You're standing in the parking lot, staring at the automatic sliding doors, but they aren't sliding. We've all been there. It’s a Saturday afternoon, specifically Saturday, January 17, 2026, and you just realized your "quick" trip for a rotisserie chicken and a 48-pack of toilet paper might be in jeopardy. Knowing what time close costco today isn't just about reading a sign on a door; it's about navigating the weird, specific quirks of the retail giant's weekend schedule.
The Short Answer: Saturday Closing Times
Most Costco warehouses in the United States and Canada close at 6:00 PM on Saturdays.
If you’re used to the weekday grind where they stay open until 8:30 PM, this six-o'clock cutoff can feel like a personal attack. Honestly, it’s one of those things that catches seasoned members off guard. You think you have the whole evening to browse the middle aisle "treasures," and suddenly the overhead lights start dimming.
However, there is a slight "Executive" nuance. While Gold Star and Business members generally see the doors open at 9:30 AM, some locations allow Executive members in as early as 9:00 AM. But that closing time? It’s a hard 6:00 PM for everyone.
Is It Different Today?
Since today is January 17, 2026, you're in the clear regarding major holidays. New Year's Day is in the rearview mirror, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day isn't until Monday. Costco is open today. No weird holiday closures to worry about, just the standard Saturday "early" wrap-up.
Why the Gas Pump and Warehouse Don't Match
If you only need fuel, don't panic yet. Costco gas stations are the rebels of the corporate schedule. They don't care about the warehouse hours.
Typically, the pumps stay on much longer than the registers inside. While the warehouse shuts down at 6:00 PM today, most Costco gas stations close at 8:30 PM on Saturdays. They usually open at 6:00 AM, giving you a massive window to beat the rush.
I’ve seen people pull away from the warehouse disappointed, not realizing they could still top off their tank. Just keep in mind that the gas station attendants follow their own clock. If you arrive at 8:31 PM, you’re likely out of luck.
The "Secret" Business Center Schedule
If you’re lucky enough to live near a Costco Business Center, the rules change entirely. These are different beasts. They cater to restaurant owners and office managers, so their hours are built for the early bird.
- Business Center Closing Time: Usually 6:00 PM on Saturdays.
- The Catch: They open much earlier, often at 7:00 AM.
- The Sunday Warning: Most Business Centers are completely closed on Sundays.
If you're planning a massive haul for a Sunday party, do not wait until tomorrow if you're a Business Center regular. Get it done today before that 6:00 PM whistle blows.
Pharmacy and Optical: A Store Within a Store
Here is where things get genuinely frustrating. You can’t just assume the Pharmacy is open because the warehouse is.
Costco Pharmacies often have reduced hours on Saturdays. While many stay open until the warehouse closes at 6:00 PM, some close as early as 5:00 PM. Even worse? Most Costco Pharmacies are closed on Sundays. If you’re reading this on Saturday afternoon and need a prescription, stop reading and start driving.
The Optical department usually mirrors the warehouse hours (closing at 6:00 PM today), but they take lunch breaks. I once waited forty minutes for a frame adjustment because the one technician on duty was on their state-mandated break. It's a small detail, but it'll ruin your afternoon if you're in a rush.
Surviving the Saturday Rush
Saturday at Costco is basically a contact sport. Between the sample stations and the oversized carts, navigating the aisles at 4:30 PM (the peak "pre-closing" rush) is stressful.
If you want to avoid the chaos:
- Go early. The 9:30 AM opening is busy, but it's nothing compared to the mid-afternoon frenzy.
- Use the App. The Costco app has a warehouse locator that shows the exact hours for your specific zip code. Don't trust a general Google result if you live in a high-density area like Brooklyn or Los Angeles—local laws sometimes tweak these times.
- The Food Court Hack. Most food courts stop taking orders about 10–15 minutes before the warehouse officially closes. If you want that $1.50 hot dog, make it your first stop, not your last.
Tomorrow's Forecast (Sunday, Jan 18)
Planning to procrastinate? Tomorrow is even tighter. On Sundays, Costco warehouses typically open at 10:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. The window is small, and the crowds are arguably worse because everyone is doing their "meal prep" shopping at the exact same time.
What to Do Right Now
If you need to know what time close costco today, the clock is ticking toward that 6:00 PM mark.
Check your list. If you need a prescription, go now—the pharmacy might beat you to the exit. If you just need gas, you have until 8:30 PM. For everything else, grab your membership card and aim to be through the checkout line by 5:45 PM. There is nothing more stressful than hearing the "The warehouse is now closed" announcement while you're still looking for the giant jars of hearts of palm.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your specific location via the Costco Warehouse Finder to ensure no local maintenance or regional variations are in play for the Jan 17-18 weekend.
- Prioritize the Pharmacy if you have medications to pick up, as they do not operate on Sundays in the vast majority of locations.
- Check your gas levels; if you're low, aim for a post-6:00 PM fill-up when the warehouse crowds have cleared but the pumps are still active.