located on the northeastern coast of South Carolina
About 20 miles north of Myrtle Beach city center
Close to the border with North Carolina
Accessible via U.S. Highway 17 and Highway 31
How Far Is North Myrtle Beach From Major Cities?
Knowing the distance from major cities helps you estimate travel time. Here are some common starting points and how far they are from North Myrtle Beach:
Charleston, SC: About 95 miles south, roughly a 2-hour drive via I-26 and US-17.
Columbia, SC: Around 130 miles southwest, about 2.5 to 3 hours by car.
Charlotte, NC: Approximately 95 miles northwest, a 2-hour drive via I-77 and US-74.
Greenville, SC: Roughly 150 miles west, about 3 hours driving.
Atlanta, GA: About 330 miles southwest, a 5.5 to 6-hour drive.
Washington, D.C.: Around 500 miles north, about 8 to 9 hours by car.
If you are flying, the closest airports are Myrtle Beach International Airport (about 15 miles south) and Charleston International Airport (about 100 miles south).
Travel Time and Distance From Myrtle Beach City
North Myrtle Beach is very close to Myrtle Beach city. The distance is about 15 to 20 miles depending on your exact start and end points.
Driving time: Around 25 to 30 minutes via Highway 17.
Public transport: Limited options, but some shuttle services and taxis are available.
Biking: Possible for active travelers, about 1.5 to 2 hours along coastal routes.
This proximity means you can easily stay in one city and visit the other for dining, shopping, or entertainment.
Best Ways to Get to North Myrtle Beach
There are several ways to reach North Myrtle Beach depending on your preferences and starting point.
By Car
Driving is the most common way to reach North Myrtle Beach. The city is accessible via major highways:
U.S. Highway 17 runs north-south and connects to Myrtle Beach and other coastal towns.
Highway 31 offers a faster route from inland areas.
Parking is widely available near beaches and attractions.
By Air
The closest airport is Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), about 15 miles away. It offers flights from many U.S. cities.
From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle to North Myrtle Beach.
Charleston International Airport is another option but is farther away.
By Bus or Shuttle
Bus services to North Myrtle Beach are limited. However, some regional shuttle companies connect the airport and nearby cities.
Check for shuttle services from Myrtle Beach International Airport.
Greyhound buses stop in Myrtle Beach city, but you’ll need a taxi or rideshare to North Myrtle Beach.
By Train
There is no direct train service to North Myrtle Beach. The nearest Amtrak station is in Florence, SC, about 70 miles away. From there, you would need a car or bus to reach the coast.
Driving Routes and Tips
If you plan to drive, here are some tips to make your trip easier:
Use GPS or map apps to avoid traffic on Highway 17 during peak tourist seasons.
Consider taking Highway 31 for a faster route from inland areas.
Watch for beach traffic, especially on weekends and holidays.
Plan your arrival time to avoid rush hours in Myrtle Beach city.
Parking is free or low cost near most beaches but can fill up quickly in summer.
Traveling From Nearby States
Many visitors come from nearby states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Here’s what you should know:
From North Carolina: North Myrtle Beach is just south of the state line. It’s about 20 miles from Wilmington, NC, and 70 miles from Charlotte, NC.
From Georgia: Expect a 5 to 6-hour drive from Atlanta. Take I-85 north to I-95, then connect to US-17.
From Tennessee: Driving from Nashville takes about 7 hours. Use I-40 east to I-26, then US-17 south.
Flying into Myrtle Beach International Airport is often easier if you are coming from farther away.
Local Transportation in North Myrtle Beach
Once you arrive, getting around North Myrtle Beach is simple.
Car rental: Recommended for flexibility and exploring nearby areas.
Taxis and rideshares: Available but less frequent than in big cities.
Public transit: The Coast RTA bus system serves North Myrtle Beach and connects to Myrtle Beach.
Biking: Many bike-friendly paths and rental shops.
Having a car makes it easier to visit golf courses, shopping centers, and beaches outside the main town.
Planning Your Trip: Tips for Distance and Travel
Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning your trip to North Myrtle Beach:
Check traffic updates if you’re driving, especially during summer weekends.
Book airport transfers or car rentals in advance during peak seasons.
Consider staying in North Myrtle Beach if you want a quieter beach experience.
Use online maps to estimate travel times from your home or hotel.
Plan day trips to Myrtle Beach city or nearby towns since distances are short.
Nearby Attractions and How Distance Affects Your Visit
North Myrtle Beach is near many popular attractions. Knowing the distance helps you plan your days.
Broadway at the Beach: About 20 miles south in Myrtle Beach, a large shopping and entertainment complex.
Cherry Grove Beach: Just a few miles north, a quieter beach area.
Huntington Beach State Park: Around 10 miles south, great for nature lovers.
Alabama Theatre: Located in Myrtle Beach, about 20 miles away.
Distances are short enough to enjoy multiple spots in one day.
Conclusion
North Myrtle Beach is easy to reach from many cities in the Southeast. Whether you drive or fly, the distances are manageable, and the routes are straightforward.
Knowing how far North Myrtle Beach is from your starting point helps you plan your trip better. With good transport options and nearby attractions, you can enjoy a relaxing beach vacation with plenty to see and do.
FAQs
How far is North Myrtle Beach from Myrtle Beach airport?
North Myrtle Beach is about 15 miles from Myrtle Beach International Airport. It takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes to drive there, depending on traffic.
Can I take public transportation to North Myrtle Beach?
Yes, the Coast RTA bus system connects North Myrtle Beach with Myrtle Beach and nearby areas. However, service is limited, so renting a car is often easier.
What is the best route to drive from Charlotte to North Myrtle Beach?
The best route is to take I-77 south to US-74 east, then connect to US-17 south. This drive takes about 2 hours for roughly 95 miles.
Is there a train station near North Myrtle Beach?
No, North Myrtle Beach does not have a train station. The closest Amtrak station is in Florence, SC, about 70 miles away.
How long does it take to drive from Atlanta to North Myrtle Beach?
Driving from Atlanta to North Myrtle Beach takes about 5.5 to 6 hours. The distance is roughly 330 miles via I-85 north and I-95 north.
