CarMax closes at 8 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and at 7 p.m. on Sundays at most locations
CarMax stores typically operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. However, hours vary by location — some stores open as early as 9 a.m. or close as late as 9 p.m., and a few locations have different weekend schedules. The only reliable way to confirm your nearest store's exact closing time is to check the CarMax website or call the location directly.
CarMax does not publish a single national closing time because individual stores operate on different schedules based on regional demand and local market conditions. A store in a busy urban area may stay open later than one in a smaller town. Holiday hours also shift — most locations close earlier or remain closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Understanding your store's hours matters because CarMax does not offer 24-hour service, and closing times can affect whether you can complete a test drive, trade-in appraisal, or financing conversation on the day you plan to visit. Arriving near closing time may also mean shorter wait times or the possibility that staff cannot accommodate your request before the store locks its doors.
Key Takeaways
- Most CarMax locations close at 8 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, but hours vary significantly by store and region.
- The CarMax website store locator tool shows the exact hours for your nearest location and updates to reflect temporary changes.
- Calling your store directly is the fastest way to confirm closing time if you plan to visit on a holiday, weekend, or during peak shopping seasons.
- CarMax offers online inventory browsing, when ready vehicle offers, and home delivery options that reduce the need to visit before closing time.
- Holiday schedules are posted several weeks in advance on the store locator, so you can plan ahead for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's visits.
How to find your store's closing time online
Visit carmax.com and use the store locator tool at the top of the page. Enter your city, state, or ZIP code. The results will display the address, phone number, and full hours of operation for each nearby location. This information updates regularly and reflects any temporary hour changes due to staffing, inventory events, or local circumstances.
The store locator also shows whether a location offers services like trade-in appraisals, financing, vehicle inspection, or home delivery. Some CarMax locations are smaller satellite offices with limited hours and fewer services, so confirming hours and available services before you drive there saves time and prevents wasted trips. The locator tool also indicates whether a store requires appointments for specific services.
Calling CarMax directly for hours
If you cannot access the website or need to confirm hours for the same day, call the store directly. The phone number appears in the store locator results. Staff can tell you whether the store is currently open, when it closes today, and whether you need an appointment for specific services like a test drive or appraisal. They can also let you know how busy the store is at that moment.
CarMax does not have a single customer service line for store hours — each location has its own phone number. Calling is also useful if you want to ask whether the store is busy before you visit, since wait times can be long during peak hours, especially on weekends and at the end of the month when sales activity increases.
Holiday and seasonal hour changes
CarMax adjusts hours around major holidays. Most stores close on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Some locations may open late or close early on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and the day after Thanksgiving. Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day typically see normal or slightly reduced hours, though this varies by location.
During the end of the month and end of the year, some stores extend hours to accommodate higher customer traffic and sales activity. If you are planning a visit around a holiday, check the website or call ahead — holiday schedules are posted several weeks in advance on the store locator, giving you time to plan your visit or arrange alternative options like online transactions or home delivery.
What to do if you cannot visit before closing
CarMax offers online tools that reduce the need to visit in person during store hours. You can browse inventory by vehicle type, price, mileage, and features on carmax.com. You can also get an when ready offer for your current vehicle and even start the financing process online without stepping into a store. This means you can complete much of your shopping and decision-making on your own schedule.
Many locations also offer curbside pickup for paperwork and vehicle delivery to your home, which means you may not need to visit the store at all. If you need to speak with someone after hours, you can leave a message at the store's phone number, and staff will return your call during business hours. Some CarMax locations also have online chat available during store hours on their website, allowing you to ask questions without calling.
Planning your visit around closing time
If you plan to visit CarMax close to closing time, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before the store closes. This gives staff enough time to start your test drive, appraisal, or financing conversation without rushing. If you arrive within 15 minutes of closing, staff may not be able to accommodate your request, even if the door is still unlocked.
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are typically less busy than evenings and weekends, so you may have a shorter wait and more time with staff if you visit earlier in the day. If you know you need a specific service like a trade-in appraisal or test drive, scheduling an appointment online or by phone ensures a staff member will be available when you arrive, regardless of how busy the store is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CarMax have different hours on weekends?
Most CarMax stores open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday, and close at 8 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively. Some locations have different weekend schedules, so check your store's hours on the website or by phone to confirm before you visit.
Can I visit CarMax on a holiday?
Most CarMax locations close on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Some stores may have reduced hours on the day before or after. Check the store locator or call ahead to confirm whether your location is open and what hours it will operate.
Do I need an appointment to visit CarMax?
Walk-ins are welcome at most CarMax locations, but you may wait longer during busy times. For services like test drives or trade-in appraisals, scheduling an appointment online or by phone can reduce your wait time and may support a staff member is available when you arrive.
What if the store closes before I can get there?
You can browse inventory and get an when ready offer for your vehicle on carmax.com without visiting the store. Many locations also offer curbside paperwork pickup and home delivery, so you may be able to complete your transaction without visiting during store hours.
Are CarMax hours the same at every location?
No. Hours vary by location based on regional demand, local market conditions, and store size. A busy urban store may stay open later than a smaller location in a rural area. Always check your specific store's hours on the website or by phone rather than assuming all locations operate on the same schedule.