Key Highlights
- Amazon expands express delivery with 1-hour service in hundreds of cities and 3-hour options in 2,000+ locations
- More than 90,000 items qualify for expedited shipping, spanning food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer electronics
- Prime subscribers pay $9.99 for 1-hour service and $4.99 for 3-hour delivery; higher fees apply to non-members
- The initiative leverages Amazon’s current Same-Day Delivery infrastructure
- A pilot “Amazon Now” program offering 30-minute delivery is underway in selected markets
Amazon (AMZN) stock gained 0.99% on Tuesday following the e-commerce giant’s announcement of newly expanded 1-hour and 3-hour delivery capabilities throughout numerous U.S. markets.
The announcement came on March 17, 2026, marking another milestone in Amazon’s ongoing effort to reduce delivery times and enhance customer convenience.
The 3-hour delivery service has reached more than 2,000 cities and towns nationwide. The 1-hour expedited option is accessible in hundreds of these communities.
Over 90,000 items qualify for these rapid delivery services. The inventory encompasses grocery items, non-prescription medicines, household cleaning products, apparel, and children’s toys.
Prime subscribers face charges of $9.99 for 1-hour delivery and $4.99 for the 3-hour alternative. Non-Prime customers pay $19.99 and $14.99 for these services respectively.
The company utilizes its established Same-Day Delivery infrastructure to enable these new capabilities. Amazon has introduced specialized search filters labeled “in 1 hour” and “in 3 hours,” plus a dedicated storefront section in eligible regions. Customers can also navigate options through Amazon’s getitfast website.
“Our customers are busier than ever and are looking for new ways to save time while keeping their households running,” said Udit Madan, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations.
Madan added: “We’re excited to say that two decades after Prime launched, we’re still innovating to make delivery even faster, while maintaining the same everyday low prices and vast selection Amazon is known for.”
Amazon originally introduced complimentary two-day Prime delivery in 2005. The company transitioned to same-day delivery as its baseline standard in 2019 following massive investments in its logistics network.
Previous Fast Delivery Initiatives
Amazon has experimented with ultra-rapid delivery services before. The retailer discontinued its dedicated Prime Now application in 2021. Three years later, in 2024, the company terminated a partnership program that enabled quick delivery from physical retail stores and shopping centers.
While some previous initiatives were discontinued, Amazon continues pursuing faster delivery solutions.
Currently, the company operates “Amazon Now,” a pilot program delivering everyday items and fresh produce within 30 minutes. This experimental service runs in Seattle and Philadelphia domestically, plus international locations including the UAE, India, Brazil, and Mexico.
Amazon has pursued drone delivery technology for more than ten years, initially launching in two limited test areas before rolling out to additional U.S. cities.
Industry Competition
Amazon’s initiative arrives amid intensifying competition in rapid delivery. Walmart claims its services can reach 95% of U.S. households within three hours, utilizing its extensive brick-and-mortar footprint.
Quick-delivery services including Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats are expanding their retailer partnerships and consistently delivering orders within hours.
According to Amazon, the 1-hour and 3-hour delivery services began as limited trials in late 2025 and will continue expanding to additional regions throughout the upcoming months.
