Myrtle Beach International Airport is the closest airport to the oceanfront strip. It sits at the south end of the Grand Strand just three miles from the boardwalk.
Many travelers save significant money by flying into Charleston International Airport and driving two hours to the beach. Wilmington and Florence offer additional alternatives that most visitors overlook.
This guide names every airport that serves the Myrtle Beach area with exact drive times, airline lists, shuttle options, and honest guidance on which airport matches your travel profile.
Airports Near Myrtle Beach: Your Options at a Glance
Four commercial service airports serve the Myrtle Beach area with scheduled passenger flights. Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the closest at three miles from the oceanfront.
Charleston International Airport (CHS) sits 95 miles south with a roughly two-hour drive. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is 75 miles north with a 90-minute drive time.
Florence Regional Airport (FLO) lies 65 miles inland with a drive of about 75 minutes. Each airport offers different airlines, fare levels, and route networks worth comparing before booking.
The Grand Strand Airport (CRE) in North Myrtle Beach handles general aviation and private aircraft only. It does not offer scheduled commercial passenger flights.
Seasonal service patterns heavily affect Myrtle Beach air travel from October through April. Several airlines reduce schedules or suspend routes entirely during the winter low season.
Key Takeaway: Four commercial airports serve Myrtle Beach with MYR closest at three miles and CHS offering more airlines at a two-hour drive.
Myrtle Beach Airports: The Complete List
The Myrtle Beach area has one primary commercial airport and three viable alternatives within a two-hour drive. The primary airport is Myrtle Beach International Airport with the IATA code MYR.
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the largest alternative with service from major carriers and a growing route network. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) serves as the northern entry point for Grand Strand visitors.
Florence Regional Airport (FLO) is the smallest commercial option with limited but sometimes very cheap service. General aviation airports at Grand Strand (CRE) and Conway-Horry County serve private pilots.
The FAA classifies MYR as a small-hub primary airport based on passenger volume. Annual passenger traffic typically exceeds two million travelers with peak summer months driving the majority of that volume.
Horry County Department of Airports manages both MYR and CRE as the local airport authority. Operations, maintenance, and terminal management fall under this county agency.
Airports Near Myrtle Beach SC: What Locals Know
Locals understand that Myrtle Beach International Airport is the obvious choice for convenience but not always the smartest for price. The airport’s seasonal demand spikes drive fares higher during summer and holiday weeks.
Charleston International Airport frequently offers lower fares on the same airlines that serve Myrtle Beach. The two-hour drive from Charleston to Myrtle Beach is straightforward via US Highway 17 with minimal traffic outside peak hours.
Wilmington International Airport serves a smaller route network but occasionally undercuts both MYR and CHS on fares from East Coast departure cities. The drive from Wilmington to North Myrtle Beach takes just over an hour.
Florence Regional Airport is the wildcard with Allegiant Air providing ultra-low-cost service on select routes. The drive from Florence to Myrtle Beach is the least scenic but entirely on major highways.
Local beach traffic on US Highway 17 can add 30 to 60 minutes to any airport drive during summer Saturday check-in and checkout times. Plan airport arrivals around the 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM beach rental turnover window.
Key Takeaway: Locals check CHS and ILM fares before booking MYR. The drive is straightforward and savings can be substantial.
Airports Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina: Regional Context
South Carolina’s coastal geography places Myrtle Beach at the northern end of the state’s beach corridor. Charleston sits 95 miles south and serves as the primary alternative airport for the entire Grand Strand.
North Carolina’s southeastern coast offers Wilmington as the nearest airport north of the state line. The Grand Strand stretches over 60 miles from Little River at the North Carolina border down to Georgetown.
Conway-Horry County Airport sits inland from Myrtle Beach near the county seat but handles only general aviation. It is not a commercial service airport and should not appear in flight search results.
The Myrtle Beach area spans two counties with Horry County containing most of the beachfront and Georgetown County covering the southern end. Airport selection changes meaningfully depending on whether your accommodations are in North Myrtle Beach, central Myrtle Beach, or south toward Pawleys Island.
North Myrtle Beach visitors should price Wilmington and Myrtle Beach equally given the similar drive time. Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach visitors gain the least benefit from northern airports and should focus on MYR and CHS.
Myrtle Beach International Airport: The Closest Option
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) sits on the south side of Myrtle Beach near the intersection of US Highway 17 and Harrelson Boulevard. The airport is approximately three miles from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and central oceanfront hotels.
