As of January 2026, Amtrak does not operate direct train service to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. However, travelers can access the train to Mystrle Beracvh SC to nearby stations and connect via bus or car rental.
The closest Amtrak station is in Florence, SC, which is nearly 70 miles away from Myrtle Beach, SC.
Is There Any Amtrak Service to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?
No. Myrtle Beach, which is known for its beaches, golf courses, and family attractions, does not have an Amtrak Station.
Why is there no Amtrak train service to Myrtle Beach, SC? – The Myrtle Beach rail transportation has never established direct service due to infrastructure challenges, preventing it from qualifying as a high-density corridor route.
Thruway bus and connecting options – In addition, Amtrak does not offer any Thruway bus connections. Passengers planning their trip to the Amtrak station near Myrtle Beach need to rely on independent bus operators, rental cars, taxis, or rideshare services.
South Carolina rail network – The Amtrak routes along the South Carolina coast operate through a partnership with rail freight companies like CSX and Norfolk Southern. These partnerships allow Amtrak to run passenger services like the Silver Service and Palmetto routes, which connect major cities only to major cities, including Charleston and Florence.
Decline in statewide ridership – The statewide ridership in South Carolina declined from approximately 196,000 passengers in 2017 to around 155,000 in 2023. Primary reasons can be due to post-pandemic impacts. There are local communities and independent state transportation actively advocating for improved rail connectivity to help reverse this trend.
What Are Popular Amtrak Routes to Reach Myrtle Beach?
Passengers traveling by train can use the nearest Amtrak station on the South Carolina coast, which is located in Florence, South Carolina. The distance from Florence railway station to Myrtle Beach downtown is 70 miles.
- Other Amtrak stations near Myrtle Beach include Kingstree, SC, which is located on Palmetto and Silver Meteor routes.
- Amtrak also operates a dedicated station in Charleston, SC, located 98 miles from Myrtle Beach. From there, travelers can access multiple public transportation options, as well as car rental and ride share services.
How Do Amtrak Connections to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Works?
Since Amtrak does not offers directy train travel to Myrtle Beach, the best and most practical way to get there is to book a train to Florence Amtrak Station.
From the Florence rail station, passengers can book a car rental service located just a short walk at 805 East Day Street, Florence, SC. Riders can also take a bus or a rideshare service for easy access.
Florence’s train station is served by Amtrak’s Silver Meteor and Palmetto trains. These trains originate from major cities in the U. S, like New York, Washington D.C., and Miami.
For first-time travelers concerned about safety onboard and at stations, check out Is Amtrak Train Safe? It will answer all your questions.
Bus connection from Florence to Myrtle Beach – Many bus companies offer direct bus service from Florence to Myrtle Beach.
- Greyhound: The service operates from the Florence bus station. Greyhound bus takes 1.5 hours, and the ticket ranges from 13 to 30 USD each way, depending on when travelers book. Greyhound bus has amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and recliner seats for comfort.
- Southeastern: The Southeastern Bus, which is a regional motorcoach service, connects to Myrtle Beach in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The service runs one daily trip with fares ranging from 25 to 95 USD.
- Trailway: Another US-based independent operator that offers trips to Myrtle Beach starting at 13.49 USD with an average duration of about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Protip: Passengers arriving at the Florence train station can take a tram to the bus station – a 22-minute commute that costs 2 USD each way.
Driving from Florence: For more flexibility and added convenience, travelers can also opt for
- Car Rentals: The pick-up facility is available from Florence train station as well as from Florence Regional Airport. Major vendors available in Florence include Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are are frewquenly available from the Florence train station and cost around 90-100 USD for a one-way trip to Myrtle Beach.
If you’re planning to bring luggage or beach gear for your Myrtle Beach trip, it is important to know how much luggage you can take on Amtrak. This will help you avoid last-minute surprises.
Future Amtrak Updates for Myrtle Beach
As of 2026, there are no confirmed updates about direct Amtrak service to Myrtle Beach. However, South Caroline’s 2024 Statewide Rail Plan outlines the vision for expansion across the state, which includes a possibility of providing an independent rail service to Myrtle Beach.
Besides, there are several projects and ongoing surveys that may benefit Myrtle Beach in the near future:
- Ongoing surveys for routes like Columbia to Charlotte, which may expand or add new routes to boost regional connectivity.
- The proposed high-speed rail between Atlanta and Charlotte might add a dedicated stop near Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.
In summary, Amtrak does not offer direct train service to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Travelers need to use the nearby stations, such as Florence and Charleston, SC, and then connect via Greyhound, car rental, or any rideshare services.
While Myrtle Beach rail transportation remains defunct due to infrastructure limitations, future expansion of the South Carolina rail network can change this. There are ongoing surveys and possible plans for launching high-speed rail, which may boost Myrtle Beach’s connectivity in the coming years.
Note: Myrtle Beach isn’t the only major destination without direct rail service. To understand how Amtrak serves cities without direct train access, check out Does Amtrak Train Go to Nashville?. Nashville faces a similar logistical issue as Myrtle Beach.
FAQs
Spring and fall seasons are often preferred as it offers the most comfortable travel conditions with fewer crowds.
Stations in South Carolina, like Florence and Charleston, offer amenities like waiting areas, ticket counters, restrooms, parking facilities, and limited dining options.
There are car rental vendors that offer electric as well as hybrid vehicles. Alternatively, car pooling through Uber and Lyft is the best eco-friendly alternative compared to private taxis.
