How to Get a Ride from Sun City Airport
Your options for getting from Sun City Airport to your destination
Sun City Airport (SUU), located in St. George, Utah, sits about 40 miles northeast of the South Carolina border near the Tri-Cities area. If you're flying into this regional airport and need ground transportation, you have several ways to arrange a ride: ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, traditional taxi dispatch, rental car companies, and airport shuttle services run by hotels and private operators.
The ride you choose depends on your budget, how many people are traveling with you, whether you need a return trip scheduled in advance, and how far you're going in South Carolina. Some visitors heading to Myrtle Beach or other coastal destinations find it cheaper to rent a car for a multi-day trip; others prefer a single shuttle ride if they're staying at one hotel and not planning to drive elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft operate at Sun City Airport and typically cost less than traditional taxis for single trips to nearby South Carolina destinations.
- Many hotels in Myrtle Beach and other South Carolina towns offer their own airport shuttle services, often included free with your room or available for a flat fee.
- Private shuttle companies serve Sun City Airport and can arrange round-trip rides in advance, which is useful if you want a may provide pickup time on your return flight.
- Rental car companies have desks at the airport, and renting may cost less than multiple shuttle rides if you plan to explore South Carolina during your stay.
- Taxi dispatch services operate from the airport but typically charge more per mile than ride-sharing apps for the same route.
Ride-sharing apps at Sun City Airport
Uber and Lyft both serve Sun City Airport. You request a ride through their apps, and a driver picks you up from the designated ride-sharing lot near the terminal. Wait times are usually 5 to 15 minutes during normal hours, though peak travel times (early morning, evening) may add 10 to 20 minutes. Fares vary based on demand and distance; a ride to Myrtle Beach (roughly 50 miles) typically costs between $45 and $75 depending on the service level you choose.
Both apps show you the estimated fare before you confirm the ride, so you know the cost upfront. You pay through the app, and tipping is optional but common. If you're unfamiliar with the apps, you can download them before your flight and set up your payment method at home, which makes the airport pickup faster.
Hotel shuttle services from Sun City Airport
Many hotels in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and other South Carolina destinations near the airport offer complimentary or low-cost shuttle service. When you book your room, ask whether the hotel provides airport transportation and whether it's free or what the fee is. Some hotels include it for all guests; others charge $15 to $25 per person depending on distance.
If your hotel offers a shuttle, you typically call the hotel's front desk or a dedicated shuttle line when you land, and they dispatch a driver to pick you up from a designated area. Shuttles usually run on a schedule (every 30 minutes, for example) rather than on-demand, so wait times can be longer than ride-sharing. However, the cost is predictable, and you don't need to download an app or provide a credit card at the airport.
Private shuttle companies serving the airport
Independent shuttle operators run scheduled and on-demand services from Sun City Airport to destinations across South Carolina. These companies typically charge a flat rate per person or per vehicle, and you can book online or by phone before your trip. Rates vary by distance and company, but a ride to Myrtle Beach generally runs $30 to $50 per person for a shared shuttle or $80 to $120 for a private vehicle.
The advantage of booking a private shuttle in advance is certainty: you know your driver will be waiting at a specific time, which removes the uncertainty of app-based pickup or hotel shuttle schedules. Private shuttles are also useful if you're traveling with a large group, because splitting the cost of a van among six people often costs less per person than individual ride-sharing trips. Ask whether the company offers round-trip discounts if you book your return ride at the same time.
Taxi services at Sun City Airport
Traditional taxi dispatch operates from Sun City Airport. You can call for a taxi from the ground transportation desk in the terminal, or find the taxi stand outside baggage claim. Taxis charge by the meter, so the final cost depends on the route and traffic. A metered ride to Myrtle Beach typically costs $60 to $90, which is usually more than Uber or Lyft for the same trip.
Taxis do not require an app or advance booking, and drivers accept cash or card. If you prefer not to use a smartphone app or want the simplicity of hailing a car at the airport, a taxi is a straightforward option, though you'll pay more per mile than ride-sharing services.
Rental cars and when they make sense
Rental car companies including Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis have desks at Sun City Airport. If you plan to spend several days exploring South Carolina—visiting state parks, driving to different beaches, or touring inland attractions—renting a car may cost less overall than paying for multiple shuttle rides or ride-sharing trips. A compact car rental typically runs $30 to $60 per day depending on the season and how far in advance you book.
Rental cars also give you flexibility to leave your hotel on your own schedule and explore at your own pace. The trade-off is that you're responsible for fuel, parking fees at attractions, and tolls on some highways. If you're staying in one place and don't plan to drive, a rental car adds unnecessary cost and hassle.
Comparing costs and convenience
| Transportation Type | Cost to Myrtle Beach (approx.) | Booking Method | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber/Lyft | $45–$75 per person | App (download in advance) | 5–20 minutes |
| Hotel shuttle | Free–$25 per person | Phone call to hotel | 15–45 minutes |
| Private shuttle | $30–$50 per person (shared) or $80–$120 (private) | Website or phone (book ahead) | Scheduled time (no wait if on time) |
| Taxi | $60–$90 per person | Ground transportation desk | 10–30 minutes |
| Rental car | $30–$60 per day plus fuel | Rental desk at airport | 30–60 minutes (paperwork) |
Tips for booking your ride
Download Uber or Lyft before you travel so you're not setting up an account on airport WiFi with luggage in hand. If you're using a hotel shuttle, call ahead from the airport rather than waiting until you reach baggage claim; this gives the hotel time to dispatch a driver. For private shuttles, book at least a day or two before your flight so the company can confirm your reservation and send you pickup details.
Keep your hotel's phone number and address handy, and know whether your destination is in Myrtle Beach proper or in a surrounding town like North Myrtle Beach or Surfside Beach—distance affects both wait time and cost. If you're arriving late at night or very early in the morning, check whether your preferred service is running; some shuttles operate on limited schedules during off-peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tip the driver?
Tipping is not required but is customary. For ride-sharing apps, you can add a tip through the app after your ride ends. For taxis and shuttles, cash tips of $2 to $5 are standard, though card payment with a tip option is increasingly available. Hotel shuttles included free with your room do not require a tip, though some guests leave $1 to $2 per person.
What if my flight is delayed and I miss my scheduled shuttle?
If you booked a private shuttle in advance, call the company as soon as you know your flight will be late; most will rebook you on a later departure at no extra charge. Hotel shuttles typically run on a schedule, so a delay means waiting for the next shuttle. Ride-sharing apps let you request a new ride whenever you're ready, so delays don't affect your pickup.
Can I book a round-trip ride when I arrive?
Yes. Private shuttle companies often offer round-trip discounts if you book both legs at the same time. Ride-sharing apps work on a per-trip basis, so you book your return ride separately when you're ready to leave. Hotel shuttles may also offer return transportation; ask when you arrange your arrival shuttle.
Is Sun City Airport the closest airport to Myrtle Beach?
No. Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is closer to Myrtle Beach and other South Carolina coastal destinations. However, Sun City Airport may have cheaper flights or more convenient schedules depending on where you're flying from. If you do land at Sun City, the 40-mile ride to Myrtle Beach is manageable by any of these transportation methods.
What happens if I arrive without a pre-booked ride?
You can use Uber or Lyft immediately from the airport, call a taxi from the ground transportation desk, or ask at the hotel information desk whether your hotel offers a shuttle. Private shuttle companies may have availability for same-day pickup, though advance booking is more reliable. Having a backup plan—like knowing your hotel's phone number—is helpful if your first choice is unavailable.