7 Gas Stations That Give Buc-ee’s a Run For Its Money

If you’ve been on a road trip through the South in recent years, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about Buc-ee’s. With nearly 70 locations across at least eight states as of 2026, it’s become a legend in the travel world, known for its sparkling clean restrooms, oversized convenience store, surprisingly good food, and quirky merch (yes, even Buc-ee’s branded pajamas).

But drive past one, and you’ll see the hype in action. The massive parking lots are always packed, with lines of cars waiting for a pump and travelers filing in for brisket sandwiches and Beaver Nuggets. It’s big. It’s busy. It’s Buc-ee’s.

So… is it worth the stop? Honestly, yes, but here’s the thing: Buc-ee’s isn’t the only road trip destination disguised as a gas station. Across the country, other stops match (or even beat) Buc-ee’s when it comes to food, cleanliness, charm, and overall experience.

To find the best of the best, we pulled from customer reviews and expert rankings, including recent 2025-2026 lists from USA Today and other expert sources, to uncover the hidden gems of highway travel. Whether you're crossing states or cruising backroads, these gas stations are worth pulling over for. Let’s check them out.

This post was updated in January 2026 to include updated information about popular gas stations that rival Buc-ee's.

Kwik Trip is often in a tight battle with Wawa as the number one best gas station in the nation. There are over 900 Kwik Trip gas stations, primarily in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, with additional locations in Illinois, South Dakota, and Michigan.

Not to be confused with Quik Trip (which is also considered a top gas station), Kwik Trip offers customers fuel discounts, coupons, and punchcards for rewarding loyalty. Customers can earn free drinks or shower rewards. To make it even more wholesome, Kwik Trip is a family-owned company.

Wawa is frequently ranked among the top convenience stores in the nation, though Kwik Trip currently holds the number one spot in recent rankings. Its popularity is prevalent throughout the East Coast, and one reason for its popularity is the delicious and fresh hoagies.

Wawa typically has a decent number of gas pumps, making getting gas for those on a trip quicker. This gas station is often praised for its large selection of drinks and snacks, and its cleanliness, especially in the bathrooms. (Which is important to most road trippers.)

Hy-Vee's slogan is "A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle." The friendly service is one of the reasons why Hy-Vee is frequently recognized on lists of top gas stations in the USA. Predominantly in the Midwest, it began as a general store.

Hy-Vee is known for having high-quality items, a very large selection of food and drinks, and fresh produce. Additionally, customers also love how the Hy-Vee gas station connects to the grocery store, making it a one-stop shop for groceries and gas.

Casey's is a popular gas station throughout the Midwest, particularly in Iowa. It is often thought of as having the best pizza around, especially for a gas station.

When stopping at Casey's, customers can expect cleanliness, friendly service, and a large selection of road trip goodies.

If you take a road trip throughout America, chances are you are going to see at least one (but probably more) TravelCenters of America around. This travel center is known for having plenty of pumps to choose from and typically a fast-food restaurant within its gas station.

Additionally, their selection of items in the convenience store is rather large. Including any snacks you could want on a trip, electronics, extra clothing, and more. There are over 300 TravelCenters of America locations throughout the nation as of 2025.

Maverik can be found in at least 21 states throughout the nation and operates over 500 locations as of 2025. Customers can order fresh food that is praiseworthy and includes items like burritos, pizza, and more.

Maverik is also known for its outdoorsy feel. It sells active gear that those who love to be outdoors can appreciate. Additionally, Maverik is often praised for its cleanliness and friendly customer service.

Royal Farms was named the number one gas station for food by USA Today in 2024 and ranked number two in the 2025 list. Customers often rave about the quality and freshness of the food. The selection includes items such as western fries and chicken.

Royal Farms began in 1959 in Baltimore. As of late 2025, there are between 288 and 328 Royal Farms locations across seven states on the East Coast. Aside from the quality of the food, Royal Farms is also praised for its cleanliness, coffee bars, dine-in options, and convenience.