MYR operates a single terminal building with two concourses served by a central security checkpoint. The terminal recently completed an expansion adding gate capacity and modernizing the departure lounge areas.
The airport handles nonstop flights to over 30 domestic destinations during peak summer season. Winter service drops to roughly 15 to 20 destinations as airlines reduce their Myrtle Beach schedules.
Parking at MYR includes a covered garage adjacent to the terminal and surface lots within walking distance. Parking rates are moderate compared to larger airports but summer peak pricing applies to all lots.
Business travelers will find MYR adequate for short trips with basic terminal amenities and TSA PreCheck available. The terminal is not large enough to offer premium lounges or extensive dining beyond quick-service options.
Budget travelers flying Basic Economy on Spirit or Frontier should note that MYR’s gate agents enforce carry-on size limits strictly during peak season. The summer leisure crowd brings heightened fee enforcement on budget carriers.
MYR Airport Airlines: Who Flies Direct to the Beach
Myrtle Beach International Airport is served by Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. These eight carriers offer nonstop flights from eastern and midwestern US cities.
Spirit Airlines operates the largest number of nonstop destinations from MYR during summer peak. The ultra-low-cost carrier connects Myrtle Beach to cities including Atlantic City, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago O’Hare, Cleveland, Dallas Fort Worth, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
Southwest Airlines provides year-round service from several cities with seasonal increases during summer months. Southwest’s two free checked bags policy makes it popular with families and golf travelers hauling equipment.
American Airlines connects MYR to its Charlotte hub with regional jet service and seasonal mainline flights from Dallas Fort Worth and Chicago O’Hare. Delta Air Lines serves Atlanta year-round with additional seasonal routes.
United Airlines offers seasonal service from its Newark and Chicago hubs with regional jet equipment. Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines operate niche routes to smaller Midwestern markets on a seasonal basis.
Frontier Airlines serves MYR on a seasonal schedule from several East Coast and Midwest cities. The carrier’s schedule fluctuates significantly year to year with some routes appearing only during June and July.
Airlines at Myrtle Beach International: Full Carrier List
The complete carrier list at Myrtle Beach International Airport includes both year-round and seasonal airlines. Seasonal schedules run approximately May through September with reduced service October through April.
Spirit Airlines maintains the largest year-round presence at MYR with daily flights on core routes and seasonal additions. The carrier treats Myrtle Beach as a focus city within its network.
Southwest Airlines operates year-round service from Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, and Nashville with seasonal additions from other cities. Southwest’s MYR operation grows substantially during spring break and summer periods.
American Airlines serves MYR year-round via its Charlotte Douglas International Airport hub with multiple daily regional jet frequencies. Seasonal mainline service from Dallas/Fort Worth operates during peak summer.
Delta Air Lines connects MYR to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport year-round with additional seasonal routes from Detroit and New York LaGuardia. United Airlines serves Newark Liberty International Airport seasonally.
Allegiant Air operates from MYR to several small and mid-sized cities with less-than-daily frequency. Frontier Airlines and Sun Country Airlines fill specific route gaps on summer seasonal schedules.
International flights do not operate from MYR despite the airport’s name. Verify current schedules directly on each airline’s website as Myrtle Beach routes change more than typical domestic markets.
Key Takeaway: Eight airlines serve MYR with Spirit operating the most routes. All service is domestic and heavily seasonal.
Myrtle Beach Airport Terminals: Layout and Facilities
Myrtle Beach International Airport operates a single terminal building with two concourses and one central security checkpoint. The terminal expansion completed in recent years added gate positions and modernized the passenger waiting areas.
Concourses A and B extend from the central atrium with all gates accessible post-security. The walk from security to the farthest gate takes approximately five minutes at a normal pace.
Dining options post-security include a restaurant, bar, and grab-and-go kiosks with limited hot food availability. The terminal is not a destination for dining and passengers should eat before arriving for early morning flights.
TSA PreCheck is available at the central checkpoint with standard and expedited lanes operational during peak hours. The checkpoint can back up significantly during summer Saturday mornings when vacation turnover peaks.
No airline lounge or Priority Pass lounge operates at MYR. Business travelers and premium cardholders should not expect lounge access at this airport.
