When Are Costco Gas Stations Open? Costco Gas Station Hours

When Are Costco Gas Stations Open?

For many Costco members, the Costco gas station is one of the biggest perks of membership. Costco gas prices are usually significantly lower than nearby gas stations which helps members save money at the pump. However, to take advantage of the savings, you need to know when your local Costco gas station is open.

Costco Gas Station Hours

Most Costco gas stations are open from 6:00am until 9:30pm Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, Costco gas station hours are typically from 7:00am until 7:00pm. However, hours can vary by location so it's always best to check with your local warehouse.

The Costco website has a gas station locator where you can find your local Costco gas station and view the hours of operation. You can also call your local warehouse directly to confirm their gas station hours.

Why Are Costco Gas Station Hours Limited?

Costco limits the hours for their gas stations in order to better control crowds and maintain efficiency. Since Costco gas prices are so low, the gas pumps often get very busy which can cause long lines and wait times. By limiting hours, especially on weekends, Costco is able to keep lines shorter and move members through more quickly.

The hours are also limited based on staffing considerations. Costco needs to schedule gas station attendants to monitor the pumps and assist members. Running the gas station all night would require additional staffing that would increase costs and undermine Costco's ability to offer discounted gas prices.

When is the Best Time to Get Gas at Costco?

If you want to avoid lines and wait times, the best time to fill up at Costco is usually early morning right when the gas station opens. For most locations, arriving shortly after 6:00am on weekdays is ideal. Weekend mornings right after opening at 7:00am are also good times.

Midday and evenings, especially on weekends, tend to be the busiest times at Costco gas stations. While you can generally expect some wait at any time, you'll likely encounter shortest lines during the early morning hours right after opening.

Gas Station Services at Opening and Closing

When Costco gas stations first open for the day, attendants will need to activate the pumps and perform inventory checks which can sometimes cause a brief delay before fueling begins. At closing time, the attendants will disable the pumps promptly at the posted closing time.

If you are in line when the closing time hits, the attendants will typically still allow vehicles that arrived before closing to fuel up. However, keep in mind that the wait could be longer if they need to shut down certain pumps. Trying to arrive before closing ensures a smoother experience.

Fueling Up When Costco Gas Stations Are Closed

Since Costco gas station hours are limited, what options do you have if you need gas at night or at other times when your local warehouse gas pumps are closed?

Pay with Cash at Select Costco Gas Stations

Some 24-hour Costco gas stations allow cash-only fuel purchases when the warehouse is closed. There will be signs indicating "Cash Only" if this option is available. You'll pay a slightly higher cash price but can still get discounted gas when the Costco warehouse and regular gas pumps are closed.

Find a Nearby 24-Hour Gas Station

If your Costco doesn't have 24-hour cash pumps, your next best option is to find a 24-hour gas station nearby. Prices will likely be higher than Costco but they should still be competitive. Apps like GasBuddy can locate and compare prices at stations open late night and early morning.

Plan Ahead and Fill Up Earlier

The most surefire way to avoid limited Costco gas hours is to simply plan ahead. Pay attention to your fuel gauge and fill up earlier in the day when you know Costco will be open instead of waiting until your tank is nearly empty at night. With a little planning, you can ensure you don't get caught needing gas when Costco is closed.

Extending Your Costco Membership to the Gas Pump

One of the best parts about Costco gas is that you earn additional rewards and savings when you combine your Costco membership card with a Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi. You'll earn 4% back on eligible gas purchases up to $7,000 per year. That's an extra 4% on top of the savings you already get from low Costco gas prices.

Just be sure to watch those Costco gas station hours and fuel up when it's open. With a Costco membership and credit card, you'll maximize savings at the pump.

FAQs

What are the standard Costco gas station hours?

Most Costco gas stations are open 6:00am to 9:30pm Monday through Friday. On weekends they are typically open 7:00am to 7:00pm. Hours vary by location so check with your local warehouse.

Can I get gas at Costco if I'm not a member?

No, you need an active Costco membership to purchase gas at Costco stations. Your membership card must be scanned at the pump to activate the fuel dispenser.

How late can I get gas at Costco?

The latest you can fuel up is usually 9:30pm on weekdays when closing time hits. If you are in line before closing the pumps will remain on to service vehicles that arrived on time.

Does Costco sell diesel fuel?

Yes, most Costco locations with gas stations offer both regular gasoline and diesel fuel. Diesel pumps are specially marked at Costco gas stations.