Short answer: New York City to Myrtle Beach is an easy long-weekend leap. It’s roughly 575 miles by road (about 9.5–11.5 hours without major traffic), or around 560 miles as the crow flies. Nonstop flights, when available, take about 1 hour 45 minutes—door-to-door often 5–7 hours. Choose car for flexibility, plane for speed. ✈️🚗
Key Takeaways for Travelers
- Driving distance: about 575 miles / 925 km; plan 9.5–11.5 hours plus stops.
- Straight-line distance: roughly 560 miles / 900 km; fastest by plane (1h45m–2h airborne).
- Most direct route: I‑95 S with a final approach via US‑501/SC‑22 toward the coast.
- Best value: Road trip for families; quick flyers win on short getaways.
- Peak traffic: Summer weekends and holiday Fridays around NYC, Baltimore, D.C., and Richmond.
The Distance at a Glance
From Midtown Manhattan to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is typically around 575 road miles. With steady highway speeds and average stops, most drivers take 9.5–11.5 hours. The straight-line (air) distance is ~560 miles, translating to ~1h45m–2h in the air on a nonstop. Add check-in, security, and airport transfers and your door-to-door flight time is usually 5–7 hours. ⏱️
How to Get There
Driving 🚗
Fastest common route: Head south via the NJ Turnpike/Garden State Parkway to I‑95 S. In North Carolina, many drivers peel off toward US‑74/US‑501 and SC‑22 for a smooth coastal approach.
- Time: 9.5–11.5 hours (longer on peak summer weekends).
- Tolls: Expect tolls across NJ, DE, and MD; E‑ZPass speeds things up.
- Fuel math: 575 miles ÷ 28 mpg ≈ 20.5 gallons. At $3.50/gal, that’s about $72 in gas (one way).
- Smart departure: Leave before 6 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to dodge NYC/DC rushes.
- Good break points: Richmond, VA; Fayetteville, NC—easy food, fuel, and restrooms.
Pro tip: Hate I‑95 congestion? An inland alternate via I‑78 → I‑81 can bypass Baltimore/Washington at the cost of a few extra miles—often worth it on holiday Fridays. 🗺️
Flying ✈️
You’ll land at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), roughly 10–15 minutes from oceanfront hotels. Seasonal nonstops from NYC-area airports appear in peak periods; otherwise expect a 1-stop via hubs like Charlotte or Atlanta.
- Airborne time: ~1h45m–2h nonstop; ~3–5+ hours with a connection.
- Door-to-door: Usually 5–7 hours including airport time on both ends.
- When to fly: Best for 2–4 day trips or if you’d rather be on the sand by lunch. 🏖️
Bus 🚌 and Train 🚆
Bus: The least expensive but slowest. Typical schedules take 12–16 hours with transfers. Overnight runs help you sleep through the miles.
Train: There’s no direct rail to the beach. Ride Amtrak to Florence, SC or Kingstree, SC (often 11–13 hours), then a shuttle or rental car for the final 1–1.5 hours to the coast.
Quick Facts Box
- Destination: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Language: English
- Best seasons: April–May and September–October for warm water and lighter crowds ☀️
- Peak: June–August (hot, busy, pricier)
- Average daily budget: $120–$250 per person (lodging, food, activities)
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Apr–May): Pleasant 68–78°F days, blooming gardens, smaller lines at attractions.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Beach-perfect 85–90°F, warm water, biggest crowds. Book early and plan parking.
Fall (Sep–Oct): Still-swimmable water, sunny days, lower prices—a sweet spot for couples and golfers. ⛳
Winter (Nov–Feb): Mild (50s–60s°F), quiet beaches, great hotel deals, fewer attractions operating.
Note: Atlantic hurricane season runs June–November, with the highest odds August–October. Check forecasts if traveling then. 🌧️
Sample Travel Scenarios
Weekend Dash by Air
Fly down Friday morning, check in by noon, and enjoy two full beach sunsets. Return late Sunday or early Monday. You’ll trade a bit of airline pricing for maximum sand time. 🏖️
Family Road Trip
Pack snacks and swimsuits, leave before sunrise, and picnic near Richmond. Reach the coast by dinner, save on airfare, and carry more gear without baggage fees. Consider a stop at a kid-friendly trampoline park or outlet mall en route. 😄
Cost Breakdown
| Mode | Typical Time (one way) | Approx. Cost (one way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive (solo) | 9.5–11.5 hrs | $90–$150 (fuel + tolls) | Flexibility, luggage, budget |
| Drive (family of 4) | 9.5–11.5 hrs | $110–$180 total | Best value per person |
| Fly (economy) | 5–7 hrs door-to-door | $120–$350+ per person | Short stays, time-savers |
| Bus | 12–16 hrs | $60–$140 per person | Shoestring budgets |
| Train + shuttle | 12–15 hrs total | $110–$220 per person | Comfortable seats, scenic |
Estimates vary by season, day of week, sales, fuel prices, and route. Always check current prices. 🐷
Getting Around on Arrival
- Rental car: The easiest way to explore beaches, golf courses, and outlets.
- Rideshare/taxis: Handy for airport-to-hotel and short hops along Ocean Boulevard.
- Parking: Oceanfront hotels may charge nightly fees; ask before you book.
- Bikes/scooters: Fun for the Boardwalk—use designated lanes and follow local rules. 🚲
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving NYC at peak times. Aim for pre-dawn or late evening to sidestep I‑95 bottlenecks.
- Underestimating summer heat. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and water. 🧴
- Ignoring storm forecasts. Flexible plans help in late-summer hurricane windows.
- Skipping lodging research. Check for resort/parking fees and walkability to the beach.
- Not planning your final approach. SC‑22 and SC‑31 can save time compared to surface streets.
Nearby Destinations to Consider
- Wilmington, NC: Charming riverfront, film history, and Wrightsville Beach.
- Charleston, SC: Cobblestones, cuisine, and historic tours—about 2 hours farther south.
- Virginia Beach, VA: A bit closer to NYC, wide beaches, lively boardwalk.
- Outer Banks, NC: Windswept dunes, lighthouses, and wild horses. 🌊
FAQs
How many miles is it by car?
About 575 miles from central NYC to the heart of Myrtle Beach, depending on your exact start/end points.
How long is the drive?
Typically 9.5–11.5 hours without serious traffic; add time for meals, fuel, and summer congestion.
What’s the quickest route?
I‑95 S is the most direct; using SC‑22/SC‑31 for the final leg often beats surface roads. An I‑78 → I‑81 inland option can avoid DC/Baltimore traffic.
Is flying faster overall?
Yes for short trips. Nonstop airborne time is ~1h45m–2h; door-to-door usually 5–7 hours.
Are there nonstop flights?
Seasonally, yes from some NYC-area airports. Off-peak, expect a 1‑stop via major hubs.
Can I get there without a car?
Yes—fly into MYR and use rideshare/taxis; or take a bus. By train, ride to Florence/Kingstree, then shuttle or car for the last stretch.
How much will tolls cost when driving?
Plan roughly $30–$60 one way, depending on route and time of day.
Where should I stop on a road trip?
Easy breaks: Newark, DE (early), Richmond, VA (midway), or Fayetteville, NC (late). Plenty of fuel, food, and parks to stretch.
Conclusion
The beach is closer than you think. Whether you’re road‑tripping the 575 miles with playlists and snacks or zipping down on a quick flight, getting from NYC to Myrtle Beach is straightforward. Pick the mode that fits your time and budget, pack the sunscreen, and enjoy that first ocean breeze. 🌴☀️