Cheapest Airport to Fly Into Myrtle Beach

Planning a trip to Myrtle Beach and wondering which airport offers the best deals? You're in the right place. I’ll guide you through the cheapest airport options to fly into Myrtle Beach, helping you save money and time. Whether you want to stay close to the beach or explore nearby areas, knowing your airport choices is key.

We’ll look at Myrtle Beach International Airport and other nearby airports. I’ll also share tips on finding budget flights and how to get from the airport to your hotel or resort. This way, you can plan your trip with confidence and enjoy your beach vacation without breaking the bank.

Understanding Myrtle Beach Airports

Myrtle Beach is served by several airports, but not all offer the same flight options or prices. Knowing the differences can help you pick the cheapest and most convenient airport for your trip.

The main airport is Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). It is the closest airport to the city and the beach, making it very convenient. However, sometimes flights here can be pricier than at other airports nearby.

Other airports within driving distance include Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Wilmington International Airport (ILM). These airports often have more flight options and sometimes cheaper fares, but they are farther from Myrtle Beach.

• Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): About 3 miles from downtown Myrtle Beach. It offers many direct flights from major U.S. cities.

• Charleston International Airport (CHS): Around 95 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach. It is a larger airport with more airlines and flights.

• Wilmington International Airport (ILM): About 70 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach. It is smaller but can have competitive prices.

Why Myrtle Beach International Airport Is Usually the Best Choice

MYR is the most convenient airport for Myrtle Beach visitors. It is close to the beach, hotels, and attractions. Here are some reasons why it is often the best choice:

• Short travel time: Only a 10-minute drive to most hotels and beaches.

• Direct flights: Many airlines fly directly to MYR from cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, and Chicago.

• Airport services: Rental cars, shuttles, and taxis are easy to find.

• Smaller airport: Less crowded and easier to navigate.

However, flight prices to MYR can sometimes be higher, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays. Booking early or flying mid-week can help you find better deals.

Considering Charleston International Airport for Savings

Charleston International Airport is a good alternative if you want to save money on flights. It is a larger airport with more airlines and routes, which can mean lower prices.

Here’s what to know about CHS:

• Distance: About a 2-hour drive to Myrtle Beach.

• Flight options: More airlines and frequent flights from major hubs.

• Car rental: Wide selection of rental cars available at competitive rates.

• Cost savings: Flights can be cheaper, especially if you book in advance or during sales.

If you don’t mind the longer drive, flying into Charleston can be a smart way to save money. You can rent a car or use shuttle services to reach Myrtle Beach.

Wilmington International Airport: A Middle Ground

Wilmington International Airport is another option to consider. It is smaller than Charleston but sometimes offers competitive fares.

• Distance: About 1.5 hours from Myrtle Beach.

• Airlines: Fewer airlines than Charleston but still some good options.

• Rental cars: Available but with a smaller selection.

• Flight prices: Can be cheaper than MYR, depending on your departure city.

Wilmington is a good choice if you find a cheap flight and don’t mind a moderate drive to the beach.

Tips to Find the Cheapest Flights to Myrtle Beach

Finding cheap flights takes some planning. Here are some tips to help you get the best price:

• Use flight comparison sites: Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak let you compare prices for MYR, CHS, and ILM.

• Be flexible with dates: Flying mid-week or during off-peak times can save money.

• Book early: Flights are usually cheaper when booked weeks or months in advance.

• Consider nearby airports: Check prices for Charleston and Wilmington as well as Myrtle Beach.

• Sign up for alerts: Get notified about price drops or deals from your home airport.

Getting From the Airport to Myrtle Beach

Once you arrive, you’ll want to get to your hotel quickly and easily. Here’s what to expect from each airport:

• From Myrtle Beach International Airport: Taxis, ride-shares, and shuttles are available. Many hotels offer free shuttle service. Rental cars are easy to find.

• From Charleston International Airport: Renting a car is the best option. Shuttle services to Myrtle Beach are limited. The drive is about 2 hours on highways.

• From Wilmington International Airport: Rental cars are available. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. Some shuttle companies offer rides but check availability in advance.

Choosing the right airport also depends on your transportation plans. If you want to avoid a long drive, MYR is best. If you want to save on flights and don’t mind driving, CHS or ILM can work well.

Budget Hotels and Stays Near Myrtle Beach Airports

Finding affordable places to stay can help stretch your travel budget. Here are some budget-friendly hotel options near each airport:

• Near Myrtle Beach International Airport: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Days Inn by Wyndham, and Comfort Suites offer good value and easy access to the beach.

• Near Charleston International Airport: Hampton Inn Charleston Airport, Holiday Inn Express, and Fairfield Inn provide affordable stays with airport shuttles.

• Near Wilmington International Airport: Best Western Plus, La Quinta Inn, and Comfort Suites are budget-friendly and close to the airport.

Booking hotels near the airport can be a good choice if you arrive late or have an early flight. For beach time, staying in downtown Myrtle Beach or near the boardwalk is best.

Seasonal Considerations for Flight Prices

Flight prices to Myrtle Beach and nearby airports can change with the seasons. Here’s what to expect:

• Summer (June to August): Peak season with higher prices and more flights to MYR.

• Fall (September to November): Prices drop after summer, making it a good time to find deals.

• Winter (December to February): Lowest demand; some flights may be limited but prices can be very low.

• Spring (March to May): Prices start to rise again as the beach season approaches.

Booking flights during the shoulder seasons (fall and spring) often results in the best deals.

Summary of Cheapest Airport Choices for Myrtle Beach

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each airport for budget travelers:

• Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): Most convenient but sometimes pricier flights.

• Charleston International Airport (CHS): More flight options and cheaper fares but 2-hour drive.

• Wilmington International Airport (ILM): Moderate drive and occasional good deals.

Choosing the cheapest airport depends on your priorities: convenience, flight price, or travel time. Use flight comparison tools and plan ahead to get the best deal.

Conclusion

Flying to Myrtle Beach doesn’t have to be expensive if you know your airport options. Myrtle Beach International Airport is the closest and easiest, but sometimes flights here cost more. Charleston and Wilmington airports offer cheaper flights but require longer drives.

By comparing prices, being flexible with your travel dates, and planning your transportation, you can save money and enjoy your beach vacation. Whether you want to stay steps from the ocean or explore nearby cities, picking the right airport is the first step to a great trip.

FAQs

What is the closest airport to Myrtle Beach?

The closest airport is Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), located about 3 miles from downtown and the beach.

Can I find cheaper flights by flying into Charleston instead of Myrtle Beach?

Yes, Charleston International Airport often has more flight options and lower prices, but it is about a 2-hour drive from Myrtle Beach.

Is Wilmington International Airport a good option for Myrtle Beach travelers?

Wilmington International Airport can be a good choice if you find a cheap flight. It is about 1.5 hours from Myrtle Beach by car.

How do I get from Myrtle Beach International Airport to my hotel?

You can use taxis, ride-shares, hotel shuttles, or rental cars. Most hotels are within a 10-15 minute drive.

When is the best time to book cheap flights to Myrtle Beach?

Booking early and flying during off-peak seasons like fall or winter usually offers the best prices.