Panda Express Hours (2026): Opening, Closing & Holiday Hours Guide
When you want to go to Panda Express for lunch or dinner or you want to get takeout or delivery it is an idea to know the Panda Express hours. This way you can save time and you do not have to make a trip for nothing. Most Panda Express restaurants in the United States have the schedule but the hours can be different depending on where you are like if it is in a mall at the airport on a university campus or if they have a drive-thru.
This guide to Panda Express hours tells you everything you need to know about Panda Express hours like when they open and close what time they are open on the weekends and what hours they are open on holidays. You can also find out about the drive-thru hours, when they stop delivering and how to find the hours for the one, near you. So if you are really wanting Panda Express Orange Chicken at night or you want to grab lunch early this guide helps you figure out the Panda Express hours before you go to Panda Express.
What Time Does Panda Express Open and Close?
Panda Express restaurants usually open at 10:30 AM. They close at 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays Panda Express is open a bit later. This is because more people go to Panda Express on these days. Some Panda Express locations are, in malls or airports. These Panda Express restaurants are open when the mall or airport is open.
Typical Panda Express Hours
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
These are the most common Panda Express hours across the United States, but local store timings may vary.
Panda Express Today Hours
If you want to know what time Panda Express is open today most Panda Express locations follow the schedule for weekdays. The Panda Express restaurants that are not inside a mall or something they open at 10:30 AM. Panda Express closes at times it depends on the day of the week and how many people are eating at Panda Express.
Some Panda Express stores in cities or near highways might stay open later than other Panda Express locations. Panda Express hours can be different because of this. It is good to check the hours, for your local Panda Express.
Typical Today Hours
| Day Type | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 10:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM | 10:00 PM |
It is always recommended to verify today’s Panda Express hours using the official store locator or mobile app before visiting.
Panda Express Weekend Hours
The weekend schedule is different for restaurants. Restaurants get a lot of customers on Fridays and Saturdays. This is when restaurants stay open later. They want to serve people who want to eat dinner at restaurants or get takeout food from restaurants at night. The weekend schedule for restaurants is, like this. It is because of people who eat dinner at restaurants and people who get late-night takeout orders from restaurants. Restaurants get busy on Fridays and Saturdays.
Weekend Hours
| Weekend Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 10:30 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
Sunday hours often start later and end earlier compared to the rest of the week.
Panda Express Sunday Hours
On Sunday Panda Express is open. The hours are different. A lot of Panda Express restaurants do not open early in the morning. They actually close a bit earlier at night. This is because the people who work at Panda Express need to get everything for the week ahead at Panda Express.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
Mall locations may close even earlier depending on shopping center policies.
Panda Express Holiday Hours
Panda Express restaurants are usually open on holidays. They just have hours on those days. There are two days when Panda Express restaurants are closed. These days are Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Panda Express restaurants do not open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Panda Express restaurants are closed on these two days so you will not be able to go to Panda Express restaurants, on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Panda Express Holiday Schedule 2026
| Holiday | Operating Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Easter Sunday | Open | Reduced Hours |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | N/A |
| Christmas Eve | Open | Reduced Hours |
| Christmas Day | Closed | N/A |
| New Year’s Eve | Open | Slightly Reduced |
Always check your local Panda Express hours during holidays because timings can vary by location.
Panda Express Drive-Thru Hours
You can get food from some Panda Express restaurants without leaving your car. They have a drive-thru service at these places. It’s really convenient. At some Panda Express locations the drive-thru stays open a bit longer than the dining area. This is nice because you can still get Panda Express food when the dining room is closed. Panda Express is a place to grab food when you are, in a hurry. Panda Express restaurants have this drive-thru service.
Drive-Thru Schedule
| Day | Dining Room Closes | Drive-Thru Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 9:30 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Friday – Saturday | 10:00 PM | 10:30 PM |
Drive-thru availability depends on whether the specific Panda Express location supports this feature.
Panda Express Delivery Hours
When you order food from Panda Express through the Panda Express app or other services like Uber Eats or DoorDash they usually stop taking orders before the actual store closes. This way the drivers have time to pick up the food from Panda Express before they stop making food in the kitchen, at Panda Express.
Delivery Hours
| Delivery Method | Start Time | Ordering Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| Official App / Website | 10:30 AM | 30–45 mins before close |
| Third-Party Apps | 10:45 AM | Up to 1 hour before close |
Ordering earlier helps avoid delivery cutoff issues during busy dinner hours.
Why Panda Express Hours Vary by Location
Panda Express restaurants do not have the hours everywhere. A lot of things affect when they are open like where they’re how many people want to eat there.
Common Reasons for Hours
- Some Panda Express locations are in shopping malls. They follow the mall hours
- The ones at airports might open early for people who are traveling
- If a Panda Express is near a university the hours might change when school is in session
- Restaurants that are just drive-thru and stand alone often stay open later
Because of all these differences it is an idea to check the hours, for your local Panda Express.
Common Reasons for Different Hours
- Shopping mall locations follow mall schedules
- Airport branches may open earlier for travelers
- University locations adjust during semesters
- Standalone drive-thru restaurants often close later
Because of these differences, checking local Panda Express hours before visiting is always the safest option.
How to Find Local Panda Express Hours Near You
The easiest way to check accurate Panda Express hours is through official sources.
Best Ways to Check Store Hours
- Use the official Panda Express store locator
- Check the Panda Express mobile app
- Search Google Maps for your nearest location
- Call the restaurant directly
These methods provide real-time updates for holiday hours, drive-thru service, and temporary schedule changes.
Best Time to Visit Panda Express
If you want fresher food and shorter lines, timing matters. Lunch and dinner periods are usually the busiest times of the day.
Best Visiting Hours
- Before lunch rush: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- After lunch: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Early dinner: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Peak Hours
- Lunch rush: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
- Dinner rush: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Visiting during off-peak hours usually means faster service and fresher menu items.
Do Any Panda Express Locations Stay Open Late?
Panda Express restaurants in cities on highways or near universities often stay open really late. Some of the Panda Express restaurants with drive-thru windows might even stay open until 10:30 PM or 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.. The thing is, Panda Express restaurants that stay open late do so because of the people in that area and what kind of place it is.
If you want to find a Panda Express restaurant that’s open late, near you you should always check the official Panda Express website or Google Maps to see what time they close before you go to the Panda Express restaurant.
Final Thoughts on Panda Express Hours
Understanding Panda Express hours helps customers plan meals more efficiently and avoid arriving after closing time. While most locations follow the standard 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM schedule, factors like weekends, holidays, malls, airports, and drive-thru services can affect operating times.
The best way to check accurate Panda Express hours is through the official Panda Express app or store locator. Whether you are ordering Orange Chicken for lunch, grabbing dinner after work, or planning a late-night takeout order, verifying local hours ensures a smoother experience every time. Explore the latest Panda Express Menu with Prices to check updated meals, calories, bowls, plates, family deals, and nutrition information before your next order.
FAQ’s
What time does Panda Express usually open?
Most Panda Express restaurants open at 10:30 AM.
What time does Panda Express close?
Most locations close between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM depending on the day.
Is Panda Express open on Thanksgiving?
Most Panda Express locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Does Panda Express stay open late on weekends?
Yes, many locations stay open later on Fridays and Saturdays.
Are drive-thru hours different from dining room hours?
Yes, some drive-thru locations stay open 30–60 minutes later than the dining room.