Rental car agencies operate from a consolidated facility adjacent to the terminal with shuttle service. All major rental car agencies maintain counters at MYR with summer inventory booking out weeks in advance.
Charleston Airport to Myrtle Beach: The Best Alternative
Charleston International Airport (CHS) sits 95 miles south of Myrtle Beach with a drive time of approximately two hours via US Highway 17. The route follows the South Carolina coast through Georgetown, Pawleys Island, and Murrells Inlet.
Charleston International Airport serves more airlines and more nonstop destinations than Myrtle Beach International Airport. Carriers include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.
CHS offers year-round service patterns that do not contract as severely as MYR during winter months. The broader route network and larger aircraft often produce lower fares even after accounting for the drive.
The drive from Charleston to Myrtle Beach passes through some of the prettiest Lowcountry scenery on the South Carolina coast. The route is two lanes for stretches with occasional delays behind slower vehicles in no-passing zones.
Budget travelers flying from West Coast or Mountain West departure cities should check CHS fares before accepting MYR prices. The fare difference on transcontinental connections often justifies the two-hour drive.
Families with young children should weigh whether the two-hour post-flight drive works with tired kids after a long travel day. The convenience premium at MYR may be worth paying for families arriving on evening flights.
Wilmington Airport to Myrtle Beach: The Northern Gateway
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) serves as the northern entry point for Myrtle Beach visitors arriving from North Carolina and Mid-Atlantic departure cities. The airport is 75 miles north of Myrtle Beach with a drive time of roughly 90 minutes.
ILM is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines with regional jet service to their respective hubs. Southwest Airlines and budget carriers do not serve Wilmington, limiting low-fare options from this airport.
The drive from Wilmington to Myrtle Beach follows US Highway 17 south through Shallotte and North Myrtle Beach. This route is more direct for travelers staying in North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove, or Little River.
North Myrtle Beach visitors should always compare ILM and MYR fares as the drive time difference is minimal. The distance from ILM to North Myrtle Beach is approximately 60 miles with a one-hour drive.
ILM offers a smaller, calmer airport experience than both MYR and CHS during summer peak. The terminal is easy to navigate with minimal lines even during holiday travel periods.
Budget travelers should note that ILM’s limited carrier list rarely produces the lowest fares to the Myrtle Beach area. Charleston typically beats Wilmington on price for bargain-seeking travelers.
Florence Regional Airport Myrtle Beach: The Budget Option
Florence Regional Airport (FLO) is the smallest commercial airport serving the Myrtle Beach area at 65 miles inland. The drive to Myrtle Beach takes roughly 75 minutes via US Highway 76 and US Highway 501.
Allegiant Air is the primary carrier at FLO with ultra-low-cost service to a handful of destinations. The route network is limited to small and mid-sized cities with seasonal scheduling that changes year by year.
FLO offers an extremely simple airport experience with no lines, no crowds, and minimal walking distance. The trade-off is almost no amenities, no dining beyond vending machines, and no backup transportation options if flights cancel.
The drive from Florence to Myrtle Beach is the least scenic of the four airport options with inland highway routing through Conway. Traffic is rarely an issue on this route even during peak summer beach weeks.
Budget travelers who find a direct Allegiant Air flight into FLO from their home city should book it immediately. The fares are often the lowest available to the Myrtle Beach area on any carrier.
Travelers who need reliability and backup flights should avoid FLO given the limited airline presence and lack of alternative carriers. A cancelled Allegiant flight at FLO means no same-day replacement option.
Key Takeaway: Florence is the budget wildcard with Allegiant Air. Book FLO for cheap fares but understand the risk of limited backup options.
Myrtle Beach Airport Shuttle: Ground Transfer Guide
Shared shuttle services operate from Myrtle Beach International Airport to hotels and resorts along the Grand Strand. Advance reservation is strongly recommended during summer months when shuttles fill days ahead.
Several private shuttle companies serve MYR with van and minibus options for groups and families. Pricing varies by distance with North Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island destinations costing more than central Myrtle Beach hotels.
Uber and Lyft both operate at MYR with designated ride-share pickup areas outside baggage claim. Surge pricing applies during peak arrival times on summer Saturdays and holiday weekends.
Taxis queue at the ground transportation plaza outside baggage claim with flat-rate zones covering the Grand Strand. Confirm the zone rate before accepting a taxi to avoid meter surprises on longer rides.
