A Myrtle Beach layover puts you on the doorstep of South Carolina’s Grand Strand – 60 miles of Atlantic coastline packed with beaches, boardwalks, and seafood shacks. While Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is compact and efficient, the real draw is the city itself: you can be walking barefoot on the sand or sampling fresh crab cakes within 30 minutes of leaving the terminal. Whether you’re stuck with a few hours between flights or planning an extended stopover, this guide covers everything you need to maximize your time at MYR and in Myrtle Beach.
Before You Leave the Airport
- Language: English is the primary language. Myrtle Beach is a major tourist destination, so service staff are accustomed to international visitors.
- Return Buffer: Plan to be back at MYR at least 2.5-3 hours before an international departure and 60 minutes before a domestic flight to account for security and potential delays.
Airport Amenities at a Glance
Myrtle Beach International Airport is a single-terminal facility that’s easy to navigate. Here’s what’s available during your Myrtle Beach layover:
| Amenity | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✅ Yes | Complimentary WiFi is available to all passengers throughout the terminal. |
| Charging Stations | ✅ Yes | Device charging stations are available throughout the terminal. |
| Water Refill Stations | ✅ Yes | Water bottle refill stations are available in the terminal – bring an empty bottle to fill after security. |
| ATMs | ✅ Yes | ATMs are available throughout the terminal. Use a Wise or Revolut card for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters. |
| Nursing Rooms | ✅ Yes | Designated nursing and breastfeeding rooms are available for families. |
| Lounges | ❌ No | No pay-per-use lounges are available at MYR. Consider exploring the city or dining at terminal restaurants instead. |
| Luggage Storage | ❌ No | No luggage storage or lockers at MYR. Use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero for storage near the airport or in the city – typically $5-10/bag/day. |
| Showers | ❌ No | No shower facilities available at MYR. |
| Sleep Pods | ❌ No | No sleep or nap pods available. Check SleepingInAirports.net for tips on overnight layovers. |
| Children’s Play Areas | ❌ No | No dedicated play areas. Families may prefer to explore nearby attractions during longer layovers. |
| Medical Services | ❌ No | No pharmacy or medical clinic on-site. Check the airport’s official website for emergency services information. |
Getting from Myrtle Beach International Airport to the City Center
MYR is located about 3 miles southwest of downtown Myrtle Beach, making it one of the most accessible beach airports in the US. Here are your transit options:
| Method | Time to City | Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Bus (Route 15S) | 66-86 minutes to Myrtle Beach Transit Center | Check Coast RTA for current fares | Budget-friendly but slow. Route 15S (Myrtle/Airport/Market Common) connects the airport to the transit center. Best for long layovers with no luggage. |
| Taxi | 10-15 minutes | $15-25 | Fast and direct. Available at the terminal exit. Good for groups splitting the fare. |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | 10-15 minutes | $12-20 | Most convenient for short layovers. Pick-up at designated rideshare zone. Price varies by demand. |
| Rental Car | 10-15 minutes drive | $40-80/day + gas | Only worthwhile for 8+ hour layovers or if exploring beyond downtown. Rental counters in terminal. |
Recommendation: For a typical Myrtle Beach layover of 4-8 hours, use Uber or Lyft for speed and convenience. The 10-15 minute ride gets you to the beach or Broadway at the Beach quickly, maximizing your exploration time. For budget travelers with 6+ hours, the Route 15S bus works, but factor in the 66-86 minute travel time each way.
What to Do at MYR During Your Layover
Myrtle Beach International Airport is small and straightforward, but there are ways to pass the time comfortably:
- Dining: Meals at MYR range from $8-20. Options include grab-and-go cafés and sit-down restaurants. As with most airports, food is 2-3x city prices – if you’re leaving the airport, eat in Myrtle Beach instead for better value and variety.
- Shopping: A few retail shops sell travel essentials, souvenirs, and beach-themed gifts. Good for last-minute sunscreen or a Myrtle Beach t-shirt.
- Work or Relax: Free WiFi and charging stations throughout the terminal make it easy to catch up on work or stream entertainment. Download offline content before your layover in case WiFi is slow.
- Stay Hydrated: Fill your water bottle at refill stations after security – staying hydrated helps manage jet lag and keeps you energized.
- Stretch Your Legs: The terminal is compact, but you can walk the concourse or step outside for fresh air (just stay within the secure area if you haven’t cleared security yet).
No Lounges? MYR doesn’t have pay-per-use lounges. If you have Priority Pass (included free with some credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve), it won’t help here. Instead, grab a meal at a terminal restaurant or head into the city for a more interesting layover experience.
