Black Friday means deals, crowds, and chaos—everywhere. But what about Costco gas stations?

With warehouse stores mobbed for holiday shopping, gas lines can stretch around the block.

Is it worth braving those crowds to save a few cents per gallon, or should you find a quieter alternative?

Here’s the full breakdown.

Costco Gas Price Trends on Black Friday

Good news: Gas prices at Costco don’t usually spike on Black Friday. Most warehouse clubs keep their pricing consistent, and you might even see slightly lower prices heading into Thanksgiving weekend. However, demand skyrockets as shoppers combine gas fill-ups with their Black Friday warehouse runs.

For historical price trends, check out Current Gas Prices Near Me: What’s Driving Today’s Fuel Cost Fluctuations.

Wait Times on Black Friday and Surrounding Days

Black Friday brings the longest wait times of the year at Costco gas stations—often 30 to 60 minutes or more at peak hours. The day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday) is almost as bad, as travelers top off tanks before hitting the road. Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving also see heavy traffic.

The calmest day? Thanksgiving itself—most Costco gas stations close or run limited hours, and the few open are usually quiet.

Pros of Hitting Costco Gas on Black Friday

• Consistent savings: Costco gas prices stay competitive even on busy shopping days.
• One-stop shopping: Combine your gas fill-up with holiday shopping inside the warehouse.
• Predictable prices: No surprise holiday price gouging at warehouse clubs.

Cons of Costco Gas on Black Friday

• Extreme wait times: Lines can exceed an hour at busy locations.
• Stress and chaos: Packed lots, impatient drivers, and holiday crowds amplify frustration.
• Wasted time: Your hourly wage may outweigh the gas savings after factoring in wait time.

Strategies for Beating the Crowds

Want Costco gas savings without the Black Friday chaos? Try these tips:

• Go early or late: Hit the station right at opening (before 7 a.m.) or after 8 p.m. when crowds thin.
• Fill up Tuesday or Monday: Beat the Thanksgiving rush by filling your tank early in the week.
• Skip Black Friday entirely: Wait until the following Monday or Tuesday when traffic returns to normal.
• Use alternative warehouse clubs: Sam’s Club and BJ’s often have shorter lines during holidays.

Learn more at How to Avoid Long Lines and Wait Times at Popular Cheap Gas Stations.

Alternative Fuel Stops During Holidays

If Costco lines look crazy, don’t panic. Other options include:

• Sam’s Club or BJ’s: These warehouse gas stations see lighter traffic than Costco in many areas.
• Local independent stations: Use price apps to find nearby cheap gas without the warehouse crowds.
• 24-hour gas stations: Late-night stops often mean zero wait, even on busy weekends.

Find alternatives at Best Gas Stations Near Me: Comparing Costs, Quality, and Convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Costco gas prices lower on Black Friday?

Prices stay consistent or drop slightly, but demand surges, creating long waits instead of price changes.

What’s the worst day for Costco gas lines during Thanksgiving weekend?

Black Friday itself—especially mid-morning to mid-afternoon—brings the longest waits.

Should I fill up on Thanksgiving Day instead?

If your local Costco gas is open, Thanksgiving Day is usually the quietest time all weekend.

How much time will I save by going early or late?

Early morning (before 8 a.m.) or evening (after 8 p.m.) can cut wait times from 45+ minutes to under 10 minutes.

Are there better alternatives to Costco gas on Black Friday?

Yes—Sam’s Club, BJ’s, and independent stations often have shorter lines and competitive prices during the holiday rush.

Black Friday gas runs can be worth it if you time them right—but don’t let holiday FOMO trap you in a 60-minute line! Plan ahead, use off-peak hours, and keep alternative options in mind for a stress-free fill-up.