Cheapest Gas Prices in Merced, California Today
Looking for the best gas prices near you in Merced? The Costco gas station at 1445 R St offers competitive fuel prices in the heart of California’s Central Valley. This compact location provides regular and premium gasoline with convenient access from Highway 99. While this Merced location features a smaller footprint compared to some Central Valley Costco stations, members appreciate the economical pricing and strategic timing options that help avoid wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Costco gas least busy in Merced California?
Early morning from 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM on weekdays offers the shortest waits at this location. Members report that mid-morning from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and early afternoons from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM also provide quicker service. Since this is a more compact station compared to nearby Modesto Costco or Turlock Costco, timing your visit during off-peak hours makes a significant difference in wait times.
What types of gas are available at Costco Merced?
This station offers regular unleaded and premium gasoline. Diesel fuel is not available at this location. If you need diesel, the nearest Costco stations with diesel service are Fresno Costco (approximately 55 miles north) and Bakersfield Costco (approximately 110 miles south). Members consistently report excellent fuel quality with Costco’s TOP TIER certified gasoline.
What are the gas station hours at Costco Merced CA?
Gas pumps are open Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturdays from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and Sundays from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The early 6:00 AM opening is ideal for commuters heading to work in Merced, Atwater, or nearby Central Valley communities. These extended hours, which rolled out across most Costco locations in early 2025, give members more flexibility to fuel up outside peak times.
How long is the typical wait time at Costco gas Merced?
Wait times vary throughout the day at this more compact station. During off-peak hours, you can typically fuel up in 5-10 minutes. Peak times like weekday evenings (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) and weekend afternoons can see waits of 15-25 minutes. Gas attendants are present to help direct traffic flow and assist members. Smart members use the hour after warehouse closing when pumps stay open to enjoy minimal wait times.
Do I need a Costco membership to buy gas in Merced?
Yes, a valid Costco membership is required to purchase fuel at this location. The only exception is using Costco Shop Cards (gift cards that must be purchased by members). Executive members enjoy additional perks including 1 hour early weekday access starting at 9:00 AM and 2% cash back on gas purchases. Many members find the fuel savings alone justify their membership cost, especially with regular Central Valley driving.
Can the gas hoses reach both sides of my car?
Yes. Costco gas stations feature extra-long hoses that extend to either side of your vehicle. Pull up to any available pump regardless of which side your gas tank is on. This is particularly helpful at this smaller location where maximizing pump availability keeps lines moving efficiently.
What makes this Merced location different from other Central Valley Costco stations?
This location features a more compact design compared to larger Central Valley stations like Stockton Costco or Modesto. Some members note the smaller size means careful timing matters more for avoiding waits. However, others appreciate the quick in-and-out access from Highway 99 and the consistently economical pricing that serves Merced County drivers well.
Is this location convenient for Central Valley commuters?
Yes. The R Street location offers easy access from Highway 99 and serves Merced, Atwater, Livingston, and surrounding Central Valley communities. The 6:00 AM weekday opening makes it perfect for morning commuters. The central location also makes it convenient for UC Merced students and faculty who want to save on fuel costs.
What payment methods does Costco gas accept?
This station accepts Visa credit cards, Visa debit cards, Costco Shop Cards, and contactless payment options. Mastercard, American Express, and cash are not accepted at the pump. Scan your membership card before fueling to ensure proper access and rewards tracking.
Pro Tips for Merced Costco Gas
- Arrive early (6:00-7:30 AM) or during mid-morning (9:00-11:00 AM) for shortest waits
- This is a compact station – strategic timing matters more than at larger locations
- Use the hour after warehouse closing (pumps stay open later) for minimal lines
- Pull forward to available pumps – attendants help direct efficient traffic flow
- Easy access from Highway 99 for quick stops
- Executive members get 1 hour early access on weekdays (opens 9:00 AM at warehouse for Executive access)
- No diesel available – check nearby Fresno Costco if you need diesel
- Learn why Costco gas prices are cheaper than regular stations
- Read our guide on saving money at Costco gas stations
Location and Access Details
The Merced Costco gas station sits at 1445 R Street, easily accessible from Highway 99 and serving California’s Central Valley region. The location provides convenient access for residents of Merced, Atwater, Livingston, Los Banos, and surrounding communities.
This location features a more compact design than some larger Central Valley Costco stations. While this means the station handles lower simultaneous vehicle capacity, the trade-off is quick access from major routes and efficient service during off-peak hours. Members who time their visits strategically report satisfactory experiences with minimal delays.
What Members Say About This Location
Economical Pricing: Multiple members specifically mention “very economical gasoline” as a key benefit. Despite being a smaller station, the competitive pricing remains consistent with Costco’s value proposition across the Central Valley.
Strategic Timing Helps: Members note that being aware of busy times makes a difference at this compact location. Those who visit during early morning hours or mid-day periods report “good place to go” experiences with reasonable wait times.
