Wondering if you’ll be able to fill up for that Easter road trip or visit to grandma’s?
The good news is that most gas stations are open on Easter Sunday!
However, hours may be reduced at some locations.
Read on for more details on what to expect if you need to get gas this Easter weekend.
Major Gas Station Chains Are Open
Most major nationwide gas station chains will be up and running on Easter, including:
- Shell
- Exxon
- Mobil
- BP
- Chevron
- Texaco
- Marathon
- 7-Eleven
- Wawa
- Circle K
- QuickTrip
So if you need to fill up along the highway or stop at familiar stations in town, you should be able to do so without issue.
Independent Stations May Have Limited Hours
Smaller independent gas stations, especially those not attached to convenience stores, are more likely to have shortened hours or be closed on Easter.
related: Do Gas Stations Open on Christmas Day? [Let’s Find Out]
Many close early the night before Easter and may not open until late morning on Easter Day – some not until noon or later. Call ahead to your local stations to check Easter hours.
Stations attached to convenience stores or those located along major highways generally stay open regular hours even on holidays to serve travelers.
But stations in residential areas or with limited staff may close part of the day.
Get Gas on Saturday or Early Sunday
Because some stations have limited Easter hours, it’s wise to fill up the day before or early in the day on Easter.
Trying to get gas in the late afternoon or evening on Easter likely means fewer options and potential long lines at stations still open.
So make a point to top off your tank on Holy Saturday or early Easter morning if possible.
That way you’re covered in case stations near you close midday or early Sunday evening.
Use Gas Apps to Find Open Stations
Apps like GasBuddy and Google Maps can also help you pinpoint stations that are open on Easter Day if you get stuck needing a fill-up:
- GasBuddy – User-reported gas prices and station statuses on Easter help you locate pumps that are open near you.
- Google Maps – Search for “gas stations near me” and toggle the “Open now” filter to see real-time status updates on Easter.
Between major brands keeping doors open and gas station locator apps, you should be able to keep your tank topped off this Easter weekend when needs arise. Drive safe and enjoy the holiday!
Getting the Best Gas Prices on Easter Weekend
Easter weekend can mean busy roads and fluctuating gas prices.
Here are some tips to help you save money at the pump if filling up over the holiday:
Shop Around
Prices can vary widely between stations, even on the same block.
So check station signs before pulling in. Apps like GasBuddy let you compare prices at stations near you too.
Use Club Memberships
Warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco often have discounted gas for members. Fill up there if possible. Apps also have store membership pricing.
Pay Cash
Some stations charge extra per gallon if paying with credit. Bring cash for a potentially lower price.
Fill Up Early
Thursday or Friday may have better prices than Easter weekend. Fill your tank earlier if you can.
Use Gas on Weekdays
Stations sometimes increase prices on weekends when demand is higher.
Try to fill up on a weekday if your schedule allows.
Pump at Truck Stops
Truck stops like Love’s and Flying J can have cheaper gas since they cater more to commercial drivers versus tourists.
Avoid Premium Fuel
Unless your vehicle requires it, opt for regular octane to save since it’s cheaper than premium.
Enroll in Fuel Rewards
Grocery rewards programs like Kroger and Safeway offer fuel point discounts. Earn rewards on grocery purchases to save at the pump.
Limit Driving
Consolidate trips and errands to reduce how much gas you need over the holiday weekend when prices tend to jump higher.
A little planning and price shopping can save you money filling up this Easter.
Use these gas-savings tips to keep more cash in your wallet.
Road Tripping for Easter? Tips to Save on Gas
If you’re hitting the road to visit family or friends this Easter, you’ll want to maximize fuel efficiency along your drive.
Here are some ways to stretch each gallon of gas further:
- Drive at lower speeds – Optimal fuel economy happens between 40-60 mph. Higher speeds waste more gas.
- Use cruise control – Maintaining a steady speed optimizes mileage. Just don’t use on icy roads.
- Avoid excessive idling – Idling gets 0 mpg. Shut off your engine if stopped more than 60 seconds.
- Travel light – Extra vehicle weight decreases miles per gallon. Remove unneeded items from your car.
- Keep tires properly inflated – Underinflated tires create more drag and reduce fuel economy.
- Limit AC usage – Running air conditioning decreases mpg, so use sparingly if weather allows.
