You’ve been there. You pull into the massive asphalt sea of a Costco parking lot, ready to tackle a list that includes 48 rolls of toilet paper and a rotisserie chicken, only to see a crowd of people huddled by the sliding glass doors like they’re waiting for a concert to start. Or worse, you arrive at 6:15 p.m. on a Sunday and the lights are already dimming.
Knowing what time does the costco open is kinda more complicated than just checking a single number on a website. Because honestly, the answer depends entirely on who you are, what you’re buying, and even what country you’re standing in.
The Standard Warehouse Shuffle
For the vast majority of shoppers in the United States, the "magic hour" is 10:00 a.m. on weekdays. That’s when the gates officially roll up for Gold Star and Business members.
But if you’re a weekend warrior, things shift. On Saturdays, most locations throw the doors open at 9:30 a.m., giving you a thirty-minute head start on your bulk-buying spree. Sundays are a different beast entirely. Most warehouses don't open until 10:00 a.m. and—here is the kicker that trips everyone up—they shut down early, usually by 6:00 p.m. If you show up at 7:00 p.m. on a Sunday hoping for a cheap hot dog, you're going to be staring at your own reflection in a locked door. It happens to the best of us.
The Executive Member "Secret" Hour
There’s a huge perk that Costco rolled out recently that basically changed the game for frequent shoppers. If you’ve shelled out the $130 for an Executive Membership, you don't actually have to wait until 10:00 a.m.
In many locations, Executive members get early access starting at 9:00 a.m. daily. This isn't just a "nice to have" feature. Data from retail analysts like Placer.ai shows that this extra hour has significantly thinned out the mid-day crowds. People with the black cards get in, get their giant tubs of spinach, and get out before the "regular" opening time even hits. It makes the whole experience way less stressful.
Gas Stations and Business Centers: The Early Birds
If you think 9:00 a.m. is early, you haven't seen the gas station queues. Costco gas stations are legendary for their prices, and they operate on a much wider window than the actual store.
Most Costco fuel centers open as early as 6:00 a.m. and stay open until 10:00 p.m. on weekdays. It’s the perfect setup for commuters who need a fill-up before the office. Just don't expect to run inside and grab a muffin at 6:15 a.m.; the warehouse stays locked tight even while the pumps are humming.
Then there are the Costco Business Centers. These are a different breed. They aren't the places where you buy a 75-inch TV. They cater to restaurant owners and office managers. Because of that, they open way earlier—usually 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday. If you’re a morning person and just need bulk staples without the samples and the seasonal aisles, checking if there's a Business Center near you is a total pro move.
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When the Doors Stay Locked: 2026 Holiday Closures
Costco is one of the few retail giants that actually gives its employees a real break on major holidays. They don't do the "open at 4:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving" thing. If it's a big holiday, they are closed. Period.
For 2026, you can count on every U.S. warehouse being shuttered on these seven days:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Easter Sunday (April 5)
- Memorial Day (May 25)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (September 7)
- Thanksgiving Day (November 26)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Interestingly, they are open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, and Veterans Day. But on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, they almost always close early—usually around 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. So, if you’re planning a last-minute party, you've gotta get there before the sun starts to go down.
Why the Times Actually Matter
You might wonder why a company as big as Costco doesn't just stay open 24/7 or at least until 11:00 p.m. like some grocery stores. It’s basically about their business model. By keeping shorter hours, they save a massive amount on labor and utility costs, which is part of how they keep the markup on products so low (usually capped at about 14-15%).
Also, it gives the "night crew" a chance to restock those massive pallets using forklifts without having to dodge toddlers and carts. If you’ve ever seen a Costco at 11:00 p.m., it’s a whirlwind of activity, just without any customers.
Expert Strategies for Your Next Visit
If you want to avoid the "Costco Rage" that comes with a packed parking lot, timing is everything.
Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are statistically the quietest times to shop. If you can swing a 10:30 a.m. trip on a Tuesday, you’ll feel like you own the place. Conversely, Friday evenings and Saturday mornings are absolute chaos.
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Also, keep in mind that the Pharmacy and Optical departments often have their own specific hours that might not perfectly align with the warehouse. Most pharmacies close for a half-hour lunch break (usually between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.), so don't plan your pickup for then or you'll be waiting around.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you grab your keys and head out, take these three quick steps to ensure you aren't wasting a trip:
- Verify via the App: Use the official Costco app to check your specific "Home" warehouse. Some locations in high-traffic areas like NYC or Los Angeles have slightly different schedules due to local zoning.
- Check Your Membership Tier: If you’re a Gold Star member, don't show up at 9:00 a.m. thinking you can sneak in early. They check cards at the door, and the "Executive Hour" is strictly enforced.
- Plan for Gas Separately: If you only need gas, go before 8:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. The lines are significantly shorter when the main warehouse is closed.