Gas prices don’t just vary by location—they fluctuate by time, too. Knowing when to fill up can help you save anywhere from a few cents to over 20 cents per gallon, especially during peak travel seasons. While it might sound minor, those savings add up over time for commuters, delivery drivers, and road-trippers alike.
Here’s what the data says about the best times to buy gas—and how to use it to your advantage.
Monday Is the Best Day to Fill Up
According to nationwide pricing trends analyzed by GasBuddy, Monday consistently ranks as the cheapest day of the week to refuel. Prices are generally lower at the start of the workweek when demand is softer and station operators haven’t yet responded to wholesale price shifts or weekend traffic patterns.
Tuesday is often a close second, particularly in metro areas where competition is high.
Avoid Thursday and Friday if You Can
Gas prices tend to spike on Thursdays and Fridays in anticipation of weekend travel. Stations often raise prices slightly as demand picks up, particularly ahead of holiday weekends, local events, or school breaks. If your week includes a longer trip or you’re heading out of town, try to fill up earlier.
These patterns hold true in most states, though highly competitive regions with many gas stations may show smaller fluctuations.
Mornings Offer a Small Bonus
Fuel is denser when temperatures are cooler, so filling up in the early morning can give you a slight edge. While modern underground storage tanks reduce this effect, cooler ambient temps can still provide a more consistent fill.
More importantly, morning fuel runs tend to mean:
- Shorter lines
- Less chance of mid-day price hikes
- More predictable pricing
If you’re working a delivery or rideshare schedule, consider starting your day with a fill-up rather than waiting until the evening rush.
Use Apps to Monitor Price Changes in Real-Time
Tools like GasBuddy, AAA Gas Prices, and Waze allow you to track pricing trends by time and zip code. Some apps also send alerts when your preferred station changes rates.
Set up notifications for stations you frequent so you can spot trends and anticipate the best days to refuel.
Plan Your Fill-Ups Ahead of Travel
If you know you’ll be hitting the road, check prices in your departure and arrival cities. Gas near airports, downtown hubs, or along toll roads is usually higher. Use route-based gas trackers like GasBuddy’s trip planner to find the best stops along your journey.
Get Rewards on Top of Good Timing
Timing is just one part of the savings strategy. When paired with the right payment method, you can maximize each fill-up. For example, earning cashback with a BP gift card or getting rewards with a Shell gift card through Fluz gives you additional savings every time you buy gas—no matter what day it is.
These gift cards can be purchased in real time and used for the exact transaction amount, which is ideal for drivers who fuel up frequently.
Conclusion
Smart drivers don’t just shop around—they also watch the clock. By fueling up early in the week and earlier in the day, you can consistently pay less at the pump. Combine this timing strategy with cashback tools like Fluz to earn cashback with a Shell gift card and stretch your gas budget even further.