What to Do in Myrtle Beach During a Layover
Myrtle Beach is built for quick visits – most attractions are concentrated along the oceanfront and the Highway 17 corridor. Here’s what you can realistically do based on your layover length:
4-6 Hour Myrtle Beach Layover
- Hit the Beach (30 minutes – 2 hours): The closest beach access is at Myrtle Beach State Park or the public beaches along Ocean Boulevard, about 15 minutes from MYR. Kick off your shoes, walk the sand, and breathe in the Atlantic air. Free and quintessentially Myrtle Beach.
- Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade (1-2 hours): A 1.2-mile oceanfront boardwalk with shops, arcades, and the SkyWheel – a 187-foot Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas. Ride the SkyWheel for panoramic coastal views ($14-16). The boardwalk is lively, family-friendly, and walkable.
- Quick Seafood Meal (1 hour): Myrtle Beach is famous for calabash-style seafood (lightly battered and fried). Try a local spot like Sea Captain’s House or Croissants Bistro & Bakery for a fast, delicious meal. Budget $15-25 per person.
6-8 Hour Myrtle Beach Layover
- Broadway at the Beach (2-3 hours): A 350-acre entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, attractions, and a central lake. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium ($32-36 adults), mini-golf courses, or browse the shops. It’s touristy but fun, and only 10 minutes from the airport.
- Lunch or Dinner with a View (1-2 hours): Waterfront dining at spots like The Wicked Tuna or Pier 14 offers fresh seafood and ocean views. Expect to spend $20-35 per person for a sit-down meal.
- Brookgreen Gardens (2-3 hours, 30 min drive): If you prefer nature and art over boardwalks, Brookgreen Gardens is a 9,100-acre sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. It’s a peaceful escape with walking trails and over 2,000 sculptures. Admission is $18-20. Only feasible if you rent a car.
8+ Hour Myrtle Beach Layover
- Full Beach Day: Rent a beach chair and umbrella, swim, and soak up the sun. Myrtle Beach has 60 miles of coastline – find a quieter stretch at Surfside Beach or Pawleys Island if you want to avoid crowds.
- Golf: Myrtle Beach is a golf mecca with over 100 courses. If you’re a golfer with time, book a tee time at a public course like Myrtle Beach National or Pine Lakes Country Club.
- Explore Murrells Inlet (1 hour drive): A charming fishing village with the MarshWalk – a half-mile boardwalk lined with waterfront restaurants. Great for sunset dining and fresh oysters.
- Overnight Layover: Book a beachfront hotel and enjoy Myrtle Beach’s nightlife, live music venues, and late-night dining. The city is designed for tourists, so everything is accessible and visitor-friendly.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s what to expect to spend during a Myrtle Beach layover:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Airport to City (Uber/Lyft round-trip) | $24-40 |
| Airport to City (Bus round-trip) | Check Coast RTA for fares |
| Meal at Airport | $8-20 |
| Meal in City | $15-35 |
| SkyWheel Ride | $14-16 |
| Ripley’s Aquarium | $32-36 |
| Beach Access | Free (public beaches) |
| Luggage Storage (if using Bounce/Stasher) | $5-10/bag/day |
| Total (4-6 hour budget layover) | $40-70 |
| Total (6-8 hour mid-range layover) | $80-130 |
Layover Tips by Traveler Type
For Families
- TSA PreCheck saves time: Apply online for $78 for 5 years – saves 30+ minutes with kids at US airports. Children under 12 don’t need to remove shoes at TSA checkpoints.
- Pack a layover bag: Inside your carry-on, keep a separate bag with snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries – accessible without unpacking everything.
- Use the nursing room: MYR has designated nursing and breastfeeding rooms for families traveling with infants.
- Broadway at the Beach is family gold: Ripley’s Aquarium, mini-golf, and arcades keep kids entertained for hours. It’s 10 minutes from the airport and easy to navigate.
- Bring an empty water bottle: Fill it at refill stations after security – staying hydrated helps kids manage jet lag and keeps energy levels stable.
- Download offline entertainment: Airport WiFi can be unreliable. Pre-download movies, games, or shows before your layover.
- Beach time is free time: Public beach access is free and a great way to burn off energy. Bring a towel and let the kids run around.
For Solo Travelers
- Global Entry speeds up arrivals: $100 for 5 years, includes TSA PreCheck, and significantly speeds up international arrivals at US airports.
- Download offline maps: Google Maps or Maps.me work offline – essential for navigating Myrtle Beach without burning through data.
- Luggage storage: Since MYR doesn’t have lockers, use Bounce or Stasher to store bags at partner locations near the airport or in the city for $5-8/bag/day.
- Get an eSIM: Services like Airalo or Holafly give you instant data without hunting for WiFi or buying local SIMs.
- Eat in the city: Airport food is 2-3x more expensive. Grab a meal at a local seafood spot for better value and authentic flavor.
- Share your location: Use Google Maps or Find My Friends to share your location with a trusted contact when exploring solo.
- Voluntary bumping: Solo travelers can take advantage of voluntary bumping – airlines often offer $200-800+ in compensation, and it’s easier to rebook one person.
