Access to 24-hour pharmacies is crucial for obtaining medications during emergencies or after regular business hours. According to RxList's pharmacy directory, major chains like CVS and Walgreens maintain round-the-clock operations in many locations, though specific hours may vary by region. While seeking affordable medication options, many customers combine 24-hour pharmacy services with prescription savings cards and pharmacy discount programs to maximize their savings. Understanding which pharmacies offer 24/7 service in your area can be essential for managing both routine prescriptions and unexpected medical needs.
Jump to
Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy | $4-$60 per prescription | General prescriptions and retail items | Visit Site |
| Walgreens Pharmacy | $10-$65 per prescription | Prescription refills and healthcare products | Visit Site |
| Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy | $5-$75 per prescription | Kaiser members and emergency services | Visit Site |
| Rite Aid Pharmacy | $9-$70 per prescription | Prescription medications and wellness products | Visit Site |
| Hospital Inpatient Pharmacies | $15-$100 per prescription | Emergency and hospital-specific medications | N/A |
5 Best 24-Hour Pharmacies Near You (2025)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. CVS Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy maintains extensive locations nationwide, with select stores offering 24-hour pharmacy services. Their integrated prescription management system connects with most major insurance providers and offers automatic refills.
Key features:
- ExtraCare rewards: 2% back on purchases
- CarePass membership: Free delivery and $10 monthly rewards ($5/month)
- Prescription savings program for uninsured patients
2. Walgreens Pharmacy
Walgreens operates thousands of locations across the US, with many stores providing extended hours and 24/7 service in select areas. Their mobile app enables easy prescription transfers and refill management, while their prescription savings club offers significant discounts. Learn more about maximizing your savings with our guide to pharmacy discount cards.
Notable benefits:
- myWalgreens rewards: 1% cash rewards on purchases
- Prescription Savings Club: $20 annual fee for discounts up to 80%
- Same-day prescription delivery available
3. Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy
Kaiser Permanente's pharmacy services integrate directly with their healthcare system, offering seamless prescription management for members. Their 24-hour locations primarily serve Kaiser insurance members, though some locations accept outside prescriptions.
What you get:
- Mail-order prescriptions with free shipping
- Online refills through member portal
- Automated prescription reminders
4. Rite Aid Pharmacy
Rite Aid offers 24-hour pharmacy services at select locations, with drive-thru pickup available at many stores. Their prescription services include automated refills, medication synchronization, and immunizations.
Key pharmacy features:
- Digital prescription management and auto-refills
- Transfer prescriptions from other pharmacies online
- Wellness+ rewards program: earn points on prescriptions
- Free prescription delivery at participating locations
5. Hospital Inpatient Pharmacies
Hospital inpatient pharmacies provide round-the-clock medication services for admitted patients, with specialized pharmacists available for emergency prescriptions and critical care needs. While primarily serving hospital patients, some locations may assist with urgent outpatient prescriptions during off-hours when retail pharmacies are closed.
These facilities maintain comprehensive medication inventories and offer specialized compounding services. Many are equipped with advanced automation systems for accurate medication dispensing and tracking. For information about accessing after-hours pharmacy services, contact your local hospital directly or visit our guide to prescription savings options.
Final Words
Having a reliable 24-hour pharmacy nearby is essential for emergency medication needs, and these five locations offer around-the-clock service with varying wait times and prescription costs ranging from $4 generic medications to premium brand-name drugs. Save these pharmacy locations in your phone contacts or bookmark their websites so you can quickly access essential medications whenever needed, day or night.
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions About 24-Hour Pharmacies
Which major pharmacy chains offer 24-hour service in San Diego?
CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy, and some Rite Aid locations offer 24-hour service in San Diego. CVS Pharmacy has multiple 24-hour locations with both store and pharmacy services, though some locations may have brief lunch closures.
Are all Walgreens pharmacies open 24 hours?
No, while several Walgreens stores in San Diego and nearby areas are open 24 hours for retail services, pharmacy hours may vary. Some locations have pharmacy services open late but not 24/7.
Can I access pharmacy services at hospitals 24 hours a day?
Hospital pharmacies like Mercy Hospital and University of San Diego Hospital do operate 24 hours, but these are typically for inpatient use only. For public access, retail pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, or Kaiser Permanente are more appropriate options.
Which pharmacy offers guaranteed 24/7 service including holidays?
Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy at the San Diego Medical Center is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays. This location provides consistent round-the-clock pharmacy services.
