TLDR
- Amazon introduces ultrafast 1-hour delivery to hundreds of U.S. cities and 3-hour delivery to over 2,000 locations
- More than 90,000 items available, ranging from groceries and medications to electronics and household goods
- Prime subscribers pay $9.99 for 1-hour service and $4.99 for 3-hour; higher fees apply for non-Prime customers
- Expansion leverages Amazon’s Same-Day Delivery infrastructure across the country
- Separate “Amazon Now” pilot program testing 30-minute delivery in selected markets
Amazon (AMZN) shares climbed 0.99% on Tuesday following the e-commerce giant’s announcement of new ultrafast delivery options rolling out nationwide.
The announcement, made on March 17, 2026, represents Amazon’s latest effort to redefine customer expectations for delivery speed.
The 3-hour delivery option has been activated in more than 2,000 cities and towns nationwide. Meanwhile, the 1-hour service is currently accessible in hundreds of these communities.
Customers can choose from over 90,000 items for rapid delivery. The selection spans pantry essentials, OTC medicines, household cleaning products, apparel, and children’s toys.
For Prime subscribers, the pricing structure includes $9.99 for 1-hour delivery and $4.99 for the 3-hour option. Those without Prime memberships face steeper costs at $19.99 and $14.99 for the respective services.
The infrastructure supporting this expansion builds upon Amazon’s established Same-Day Delivery network. The company has integrated dedicated search functionality—”in 1 hour” and “in 3 hours” filters—plus a specialized storefront page in eligible regions. Customers can also access these options through Amazon’s getitfast portal.
“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 introduced complimentary two-day shipping with Prime membership in 2005. The company elevated same-day delivery to its primary standard in 2019 following massive investments in logistics infrastructure.
Previous Ultrafast Delivery Initiatives
Amazon has experimented with speed-focused delivery models before. The standalone Prime Now application was discontinued in 2021. A separate initiative partnering with physical retailers and shopping centers for rapid delivery was terminated in 2024.
While some experiments failed to gain traction, Amazon continues pursuing faster delivery solutions.
Currently, the company operates “Amazon Now,” a pilot delivering everyday essentials and fresh produce in 30 minutes. This trial runs in Seattle and Philadelphia domestically, with international testing in the UAE, India, Brazil, and Mexico.
Amazon has pursued drone-based delivery technology for more than ten years, beginning with limited test locations before gradually expanding to additional U.S. markets.
Competitive Landscape
This expansion arrives as competitors enhance their own rapid delivery capabilities. Walmart claims its network can serve 95% of U.S. households within three hours, utilizing its extensive physical retail footprint.
Quick-commerce services including Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats continue expanding their retail partnerships for deliveries within hours.
According to Amazon, the 1-hour and 3-hour delivery services began as limited trials in late 2025, with plans for geographic expansion throughout the upcoming months.