Active Staff Support: Gas attendants are present to help direct traffic flow and assist members. They work to maximize the efficient use of available pumps, though members appreciate when drivers pull forward to available spaces rather than creating unnecessary backups.
Compact But Functional: While some members note this station is smaller than other Central Valley locations, the consistent value and convenient Highway 99 access make it a practical choice for local and commuting drivers who plan their visits during less busy periods.
Best Times to Visit
Based on member feedback and traffic patterns at this compact location:
- Least Busy: Weekday mornings 6:00-7:30 AM (right after opening), mid-morning 9:00-11:00 AM, early afternoons 1:00-3:00 PM, hour after warehouse closing
- Moderately Busy: Weekend mornings 7:00-9:00 AM, weekday late mornings 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
- Busiest: Weekday evenings 5:00-7:00 PM (commuter rush), weekend afternoons, Saturday late morning
Since this is a more compact station, timing your visit during off-peak hours becomes even more important for minimizing wait times. The extended hours mean you have flexibility to visit when it works best for your schedule while avoiding peak congestion periods.
Executive Membership Benefits
Executive members get special perks at this location:
- 1 hour early weekday access to gas station during warehouse early shopping hours
- 2% cash back on all gas purchases
- 30 minutes early weekend access
- Additional rewards that often cover the membership upgrade cost
Executive members represent about half of all Costco memberships as of 2025 and account for over 74% of sales. The early access hours mean even shorter lines at this compact location. Learn more about maximizing membership benefits for fuel savings.
Comparing Central Valley Costco Locations
The Merced location at R Street serves as a convenient option for local Merced County residents, though it’s smaller than some neighboring Central Valley Costco gas stations. If you’re considering alternatives:
- Modesto Costco – North of Merced, larger station capacity
- Turlock Costco – Northwest of Merced
- Fresno Costco – North of Merced, has diesel available
- Stockton Costco – Further north option
Check our website for current prices at all Central Valley locations to find the best deal for your route. Remember that driving significantly out of your way may offset any per-gallon savings.
Fuel Quality and Performance
Costco gasoline meets TOP TIER standards, which means it contains enhanced detergent additives that exceed EPA requirements. Members at the Merced location report good fuel economy and reliable performance consistent with Costco’s quality standards.
TOP TIER fuel benefits include:
- Cleaner fuel injectors and intake valves
- Reduced engine deposits over time
- Maintained optimal engine performance
- Potentially improved fuel economy
The quality control at this location ensures consistent fuel quality with every visit, meeting the same standards as larger Costco stations across California.
Station Features and Amenities
Compact Design: This location features a smaller footprint compared to some Central Valley stations, which means strategic timing helps ensure quick service.
Traffic Management: Gas attendants actively assist with traffic flow, answer questions, and help maximize pump efficiency at this compact location.
Multiple Pump Configuration: While smaller than some locations, the station maintains multiple pumps to serve members efficiently during off-peak hours.
Well-Lit and Safe: The facility maintains excellent lighting for safe evening and early morning visits. Security cameras and staff presence add to the safe environment.
Seasonal Considerations
Central Valley summers get very hot, often exceeding 100°F. Consider these tips for summer visits in Merced:
- Visit during cooler early morning hours (6:00-7:30 AM)
- Evening visits after 7:00 PM offer cooler temperatures
- Keep your vehicle’s air conditioning on if waiting in line
- Stay hydrated during hot weather visits
Winter weather in Merced rarely affects operations, though occasional Central Valley fog in December and January might mean slightly shorter lines as some drivers delay filling up. The tule fog season typically runs from late fall through early spring.
Understanding Wait Times at This Location
Several factors affect wait times at this more compact Merced location:
Smaller Footprint: With fewer simultaneous fueling positions than larger Valley stations, timing your visit matters more for avoiding extended waits.
Strategic Location: Easy Highway 99 access means convenient stops for commuters, but can also mean higher traffic during peak commute times.
Efficient Staff: Attendants help keep traffic flowing and direct drivers to available pumps, maximizing the station’s capacity.
Member Awareness: Drivers who pull forward to open pumps help everyone get through faster – attendants appreciate this cooperation.
Additional Services at This Warehouse
Beyond the gas station, this Merced Costco warehouse location offers:
- Full grocery and household goods selection
- Tire center for vehicle maintenance
- Pharmacy with competitive prescription prices
- Optical department for glasses and contacts
- Food court serving Costco favorites
Combine your gas fill-up with warehouse shopping to maximize your visit efficiency and savings. The warehouse location serves the broader Merced County community with consistent Costco value.
Stay Updated on Current Prices
Gas prices at this Merced location change regularly based on crude oil costs and local market conditions. Visit our website to check current prices before you fill up. We update Central Valley gas station prices multiple times daily.
Search “cheapest gas prices near me” on our site to see real-time pricing for the Merced location and nearby alternatives. Compare prices across all Central Valley Costco stations and other local gas stations to maximize your savings.
With strategic timing, quality fuel, and competitive prices, the Merced Costco gas station at R Street offers solid value for Central Valley drivers who plan their visits during less busy periods.