Getting Around Myrtle Beach

     US- or Hwy-17 (also called Kings Highway) is Myrtle Beach's main traffic thoroughfare, while the parallel Ocean Boulevard is lined with hotels and motels. Greyhound buses from Charleston and Wilmington come in at 511 7th Ave N (closed 1-3pm daily). Minimal transportation in the beach areas is provided by Coastal Rapid Public Transit buses (75¢-$2.10 one-way; tel 843/626-9138). Great American Trolley runs a route around the center beach area and out to the Myrtle Square Mall and Broadway at the Beach (July-Sept 8.30am-midnight; closes 10pm Oct 1-15; $2 each way; tel 1-800/395-6629).

By Car:
     The popularity of the Grand Strand has soared, with an estimated 12 million visitors pouring in every year. It is easy to avoid traffic snarls if you travel at the right times of day and night. Plan your trip so that you will be driving U.S. Highway 501 into Myrtle Beach before 7 AM or after 7 PM Monday through Thursday, or in the middle of the day. Another rule of thumb is to stay off beach exit roads right after hotel checkout time on Saturdays and Sundays. You will be much better off to check out of your room, put the bags in the car and plan to spend time in town or on the beach until late afternoon.
     An excellent highway system has recently been completed providing easy access from all directions and within the area. If you're coming to the Grand Strand from eastern North Carolina, try Interstate 40 east or U.S. Highway 17 south to Wilmington, North Carolina. At Wilmington, head southbound on U.S. 17. Avoid rush hours. From Charleston, take U.S. 17 north. It could be crowded at peak traffic times.
     If you're traveling north on Interstate 95, take Exit 170 (clearly marked "Myrtle Beach"), near Florence. Take U.S. Highway 76 to U.S. 501 and follow it the rest of the way. Vacationers heading to North Strand beaches -- Little River, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, Atlantic Beach and Windy Hill -- should veer to the left at Marion, cross two lanes of U.S. 501 and continue on U.S. 76. At Nichols, take a right onto S.C. Highway 9. If you're traveling Interstate 20, follow the signs toward Florence. The road will merge into I-95 north and bypass Florence. Then take Exit 170, same as if you'd come the whole way on I-95. If you're traveling south on I-95, take Exit 193 at Dillon. Head toward Latta, then take U.S. 501. If you're going to North Myrtle Beach, you can take S.C. 9 all the way from Dillon.

By Train
     Florence and Dillon are the two closest places Amtrak serves. The problem is you can't get to the Grand Strand from either of those cities unless you arrange for a vehicle or have friends who'll pick you up. If you decide to take the train to Florence or Dillon and then rent a car, there are two outlets that, with advance notice, can arrange for a vehicle to be at the station when you arrive. Greyhound bus service from Florence to Myrtle Beach has been discontinued.

By Bus
     You should be able to get to Myrtle Beach on a Greyhound bus from just about any point in the United States. You'll find it easier during the summer when more buses are scheduled. The station, Oak Street and Seventh Avenue N., Myrtle Beach, is open from 8 AM to 1 PM and 3 to 7 PM. Call (843) 448-2471 or (800) 231-2222 for details.

By Air
     In addition to services offered at the Myrtle Beach International and Grand Strand airports private planes and corporate jets can access the Conway-Horry County Airport, off U.S. Highway 378, outside Conway, (843) 397-9111. The airport is home of the North American Institute of Aviation, an international pilot training school.

Myrtle Beach International Airport
Between U.S. Hwy. 17 Bus. and U.S. Hwy. 17 Bypass, Myrtle Beach
(843) 448-1589
An $18-million renovation project expanded Myrtle Beach International Airport from 50,000 square feet to 120,000, and added an upper-level concourse. Two jetways now connect the planes to the terminal. Present plans are for Horry County to double the size of the existing airport, making it a regional terminal and adding a second runway.

Grand Strand Airport
33rd Ave. S. and Terminal Ave., North Myrtle Beach
(843) 272-5337
Horry County operates the Grand Strand Airport, where private aircraft and corporate jets can land. It's open 24 hours a day. You don't have to notify anyone that you're coming, but be aware that all services close for business at 10 PM. You can leave your craft for several days while you enjoy the beach. The airport is about one block west of U.S. 17, pretty much in the heart of North Myrtle Beach. Fixed-base operators at Grand Strand Airport are Shell Aviation and Ramp 66. Both services offer overnight tie-down for $5 per night. Fuel is also available.