Charleston, Wilmington, and Florence airports each have their own shuttle, ride-share, and taxi availability. Ride-share service is most reliable at CHS and least reliable at FLO where availability can be limited.
Families with car seats should book private car services in advance rather than relying on ride-share. Not all Uber and Lyft vehicles at Myrtle Beach carry appropriate child restraints.
Myrtle Beach Airport Car Rental: What to Know Before Booking
Rental car inventory at Myrtle Beach International Airport sells out weeks in advance during peak summer months. Book your car at the same time you book your flight, not the week before travel.
All major rental car agencies operate at MYR including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, and National. The rental car facility is a consolidated center adjacent to the terminal with shuttle bus service.
Off-airport rental locations in Myrtle Beach occasionally offer lower rates than the airport consolidated facility. The savings require arranging your own transportation from the airport to the off-site location.
One-way rentals dropping the car at a different airport work well for travelers combining Myrtle Beach with Charleston or Savannah. Confirm one-way drop fees before booking as they vary significantly by agency and dates.
Winter rental car rates at MYR drop dramatically from summer peaks with inventory rarely selling out. Snowbird visitors and winter golfers benefit from abundant availability and lower pricing from November through February.
Budget travelers should compare rental car rates across CHS, ILM, and MYR when choosing an arrival airport. The combined flight plus car rental cost at Charleston sometimes undercuts the MYR total even with the longer drive.
Cheapest Airport to Fly into Myrtle Beach: Fare Comparison
Charleston International Airport (CHS) often offers the lowest total trip cost among airports near Myrtle Beach. The broader airline competition and year-round service produce lower average fares than MYR on many routes.
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) fares peak during June, July, and holiday weeks when leisure demand drives pricing. The same destination flights in May or September can cost significantly less.
The cheapest airport depends heavily on your departure city and whether a budget carrier serves that route directly to any of the four airports. A direct Spirit or Allegiant flight to MYR or FLO beats connecting flights to CHS on price almost every time.
Fare comparison should include the cost of ground transportation from the arrival airport to your specific Myrtle Beach accommodations. A cheap flight to ILM that requires an expensive shuttle to Pawleys Island may not save money overall.
Booking windows for Myrtle Beach summer travel should extend 60 to 90 days ahead for the best fare balance. Last-minute Myrtle Beach flights in July and August can be extremely expensive on all carriers.
Budget travelers should search fares across MYR, CHS, ILM, and FLO simultaneously using a flexible airport search tool. The savings from choosing the right airport often cover the cost of a rental car for the entire trip.
Spirit Airlines Myrtle Beach: Budget Carrier Breakdown
Spirit Airlines operates the largest number of nonstop routes from Myrtle Beach International Airport. The ultra-low-cost carrier treats MYR as a focus city with year-round and seasonal service.
Spirit’s fare structure charges a low base fare with added fees for carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, and onboard purchases. The all-in cost with bags and seat assignment often approaches Southwest Airlines pricing on the same route.
Spirit enforces carry-on size limits strictly at MYR with gate agents using sizing bins during boarding. Bags that do not fit in the personal item sizer incur a gate fee higher than the advance-purchase carry-on rate.
The airline’s operational reliability has improved significantly in recent years according to DOT Air Travel Consumer Report data. Summer thunderstorm delays affect all carriers at MYR equally and are not Spirit-specific.
Budget travelers who can pack in a personal item only will find Spirit’s base fares the cheapest way to reach Myrtle Beach. Pay for bags and seat selection during booking, not at the airport, to avoid the highest fee tier.
Families with children should budget for seat selection fees to ensure sitting together on Spirit flights. The airline’s random seat assignment algorithm does not guarantee adjacent family seating without paid selection.
Southwest Airlines Myrtle Beach: What to Expect
Southwest Airlines serves Myrtle Beach International Airport year-round from several focus cities with seasonal additions. The carrier’s two free checked bags and no change fees differentiate it from all other MYR carriers.
Southwest uses an open seating policy with boarding positions assigned by check-in time and fare class. EarlyBird Check-In auto-assigns a better boarding position for travelers who pay the add-on fee.
The two free checked bags policy makes Southwest the best value for golfers carrying clubs and families hauling beach gear. Other MYR carriers charge for every checked bag beyond carry-on allowance on most fare classes.
Southwest operates at MYR with Boeing 737 aircraft providing consistent seat pitch and cabin layout across all flights. The all-economy configuration offers more legroom than Spirit or Frontier at approximately 32 inches of seat pitch.
