Everyone jokes about the In-N-Out line — and it’s not a myth. At peak hours, the drive-thru can snake around the building and the dining room fills up fast. But the wait is predictable, and with a little timing you can walk in and out in minutes. Here’s how long In-N-Out wait times really are and how to skip the line. For the full menu, see our In-N-Out menu with prices (2026) guide.
How Long Is the Wait at In-N-Out?
It depends entirely on when you go:
- Peak hours (12–1:30pm, 5:30–8pm, Fri–Sat late night): 20–45+ minutes in the drive-thru; 15–30 minutes inside.
- Normal hours: 10–20 minutes drive-thru; under 10 minutes inside.
- Off-peak (2–4pm weekdays, right at 10:30am opening): often under 5 minutes — sometimes no wait at all.
- New store openings: all bets off. The first location east of the Mississippi (Lebanon, Tennessee, December 2025) drew 2–4 hour waits on opening days.
The line looks worse than it is — In-N-Out’s kitchens are famously efficient and the line moves steadily. Still, 30 minutes for fast food stings when you’re hungry.
Why Is There Always a Line?
Three reasons: everything is cooked to order (nothing sits under a heat lamp), the menu’s cult following packs every location, and many stores were designed before today’s volume. The good news is the staff are trained for throughput — a 20-car line often clears faster than you’d expect.
How to Skip the Line at In-N-Out (5 Steps)
- Go at off-peak hours. The single biggest lever. Between 2–4pm on weekdays, or right at the 10:30am opening, lines are shortest.
- Dine in instead of drive-thru. The drive-thru line is almost always longer than the walk-in line. Park and go inside — you’ll usually order in under 10 minutes even at peak.
- Know your order before you arrive. Have it ready when you reach the counter or speaker. Check the In-N-Out menu ahead of time so you’re not deciding under pressure.
- Use the second lane if there is one. Busier locations have dual drive-thru lanes or multiple order stations — don’t just follow the longest line.
- Avoid Friday/Saturday late nights. The 10pm–1am window is the week’s worst for waits, especially near colleges and nightlife areas.
Does In-N-Out Have Mobile Ordering?
No. In-N-Out does not offer mobile ordering, curbside pickup apps, or delivery partnerships. Every order is placed at the counter, drive-thru speaker, or walk-up window. The company has deliberately avoided delivery apps to protect food quality — fries and burgers don’t travel well, and they’d rather you eat it fresh.
Best and Worst Times to Go
| Time | Expected Wait |
|---|---|
| Weekday 10:30am (opening) | Minimal |
| Weekday 2–4pm | Short |
| Weekday lunch (12–1:30pm) | Long |
| Weekday dinner (5:30–8pm) | Long |
| Fri–Sat 10pm–1am | Longest |
| Sunday afternoon | Moderate–long |
In-N-Out Wait Time FAQs
How long is the average wait at In-N-Out?
About 10–20 minutes at normal times, 20–45+ minutes at peak. Off-peak visits (mid-afternoon weekdays) are often under 5 minutes.
Is dine-in faster than drive-thru at In-N-Out?
Almost always. The drive-thru line is consistently longer than the walk-in line — parking and going inside is the fastest way to get your food at busy times.
Can I order In-N-Out ahead on an app?
No. In-N-Out has no mobile ordering and no delivery partnerships. You order at the counter or drive-thru only.
What time does In-N-Out open and close?
Most locations open at 10:30am daily, closing at 1:00am (1:30am Friday and Saturday). Hours can vary slightly by location — check in-n-out.com for your store.
Is the wait worth it?
Regulars say yes — a Double-Double combo around $10–$11 with fresh, never-frozen beef is why the line exists in the first place. Go off-peak and there’s barely a wait at all.
