Myrtle Beach Airports: Your Guide to the Two Main Airports

Myrtle Beach is a top vacation spot on South Carolina’s coast. If you’re planning a trip here, knowing about the airports nearby helps you travel with ease. You might wonder, "What are the two airports in Myrtle Beach?" This guide will explain the main airports serving the area, their locations, and what you can expect when flying in or out.

We’ll cover the details of each airport, including airlines, services, and travel tips. Whether you want to fly direct or connect through a nearby city, this article helps you plan your arrival and departure smoothly. Let’s explore the two airports that make Myrtle Beach easy to reach.

Understanding Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

The primary airport for Myrtle Beach is Myrtle Beach International Airport, known by its code MYR. It is located just a few miles northwest of downtown Myrtle Beach, making it very convenient for travelers.

This airport handles most of the commercial flights in the area. It is a medium-sized airport with modern facilities and offers a range of services to visitors.

• Location: About 3 miles from Myrtle Beach city center.

• Airlines: Major carriers like American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, and Allegiant Air operate here.

• Destinations: Direct flights to many U.S. cities including Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, and more.

• Facilities: Rental cars, parking, dining options, free Wi-Fi, and shuttle services.

MYR is the best choice if you want to fly directly into Myrtle Beach. It serves millions of passengers each year, especially during the busy summer season.

Airlines and Destinations at Myrtle Beach International Airport

Several airlines offer regular flights to and from MYR. Here are some key details:

• American Airlines: Flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a major hub.

• Delta Air Lines: Service to Atlanta and Detroit.

• United Airlines: Flights to Chicago O'Hare and Washington D.C.

• Southwest Airlines: Flights to Baltimore, Nashville, and other cities.

• Allegiant Air: Low-cost flights to cities like Cincinnati and St. Louis.

These options give you flexibility depending on where you are flying from or to.

Getting Around Myrtle Beach International Airport

Once you land at MYR, getting to your hotel or rental car is easy:

• Rental Cars: Multiple rental companies operate on-site, including Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis.

• Shuttle Services: Many hotels offer free shuttles to and from the airport.

• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are available for quick rides.

• Parking: Short-term and long-term parking options are available close to the terminal.

Travelers find MYR convenient for quick access to the beach, golf courses, and local attractions.

Exploring Florence Regional Airport (FLO) as a Nearby Alternative

While Myrtle Beach International Airport is the main airport, Florence Regional Airport (FLO) is another option for travelers. It is located about 60 miles west of Myrtle Beach in Florence, South Carolina.

FLO is smaller and offers fewer flights, but it can be useful if you want to explore the region or find alternative flight options.

• Location: Approximately 60 miles from Myrtle Beach, about a 1-hour drive.

• Airlines: Mainly served by American Airlines with flights to Charlotte.

• Facilities: Rental cars, parking, and basic passenger services.

Florence Regional Airport is less busy and can be a good choice if flights to MYR are full or expensive.

When to Consider Flying into Florence Regional Airport

Here are some reasons to choose FLO over MYR:

• Flight Availability: If flights to MYR are limited or costly, FLO might have better options.

• Car Rental Deals: Sometimes rental cars are cheaper at FLO.

• Exploring Nearby Areas: If you plan to visit Florence or the inland South Carolina region before heading to the beach.

Keep in mind the extra drive time to Myrtle Beach if you fly into FLO.

Travel Tips for Using Florence Regional Airport

If you decide to fly into FLO, here are some tips:

• Rent a Car: You will need a rental car to reach Myrtle Beach easily.

• Plan for Drive Time: The drive takes about 1 hour via I-95 and US-501 East.

• Check Flight Schedules: FLO has fewer daily flights, so book early.

• Consider Your Itinerary: If you want a quiet airport experience, FLO is less crowded.

Comparing the Two Airports: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between Myrtle Beach International Airport and Florence Regional Airport depends on your travel needs. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

• Distance to Myrtle Beach: MYR is just minutes away; FLO is about 60 miles away.

• Flight Options: MYR has many more direct flights and airlines.

• Airport Size: MYR is larger with more amenities; FLO is smaller and quieter.

• Car Rental and Transport: Both offer rental cars, but FLO requires a longer drive.

• Cost: Flights and rentals at FLO can sometimes be cheaper.

For most travelers, MYR is the best choice for convenience and flight options. FLO is a good backup or alternative for specific travel plans.

Tips for Booking Flights and Airport Transfers in Myrtle Beach

When planning your trip, keep these tips in mind to make your airport experience smooth:

• Book Early: Myrtle Beach is popular, especially in summer. Early bookings get better prices.

• Compare Airports: Check flights to both MYR and FLO to find the best deals.

• Use Airport Shuttles: Many hotels offer free or low-cost shuttles from MYR.

• Reserve Rental Cars in Advance: This ensures availability and better rates.

• Check Flight Times: Choose flights that arrive during daylight for easier transfers.

Other Nearby Airports to Consider

If you want more options, here are other airports within a few hours’ drive of Myrtle Beach:

• Charleston International Airport (CHS): About 2.5 hours south, with many domestic and international flights.

• Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO): Smaller, about 3 hours away, mostly regional flights.

• Wilmington International Airport (ILM): Around 1.5 hours north in North Carolina, with several airlines.

These airports can be useful if you want to explore more of the region or find different flight schedules.

Conclusion

When flying to Myrtle Beach, you mainly have two airports to choose from: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and Florence Regional Airport (FLO). MYR is the closest and busiest airport, offering many flights and easy access to the beach. FLO is smaller and farther away but can be a good alternative for some travelers.

Knowing the differences helps you pick the best airport for your trip. Remember to book early, check flight options, and plan your transfers ahead. With the right airport choice, your Myrtle Beach vacation starts smoothly and stress-free.

FAQs

What is the main airport in Myrtle Beach?

The main airport is Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). It is located just a few miles from downtown and serves most commercial flights to the area.

How far is Florence Regional Airport from Myrtle Beach?

Florence Regional Airport (FLO) is about 60 miles west of Myrtle Beach. It takes roughly one hour to drive between the two.

Which airlines fly to Myrtle Beach International Airport?

Major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, and Allegiant Air operate flights to MYR from various U.S. cities.

Are there rental car services at both airports?

Yes, both MYR and FLO offer rental car services. However, renting at FLO means you will have a longer drive to Myrtle Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach International Airport busy during summer?

Yes, MYR gets very busy in the summer months due to the high number of tourists visiting the beach and nearby attractions.