If you’ve passed a Costco lately, you may have noticed how many cars are lined up at the gas pumps. What used to be a fairly quick stop for cheaper fuel can now mean waiting 15 to 20 minutes before you get your turn.

Some drivers don’t mind the delay if it means paying less per gallon. Others are starting to question whether the savings are worth sitting in a long line, especially when there are other gas stations nearby.

Costco (2) — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Why So Many People Are Choosing Costco Gas

Cost is the biggest reason drivers keep heading to Costco. Its gas prices are often 20 to 30 cents lower per gallon than those at nearby stations, which can make a noticeable difference for anyone filling a larger tank.

With prices changing so often, drivers are looking for ways to cut back on fuel costs. Costco is an easy choice for members who already shop at the warehouse and want to save a little on their regular fill-ups.

The trouble starts when too many people have the same idea. As more drivers head to Costco for cheaper gas, the lines get longer, and a stop that should take a few minutes can turn into a much longer wait.

Long Lines Can Take Away From the Savings

One shopper recently said they stopped for gas late in the morning, expecting the earlier rush to be over. Instead, they found cars waiting 15 to 20 minutes, with traffic backing up around the gas station.

A wait that long can make the lower price feel less appealing. If you’re already spending a good chunk of your time waiting for fuel, the savings may not seem as worthwhile.

Gas prices can also change throughout the day depending on local market conditions and competition from nearby stations. That means the price you saw earlier might be different by the time you arrive, which can be frustrating after you’ve already waited in line.

The Best Time to Get Gas at Costco

If Costco is your usual place to fill up, choosing the right time can help you avoid some of the crowds. Early morning is often a quieter option, especially if you arrive before the warehouse gets busy, and some drivers stop for gas before the store even opens.

Late evening can also be worth trying at locations with longer operating hours. Midday, weekends, and busy shopping periods can bring heavier traffic, so those times may mean a longer wait.

Every location has its own patterns, though. One Costco might be quiet at 9 a.m., while another already has a line, so paying attention to your local station over a few visits can help you find a better time to stop.

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Is Costco Gas Still Worth the Wait?

For many drivers, it still is. Saving 20 or 30 cents per gallon can add up over several fill-ups, especially if you drive a vehicle with a large gas tank, and eligible card rewards may offer another way to save.

Still, the time spent waiting has a cost of its own. Sitting in line for 20 minutes, using fuel while your car idles, and dealing with crowded traffic can eat into the money you thought you were saving. If another gas station nearby charges only a few cents more per gallon, stopping there might be the better choice. Paying a little extra could be worth it if you can fill up and get back on the road in five minutes.

Costco gas can still be a good deal, but the lowest price doesn’t automatically make it the best option every time. Some drivers are happy to wait for the savings, while others would rather pay a little more and avoid the line.

Next time you pull up to Costco and see cars backed up at the pumps, take a moment to compare prices at nearby stations. The difference might make the wait worthwhile, or it might give you a good reason to fill up somewhere else.