For Groups
- Designate a group leader: One person manages timing, headcount, and communication. Share departure gate and boarding time in a pinned WhatsApp message.
- Use Splitwise for expenses: Automatically calculates who owes what – essential for groups sharing transport, food, and activities.
- Luggage storage discounts: Bounce and Stasher offer multi-bag discounts – book all group luggage together for the best rate.
- Food courts over sit-down: Food courts at Broadway at the Beach work better than sit-down restaurants – everyone can choose what they want and eat at their own pace.
- Budget 2.5-3 hours return buffer: For groups, budget 2.5-3 hours before international departure and 60 minutes before domestic when returning to MYR.
- Rideshare for groups: Uber XL or Lyft XL fits up to 6 passengers – often cheaper than multiple taxis when you split the fare.
Insider Tips for Myrtle Beach International Airport
- MYR is small and efficient: Security lines are short (10-20 minutes), but arrive early during peak summer travel (June-August) when the airport sees heavy tourist traffic.
- No luggage storage means plan ahead: If you want to explore the city hands-free, book luggage storage through Bounce or Stasher before you arrive. Partner locations are near the airport and in downtown Myrtle Beach.
- Avoid peak beach traffic: Highway 17 (the main coastal road) gets congested during summer afternoons and weekends. If you’re on a tight layover schedule, travel during off-peak hours (before 10 AM or after 7 PM).
- Check the weather: Myrtle Beach has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer thunderstorms are common in the afternoon – check the forecast and plan beach time accordingly.
- Free beach parking can be tricky: Metered parking along Ocean Boulevard costs $1-2/hour. For longer stays, use public parking lots or garages (around $10/day). Some hotels offer free parking if you’re dining at their restaurant – ask first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth leaving Myrtle Beach airport during a layover?
Yes, if you have 6+ hours total layover time. Myrtle Beach International Airport is only 10-15 minutes from the beach and downtown attractions, making it one of the easiest US airports to leave during a layover. With 4-6 hours, you can hit the beach, walk the boardwalk, and grab a seafood meal. With 6-8 hours, add Broadway at the Beach or Ripley’s Aquarium. Just factor in 2.5-3 hours return buffer before your next flight and 1 hour each way for transit.
How do I get from Myrtle Beach airport to the city center?
The fastest option is Uber or Lyft, which takes 10-15 minutes and costs $12-20 to downtown or the beach. Taxis are also available at the terminal exit for $15-25. For budget travelers, Route 15S bus service connects MYR to Myrtle Beach Transit Center in 66-86 minutes – check Coast RTA for current fares and schedules. Rental cars are available but only worthwhile for 8+ hour layovers.
What can I do at Myrtle Beach airport during a layover?
MYR offers free WiFi, charging stations, water refill stations, and dining options ranging from $8-20 per meal. There are no lounges, sleep pods, or showers, so the airport is best for short waits. For longer layovers, consider leaving the airport to explore Myrtle Beach – the city is more interesting and offers better value than airport dining.
How long of a layover do I need to leave Myrtle Beach airport?
You need at least 6 hours total layover time to comfortably leave MYR and explore Myrtle Beach. This includes 1 hour for /customs (if international), 1 hour round-trip transit, 2-3 hours return buffer before your next flight, and 1-2 hours for exploration. For a 4-6 hour layover, stick to quick beach visits or the boardwalk. For 6-8 hours, add Broadway at the Beach or a sit-down meal. For 8+ hours, you can enjoy a full beach day or explore nearby towns.
Are there lounges at Myrtle Beach airport?
No, Myrtle Beach International Airport does not have pay-per-use lounges or airline lounges. Priority Pass, which gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, does not have partner lounges at MYR. Instead, use the terminal’s free WiFi and charging stations, grab a meal at a restaurant, or leave the airport to explore the city during your layover.
Is there luggage storage at Myrtle Beach airport?
No, MYR does not have luggage storage lockers or a baggage storage service. To explore Myrtle Beach hands-free, use third-party services like Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero, which partner with local businesses near the airport and in the city for luggage storage. Rates are $5-10 per bag per day, and you can book online in advance.
What is there to eat at Myrtle Beach airport?
Dining options at MYR range from $8-20 per meal and include grab-and-go cafés and sit-down restaurants. As with most airports, food is 2-3x more expensive than in the city. If you’re leaving the airport during your Myrtle Beach layover, eat at local seafood restaurants like Sea Captain’s House or The Wicked Tuna for better value, larger portions, and authentic coastal cuisine.
Plan Your Myrtle Beach Layover
Use the Yopki Layover Calculator above to see exactly how much time you have and what you can do with it. Whether you’re hitting the beach, exploring Broadway at the Beach, or just grabbing a quick seafood meal, make the most of your time in Myrtle Beach.