- Plan routes wisely – Use more fuel-efficient interstates versus stop-and-go backroads when possible.
- Avoid rush hour traffic – Sitting idly in congested traffic burns more gas than steady cruising.
- Check gas cap tightness – Loose or missing gas caps allow evaporation, wasting fuel.
- Change air filters – Clean air and fuel filters enable optimal engine performance.
Following fuel-efficient driving habits keeps more money in your wallet rather than wasting it at the gas pump this Easter.
Drive safely and make the most of your holiday travels!
What to Do If You Run Out of Gas on Easter
Getting stranded with an empty tank? It happens, especially with stations potentially closed or busy on Easter.
Here’s what to do if you’re sputtering on empty on an Easter drive:
- Coast to side of the road – Safely pull over as soon as your car starts dying. Get completely out of traffic.
- Turn on hazard lights – Alert other cars you’re stalled with emergency flashers.
- Call roadside assistance – Your auto insurance or membership services like AAA offer fuel delivery, often for free or cheap rates.
- Contact family/friends – Have someone bring you a gas can rather than walking in dangerous traffic.
- Use a gas app – GasBuddy lists stations and can connect you to roadside assistance.
- Carefully refuel – Safely pull over before refueling. Avoid spills. Re-seal container.
- Restart sparingly – Running on fumes damages systems. Only restart to move to a pump.
- Get fuel stabilizer – Add stabilizer at fill-up to treat old gas if stranding is common.
Never walk along highways searching for gas. Stay with your vehicle and contact help.
With some preparation and assistance, you’ll be back on the road for that Easter celebration.
Easter Sunday Gas Station Etiquette
If you do have to get gas on Easter Sunday, be respectful of station employees working the holiday and other motorists. Follow these pump etiquette tips:
- Say “hello” and “thank you” – A friendly greeting and thanks makes someone’s day.
- Have payment card/cash ready – Don’t fumble at the pump, making people behind you wait.
- Avoid calling for help – Most stations are understaffed holidays. Only call if there’s a real issue.
- Clean up spills – Notify staff if you drip gas so they can safely clean it.
- Keep dogs leashed – Don’t let pets run loose, barking at other cars.
- Avoid smoking at pump – Extinguish cigarettes before refueling for safety.
- Leave clearance at air/water – Don’t block access to air and water stations.
- Don’t cut in line – Wait your turn even if you’re in a rush.
- Fill tank fully – Don’t top off. Wait if room not available at crowded stations.
- Watch kids closely – Hold little hands near busy roads.
With some courtesy and patience, we can make the holiday easier for everyone navigating crowds and wanting to get home.
Why Gas Prices Fluctuate Around Holidays
If you’ve ever noticed gas prices seem to rise around major holidays, there are some basic economic forces at play:
Higher Demand
- More people travel for holidays, driving up fuel demand.
- People fill tanks preparing for holiday trips.
- Supply issues create pent-up demand.
Distribution Disruptions
- Refineries and pipelines close for maintenance before peak driving seasons.
- Temporary closures limit fuel production and transportation.
- Damages from storms, accidents, or other events can halt regional distribution.
Market Speculation
- Anticipating higher demand, traders bid up oil and gas futures prices.
- Concerns over potential supply issues also influence futures markets.
- Station owners preemptively raise retail prices based on futures movements.
Strategic Pricing
- Retailers tend to increase prices on weekends assuming more recreational travelers.
- Stations sometimes artificially inflate prices around holidays knowing people will pay it.
Taxes
- Some states or counties add extra taxes on fuel around holiday weekends.
So while frustrating, higher gas prices near holidays generally stem from basic supply-demand forces.
Be savvy by filling up early and finding cheapest stations.
Conclusion
The Easter holiday weekend can bring unique challenges when it comes to gas availability and prices.
With a little advance planning, however, you can avoid running on empty or having to pay premium rates.
Most major gas station chains remain open, though some independent locations may close or have reduced hours Easter Sunday.
Fill up early, keep an eye on gas gauge levels during holiday drives, and use apps to find stations still open Sunday.
Also be prepared with roadside assistance contacts in case you do stall out.
Practicing fuel-efficient driving, comparing prices between stations, shopping early, and showing courtesy at the pump can maximize savings.
While holiday gas costs may pinch, taking a few simple steps helps smooth your Easter weekend travels.