You've probably been there. It's Saturday morning. You’ve got a list longer than your arm, a craving for a $1.50 hot dog, and a desperate need for a 48-pack of toilet paper. But as you pull into the parking lot, you see a line of carts snaking around the building. You check your watch. Is it 9:00? 9:30? Honestly, the confusion over what time does Costco open on weekends is a rite of passage for every member.
Costco isn't like your local grocery store that stays open 24/7 or has predictable 8-to-8 hours. They have a very specific rhythm. If you don't know it, you're going to spend twenty minutes circling for a parking spot while the rotisserie chickens fly off the shelves.
The Saturday Morning Scramble
Saturdays are the big ones. For most of the country, Costco warehouses officially open their doors at 9:30 AM on Saturdays.
Wait. There’s a catch.
If you have an Executive Membership (the one that costs $130 a year), things changed recently. In mid-2025, Costco brought back a perk that people had been begging for: early access. Executive members can now actually get in at 9:00 AM on Saturdays. That thirty-minute head start is basically gold. It’s the difference between a calm stroll through the aisles and a full-contact sport involving oversized carts and narrow lanes.
For everyone else—the Gold Star and Business members—the doors stay locked until 9:30 AM. Don’t try to sneak in early; the employees at the door are surprisingly eagle-eyed when it comes to checking those card colors.
Sunday: The Day of Rest (and Shorter Hours)
Sundays feel different at Costco. The energy is a bit more relaxed, but the window to shop is much tighter.
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Generally, the warehouse opens at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Again, if you’ve sprung for the Executive tier, you get to skip the "regular" opening time. Executive members can walk in at 9:00 AM on Sundays. That is a full hour of exclusive shopping time before the masses arrive. If you’ve ever tried to navigate the electronics section on a Sunday afternoon, you know why people pay extra for that hour of peace.
Most locations wrap things up early on Sunday too, usually closing by 6:00 PM. If you’re a procrastinator, Sunday at 5:45 PM is a stressful place to be.
When the Business Centers Play by Different Rules
Not every Costco is a "warehouse." If you’ve ever wandered into a Costco Business Center thinking you were going to buy a giant teddy bear and a slice of pizza, you were probably disappointed. These locations are built for restaurant owners and office managers.
Their hours are wildly different from the standard locations. Most Business Centers actually open much earlier—often at 7:00 AM.
But here is the kicker: many Business Centers are closed on Sundays. They are laser-focused on the Monday through Saturday grind. If your local spot has "Business Center" in the name, double-check before you load the kids in the car on a Sunday morning. You’ll likely find a dark parking lot.
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Does the Gas Station Follow the Same Schedule?
Nope. And thank goodness for that.
Costco gas is one of the biggest draws, and they know people need fuel before the store even opens. Most Costco gas stations open as early as 6:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you want the absolute best experience, go at 6:30 AM. You’ll breeze through. If you wait until the warehouse opens at 9:30 or 10:00, you’re looking at a 15-minute wait minimum. It’s one of those weird psychological things where people finish shopping and then decide to get gas, creating a massive bottleneck right as the store hits peak capacity.
Why Do These Times Shift?
It’s worth mentioning that these aren't laws of physics. They are corporate policies that can vary by region.
In high-traffic areas like New Jersey, New York, or parts of California, some warehouses might open even earlier if the demand is high enough. Conversely, in smaller markets, they might stick strictly to the 10:00 AM start time regardless of the day.
Another thing to watch out for is local "Blue Laws." There are still places in the U.S. (looking at you, Bergen County, NJ) where certain stores aren't allowed to open at all on Sundays. Costco isn't exempt from local legislation. If you’re traveling and need a Costco fix, Google Maps is your best friend, but even then, calling the warehouse directly is the only way to be 100% sure.
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Tips for a Successful Weekend Run
If you're going to brave the weekend, you need a plan.
- The 15-Minute Rule: Most warehouses actually open their doors about 10 or 15 minutes before the "official" time if the vestibule gets too crowded. If the sign says 9:30, show up at 9:15. You might get lucky.
- Check the App: The Costco app has a warehouse locator that stays updated with holiday hours and local shifts.
- The Pharmacy Factor: Just because the store is open doesn't mean the pharmacy is. Most Costco pharmacies are closed on Sundays entirely. On Saturdays, they usually close earlier than the rest of the warehouse—often around 6:00 PM.
- Eat First or Eat Last? The food court usually opens the same time as the warehouse. If you want a cheap breakfast, the 9:00 AM Executive hour is the best time to grab a mocha freeze without a 20-person deep line.
Summary of Typical Weekend Hours
To keep it simple, here is how a standard weekend looks for a typical U.S. warehouse in 2026:
Saturday
- Executive Members: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- All Other Members: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Gas Station: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday
- Executive Members: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- All Other Members: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Gas Station: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Dealing with the weekend crowds is a bit of a sport. But knowing exactly when those doors slide open is half the battle. If you’re tired of the chaos, it might honestly be time to look into that Executive upgrade just for the 9:00 AM entry. It’s a game-changer for your sanity.
Before your next trip, take a quick look at your membership card. If it’s the black and gold Executive version, set your alarm for 8:30. If it’s the standard white Gold Star card, you’ve got a little more time to sleep in—just be ready to fight for a parking spot.
Actionable Next Step: Open the Costco app on your phone and set your "Home Warehouse." Check the "Warehouse Details" section right now to see if your specific location has any upcoming holiday closures or unique Sunday hours that differ from the national standard.