Is CVS Caremark Open Today?

About CVS Caremark Hours

CVS Pharmacy is the largest pharmacy chain in the United States, operating more than 9,000 locations across the country. Originally founded as Consumer Value Stores in 1963, CVS has grown into a healthcare giant that goes well beyond filling prescriptions. You can get flu shots, pick up household essentials, grab a quick snack, and even access MinuteClinic walk-in medical services - all under one roof. Knowing their hours means you won't show up to a locked door when you really need that cold medicine.

What Time Does CVS Open?

Most CVS stores open at 7:00 AM Monday through Friday. Some locations in high-traffic urban areas open as early as 6:00 AM, while stores in quieter suburban or rural areas might not open until 8:00 AM. The pharmacy department usually opens a bit later than the front of the store - typically at 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM. So if you're rushing to pick up a prescription before work, check your local store's pharmacy hours rather than just the store hours. The front door being open doesn't mean the pharmacy counter is staffed yet.

CVS also operates a growing number of 24-hour locations, mainly in major cities and densely populated areas. These stores never close, and many of them run 24-hour pharmacy services too. If you've ever needed a prescription filled at 2:00 AM, a 24-hour CVS is one of the very few options available.

What Time Does CVS Close?

Standard CVS locations close at 10:00 PM on weekdays. This puts CVS among the later-closing pharmacy options - you can stop by after dinner, after a late shift, or even after a movie and still find the doors open. The pharmacy counter typically closes earlier than the store itself, usually at 9:00 PM on weekdays. That means if you need a prescription filled, don't wait until 9:30 PM thinking you have plenty of time. The store will be open for general shopping but the pharmacist will have already closed up. Some smaller CVS locations close at 9:00 PM instead of 10:00 PM, so it's worth confirming your local store's hours.

CVS Weekend Hours

On Saturdays, most CVS stores keep the same hours as weekdays, opening at 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM and closing at 10:00 PM. Pharmacy hours on Saturdays are typically shorter - usually 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM depending on the location. Sundays usually bring slightly reduced hours. Many CVS stores open at 8:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, while the pharmacy operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.

Weekend mornings are actually one of the best times to shop at CVS if you want to avoid lines. Most people don't show up until late morning, so the store is quiet and you can get in and out quickly. If you need the pharmacy, aim for midday Saturday rather than late afternoon when lines tend to build up.

CVS Holiday Hours

CVS keeps its doors open on most major holidays, which makes it a go-to option when other stores are closed. On Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter, most CVS stores operate on reduced hours - typically 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The pharmacy may be closed on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day even when the store itself is open, so plan prescription pickups accordingly.

On holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, and Presidents' Day, CVS typically runs its regular schedule or close to it. These are shopping holidays where foot traffic actually increases, so CVS stays fully operational. If you're ever unsure, call your local store the day before - holiday hours can vary by location and region.

CVS Pharmacy Services

The pharmacy counter at CVS handles more than just prescription fills. You can get vaccinations including flu shots, COVID boosters, shingles vaccines, and routine immunizations - often without an appointment during walk-in hours. CVS pharmacists can also provide medication counseling, help you transfer prescriptions from other pharmacies, and set up automatic refill schedules so you never run out of your regular medications.

Many CVS locations include a MinuteClinic (yes, the walk-in clinics are actually inside CVS, not Walgreens). MinuteClinics are staffed by nurse practitioners who can treat common illnesses, perform physical exams, handle skin conditions, and prescribe medications on the spot. They're a practical alternative when you can't get a same-day appointment with your regular doctor. MinuteClinic hours are usually 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekends, but this varies by location.

CVS vs Other Pharmacies

How does CVS stack up against the competition? Walgreens is the closest competitor in terms of store count and hours - both chains typically open at 7:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM, and both have 24-hour locations available. The main difference comes down to location convenience and loyalty programs. CVS has the ExtraCare program with weekly deals and ExtraBucks rewards, while Walgreens runs its myWalgreens program. Both work well for regular shoppers.

Rite Aid operates fewer locations and generally has shorter hours than CVS or Walgreens. If you have a Rite Aid nearby it can be a solid option, but CVS locations are simply more common in most areas.

For prescription pricing, Walmart and Target pharmacy departments often offer lower prices on generic medications through their $4 generic programs. But their pharmacy windows close earlier than standalone CVS locations - Walmart pharmacy typically closes at 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM. Kroger also runs pharmacy departments with competitive pricing, especially if you already shop there for groceries.

Best Times to Shop at CVS

If you want to avoid crowds, early morning weekdays between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM are your best bet. The store is freshly stocked and the aisles are nearly empty. Lunchtime on weekdays (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) gets busy since people stop in during their break. Late evening between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM is another quiet window - good for a quick run without waiting in line.

Avoid CVS right after work on weekdays (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM). That's peak time for prescription pickups and general shopping. Saturday afternoons also get crowded, especially the pharmacy counter. Sunday mornings before 10:00 AM tend to be very quiet.

CVS ExtraCare Rewards Program

The CVS ExtraCare card is free to sign up for and worth using if you shop at CVS even occasionally. You earn 2% back in ExtraBucks on most purchases (excluding prescriptions and alcohol), which print as coupons on your receipt and can be used on future visits. The CVS app also sends personalized deals based on your purchase history, and you can load digital coupons directly to your ExtraCare card.

ExtraCare also includes a pharmacy rewards component. After filling 10 prescriptions, you earn a $5 ExtraBucks reward. It's not life-changing money, but if you're already filling prescriptions at CVS it adds up over the year. CVS frequently runs seasonal promotions where ExtraBucks rewards are boosted on specific product categories.

Drive-Through Pharmacy

Many CVS locations offer a drive-through pharmacy window, which is a convenient option when you're feeling sick, have kids in the car, or just want to avoid going inside. Drive-through pharmacy hours match the regular pharmacy hours at that location. Be aware that drive-through tends to be slower than going inside, especially during peak hours - if the line has more than two or three cars, you might be faster walking in. Prescription drop-off and pickup, flu shots, and general pharmacy questions can all be handled at the drive-through window.

If you prefer a more personalized pharmacy experience with a pharmacist who knows your name, check out your local Good Neighbor Pharmacy - they're independently owned community pharmacies backed by national buying power.

For a complete overview of pharmacy schedules at all major chains including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and more, see our Pharmacy Hours Guide.