Business travelers who value predictable costs without bag fees should choose Southwest at MYR. The fare includes bags, seat selection through boarding position, and changes without penalties that competitors charge to modify.
Winter service on Southwest at MYR reduces frequency but maintains core routes from Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, and Nashville. Check Southwest.com directly for current Myrtle Beach schedules as seasonal changes differ by route.
Key Takeaway: Southwest offers free checked bags and no change fees at MYR, making it the best value for families and golf travelers.
Important Accuracy Notes for Myrtle Beach Airport Travel
Airline routes, seasonal schedules, and ground transportation pricing at all four Myrtle Beach area airports change without public notice. Summer schedules differ substantially from winter schedules on most carriers serving MYR.
Verify the following directly before traveling:
Current nonstop flight availability for your specific travel dates on each airline’s official website, as seasonal Myrtle Beach routes appear and disappear more frequently than typical domestic markets.
Rental car availability and pricing at your chosen airport, with summer reservations made at least three to four weeks before travel.
Shuttle and ride-share availability from your arrival airport to your specific Myrtle Beach accommodations, particularly for FLO and ILM where options are limited.
Airline baggage fee policies for your specific fare class, especially on Spirit and Frontier where gate-check fees significantly exceed advance-purchase rates.
Parking rates and lot availability at MYR during summer peak, as the garage can reach capacity during holiday weekends.
The most important action is searching fares across all four airports simultaneously before booking. The cheapest airport for your Myrtle Beach trip depends on departure city, travel dates, and willingness to drive from CHS, ILM, or FLO.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airports Near Myrtle Beach
What is the closest airport to Myrtle Beach South Carolina?
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the closest airport to Myrtle Beach at approximately three miles from the oceanfront boardwalk and central hotel district.
The airport sits at the south end of the Grand Strand near the intersection of US Highway 17 and Harrelson Boulevard.
Driving time from MYR to most Myrtle Beach hotels is under 15 minutes outside of peak summer traffic.
Which airlines fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport?
Eight airlines serve Myrtle Beach International Airport including Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines also serve MYR on seasonal schedules.
Route networks are heavily seasonal with maximum nonstop destinations available May through September and reduced service October through April.
Is it cheaper to fly into Charleston or Myrtle Beach?
Charleston International Airport (CHS) often offers lower fares than Myrtle Beach International Airport due to greater airline competition and year-round service patterns.
The savings must cover the two-hour drive and ground transportation cost from Charleston to Myrtle Beach for the deal to make sense.
Compare flight plus ground transportation total cost across both airports before booking, as the cheaper airport varies by departure city and travel dates.
How far is Charleston airport from Myrtle Beach?
Charleston International Airport is approximately 95 miles from Myrtle Beach with a drive time of roughly two hours via US Highway 17.
The route follows the South Carolina coast through Georgetown, Pawleys Island, and Murrells Inlet on a mostly two-lane highway.
Traffic is generally manageable outside peak summer Saturday travel windows and holiday weekends.
Does Myrtle Beach airport have international flights?
Myrtle Beach International Airport does not have scheduled international passenger flights despite the international designation in its name.
All commercial service from MYR is domestic with nonstop flights to cities within the United States.
The international designation reflects the airport’s customs facility capability for general aviation and cargo operations, not scheduled commercial international service.
What is the best airport for Myrtle Beach family vacations?
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the best airport for families with young children due to the short drive from the terminal to oceanfront hotels and resorts.
Charleston International Airport (CHS) offers more flight options and often lower fares that can save families hundreds of dollars on multiple tickets.
The best choice depends on whether time savings at MYR or fare savings at CHS matters more for your family’s specific trip.
Your Myrtle Beach Airport Decision
Myrtle Beach International Airport wins on proximity and convenience with an oceanfront location three miles from the boardwalk. Choose MYR when time matters more than saving on fares and when your travel dates align with peak summer schedules.
Charleston International Airport wins on airline choice and fare value for travelers who can absorb the two-hour drive. The broader route network and year-round service produce more flight options at prices that often undercut MYR significantly.
Search all four airports, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Wilmington, and Florence, simultaneously when booking flights. Compare the combined cost of flights and ground transportation to your specific accommodations, then lock in your airport choice and book everything together before summer inventory disappears.
