Costco gas stations offer some of the cheapest gas prices near you, but long lines and crowded pumps can test anyone’s patience. Understanding proper gas station etiquette helps everyone fill up faster and keeps the line moving smoothly.

This guide covers the most common mistakes drivers make and how to avoid them.

Why Does Costco Gas Get So Crowded?

Costco gas prices typically run 20 to 40 cents cheaper per gallon than regular stations. With those savings, drivers often wait 10 to 30 minutes during peak hours. Some shoppers worry the wait isn’t worth it, but smart planning and proper etiquette can cut your time in half. The key is understanding how the pumps work and following a few simple rules that many drivers overlook.

How Does the Gas Hose Reach Both Sides?

One of the biggest sources of confusion at Costco gas stations is hose length. Many drivers don’t realize the gas hose reaches vehicles on either side of the pump. This design means you don’t have to wait for a pump on your tank’s side. Simply pull up to any available pump, stretch the hose across your vehicle, and fill up normally.

The hoses at Costco measure longer than standard gas stations specifically for this purpose. Drivers who insist on waiting for the “correct” side create unnecessary backups and frustration for others. If you’re unsure, watch other drivers or ask a pump attendant for help.

What’s the Right Way to Use All Three Pumps?

Costco gas stations feature multiple pumps in each lane, usually three per line. The most common mistake happens when drivers stop at the first pump instead of pulling forward to the farthest available one. This blocks other vehicles from accessing the middle and rear pumps, creating artificial waits that could be avoided.

Always pull to the furthest pump available when you arrive. Once you finish pumping, pull forward immediately if someone is waiting behind you. This simple step allows the next driver to start filling while you handle your receipt or organize your items. Some drivers have reported saving 5 to 10 minutes just by following this practice during busy periods.

Why Should You Pull Forward After Pumping?

Pulling forward after you finish pumping is the single most important rule at busy Costco gas stations. Once your tank is full, move your vehicle forward to the marked waiting area ahead of the pump. This lets the next driver access the pump immediately while you put away your receipt and payment card, check your phone or GPS, clean your windshield if needed, or organize items in your vehicle.

Many drivers don’t realize there’s a designated waiting area past each pump. Using this space properly can reduce overall wait times by 15 to 20 percent during peak hours. The driver behind you will appreciate your consideration, and you won’t feel rushed to leave.

What Mistakes Slow Everyone Down?

Several common behaviors create bottlenecks at Costco gas stations. Avoiding these mistakes helps everyone get gas faster. Blocking multiple pumps by stopping at the first pump when others are open forces everyone to wait unnecessarily. Waiting for the “correct” side wastes time since the hose reaches both sides, so any pump works for any vehicle.

Not pulling forward after filling up blocks the next driver from starting. Leaving your vehicle to walk into the warehouse while your car sits at an active pump creates major delays. Ignoring pump attendants during busy times slows things down since staff members direct traffic to keep lines moving efficiently.

Some locations report that driver cooperation during peak hours can reduce average wait times from 25 minutes to 12 minutes. Small changes in behavior add up quickly when dozens of vehicles cycle through each hour.

When Are the Best Times to Get Gas?

Timing your visit makes a huge difference in wait times. Weekday mornings before 10 AM and evenings after 7 PM see the lightest traffic at most Costco gas stations. Weekend mornings right when the gas station opens also offer shorter waits.

The worst times to visit include Saturday afternoons, Sunday after church hours, and weekday lunch breaks. If you’re planning a big shopping trip anyway, consider filling up on your way out rather than arriving with an empty tank. This gives you flexibility to skip the gas station if lines look too long.

You can check current gas prices near you before you leave home. Some days the savings might not justify the wait, especially if you only need a few gallons. Learning about how to avoid long lines and wait times at popular cheap gas stations helps you make smarter decisions about when to fill up.

How Can You Prepare Before Arriving?

Smart preparation saves time at the pump. Have your Costco membership card and payment method ready before you reach the pump. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers 4 percent cash back on gas purchases, making your savings even better when combined with low prices.

Download the Costco app to access your digital membership card. Some locations now accept the app at gas pumps, eliminating the need to dig through your wallet. Knowing which gas stations are near you helps you plan alternative stops if Costco lines are too long.

What About Diesel and Premium Gas?

Costco offers regular, premium, and diesel fuel at most locations. The same etiquette rules apply regardless of fuel type. However, some Costco locations have limited diesel availability or may discontinue diesel pumps due to low demand.

Premium gas users should remember that stretching the hose across your vehicle works the same way. Don’t wait specifically for a pump on your preferred side when any pump will work. Understanding the difference between regular and premium gas helps you decide if the extra cost makes sense for your vehicle.

What If You Make a Mistake?

Everyone makes mistakes, especially when learning a new system. If you accidentally block a pump or realize you’ve done something wrong, simply apologize to nearby drivers and correct your position. Most people understand that Costco gas stations can be confusing for first-time users.

Pump attendants are there to help during busy times. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about proper procedure. They’d rather answer questions than deal with frustrated drivers blocking traffic.

Why Does Proper Etiquette Matter?

Following these simple rules transforms the Costco gas experience for everyone. When drivers cooperate and follow proper etiquette, even the busiest stations move surprisingly quickly. The money you save on cheap gas prices becomes worth the small effort of being considerate.

Most complaints about Costco gas stations stem from driver behavior rather than the system itself. The pumps are designed to handle high volume efficiently when people use them correctly. Your patience and courtesy make the experience better for everyone, including yourself on your next visit.

Ready to find the best gas prices in your area? Check out Costco gas stations near you to compare current prices and plan your next fill-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the gas hose really reach both sides of my vehicle?

Yes, Costco gas hoses are specifically designed to reach vehicles parked on either side of the pump. The extra length allows you to use any available pump regardless of which side your gas tank is on, eliminating the need to wait for a specific pump.

How long should I expect to wait at a Costco gas station?

Wait times vary by location and time of day, typically ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. Visiting during off-peak hours like weekday mornings before 10 AM or evenings after 7 PM usually results in shorter waits of 5 to 10 minutes.

What should I do after I finish pumping gas?

Immediately pull your vehicle forward to the designated waiting area past the pump. This allows the next driver to begin pumping while you handle your receipt, check your phone, or organize your belongings without feeling rushed.

Is it okay to leave my car at the pump while I shop inside Costco?

No, leaving your vehicle at an active gas pump while you shop inside creates major delays for other drivers. Fill up either before you shop and move your car to a parking spot, or after you finish shopping and are ready to leave.

Do I need a special credit card to get gas at Costco?

You need a valid Costco membership to access the gas station. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card provides 4 percent cash back on gas purchases, but you can use any Visa credit card, debit card, or cash at most locations.