Costco Gas Station Hours of Operation

Updated for 2023. 

Costco gasoline stations are known for offering members a great value on high-quality fuel. Among their advertised advantages are stations designed for fast refueling and the best prices on gas. Wondering if your local gas station is open? Here are the Costco gas station hours.

About Costco Gas Stations

Gasoline sales are a massive part of Costco’s business.  In 2022 The big box retailer sold nearly a million gallons of gasoline per month from its 668 gas stations.  Sales for Costco’s gasoline business represented approximately 14% of total net sales in 2022  (Costco).  Selling gasoline doesn’t traditionally make a lot of money, so why does Costco go to all this trouble?  Although selling gasoline adds complexity to Costco’s business, having gas stations brings in additional customers that the big box retailer would not otherwise get.  Fully 50% of people who purchase gasoline also buy items in the warehouse locations.  And because Costco sells so much gas, they are still making money even if the margins are low (per CNN).

Costco Gas Station Hours

So, when are Costco gas stations open?

On weekdays Costco gas stations are typically open between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. (and some even open at 5 a.m.). They typically close between 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. These extended opening hours appeal to everyday commuters who drive to and from work every day, but who only shop at Costco Warehouses once in a while.

Costco weekend gas hours are shorter than during the week, but the hours of operation are still longer for the stations than for the stores. Pump hours begin at 7 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m on Saturdays and Sundays.  Some stations will close a bit earlier on Sundays than on Saturdays.

Store and gas station hours can change throughout the year, particularly during holiday seasons. Costco gas stations and stores are often open longer Monday through Friday. It is important to call the local Costco store and verify exact hours that they are open on a particular day, especially during the holidays.  You can also check the Costco holiday schedule.

Costco gas station hours are usually:

• Monday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Thursday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Friday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sunday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

When Are Costco Gas Stations Closed?

Costco Gas stations are closed on the following holidays:

• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Easter Sunday
• Memorial Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Years Day

Costco closed more often than it’s competitors like Walmart or Sam’s Club.  This is because the company has labor policies that allow its employees adequate time to be with their families. 

Costco Gas Prices

Costco can typically offer gasoline for about 20 cents a gallon below local competitors’ prices, which is one reason why their gasoline sales account for 9 percent of the company’s revenue. The company does not show their gas prices on their website, partly because gas prices are subject to a high degree of market fluctuation as well as differences in local taxation structures. 

Do I Need a Costco Membership to Buy Costco Gas?

Yes. You need a Costco membership to buy Costco gas.  Only Costco members or Costco Cash Card customers can make purchases at Costco stations.

Types of Gas at Costco Gas Stations

Regular Unleaded (typically 87 octane), Premium Unleaded (typically 91 octane) are offered at Costco stations. Diesel fuel is available in some locations. Octane requirements can vary by state. Costco buys fuel from major refineries and distributors in each area. All of Costco’s gasoline is fully guaranteed, just like the merchandise they sell in their warehouses. (Read more about Costco gas quality and type here.)

Ways To Save At Costco’s Pump

Costco already has low prices, but here are some ways to hack how much you pay at Costco’s pump. 

1. Buy Gas Early in The Day When It Is Cool 

One simple tip is to buy your gas early in the morning. Gasoline is denser in cold temperatures, so you’ll get slightly more fuel for your money if you fill up when the temperatures are low. In addition, gas stations often raise prices in the afternoon and evening, so you’ll save even more if you buy in the morning.  Consumer Reports has more.

2. Use A Cash Back Card

There are a number of cash back cards which give you a portion of your Costco Gas purchase back.  Also, Costco credit cards offer 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases for the first $7,000 per year (then 1%), per CNBC.  

3. Scan Your Costco Gas Receipts

Most people don’t think twice about throwing away their receipts. But you can effectively reduce the price of your Costco gas by scanning your receipts? There are a number of apps that will give you cash back for doing this. For example, Fetch Opinion Rewards and Receipt Hog both let you earn rewards for uploading any type of receipt. So next time you’re about to throw away a Costco gas receipt, stop and think – it could be worth a bit of extra cash.

Costco Gas Might Not Be The Cheapest, So Shop Around

Your local Costco gas station will typically offer the lowest gas prices in the immediate area. However, when evaluating whether or not Costco gas is a good deal, you will need to compare prices in your area. For example, many supermarkets such as Safeway or Fred Meyer offer per-gallon discounts on a particular brand of gas based on what you spend on groceries. So if you are buying gas after you shop, the amount you save could be substantially more per gallon than the discount Costco offers. You will also need to factor in the cash back rewards on any credit card you might be using.

We recommend using the GasBuddy App for updated Costco gas prices, or visit www.gasbuddy.com and search for your local city to find the least-expensive gas prices around,  Then  you can plan on filling up at a time and place where you know you’ll be near cheap fuel. Also by using grocery-chain gas discounts wherever you can find them, you might be able to save more cash at the pump.

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The author contacted Costco Customer service to research and fact check this article.

Readers, have you saved big on Costco Gas? If so, leave us a comment below.

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