Need propane near you? The map below shows nearby places to refill or exchange a propane tank, which are open right now, and directions in a tap. Plenty of gas stations, hardware stores, and warehouse clubs sell propane, but the price and how you get it vary a lot. Below the map you will find the refill-versus-exchange decision, where to go, what it costs, tank sizes, and the safety basics.
Propane refill and tank-exchange spots near you, tap a pin for hours and directions.
Propane Refill vs Tank Exchange
There are two ways to get propane, and the difference matters for your wallet. With a tank exchange, you swap your empty tank for a pre-filled one at a cage outside a gas station, grocery, or big-box store, names like Blue Rhino and AmeriGas. It is fast and you do not have to wait, but exchange tanks are usually filled to about 15 pounds, not the full 20 a grill tank holds, so you pay more per pound. With a refill, an attendant fills your own tank by the gallon, so you get a full tank and pay only for what goes in, which is cheaper. The trade-off is that refills are available at fewer spots and you may wait a few minutes. Quick rule: exchange for convenience, refill to save money.
Where to Get Propane Near You
The map above is the fastest way to spot nearby options, but here is where propane usually lives:
- Tank exchange – gas stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, and home-improvement stores with a Blue Rhino or AmeriGas cage out front.
- Refill by the gallon – U-Haul dealers, Tractor Supply, many hardware stores, RV parks, and local propane dealers.
- Warehouse clubs – some Costco locations refill tanks at low per-gallon prices.
If you need a refill specifically, call ahead or check the map, since not every station that sells exchange tanks can refill your own.
How Much Does Propane Cost?
Refilling is almost always the better deal. A by-the-gallon refill of a standard 20-pound grill tank typically runs around 15 to 20 dollars and gives you a full tank, while an exchange usually costs a few dollars more for less gas, since the swapped tank holds about 15 pounds. Prices move with the propane market and the season, climbing in winter when home heating demand rises. If you go through a lot of propane, refilling your own tanks pays off quickly; if you just want a fresh tank for a weekend cookout with no waiting, the convenience of an exchange can be worth the premium.
Propane Tank Sizes and Common Uses
The familiar 20-pound tank holds about 4.6 gallons and powers gas grills, patio heaters, and small appliances. Larger 30-, 40-, and 100-pound tanks are common for RVs, food trucks, and bigger heaters, and forklifts use their own dedicated tanks. Whole-home propane lives in much larger stationary tanks filled by a delivery truck, not something you carry in. For most people searching for propane near them, it is the 20-pound grill tank that is either getting swapped or topped off.
Propane Safety and Tank Recertification
A few basics keep propane safe and trouble-free. Tanks made since 2002 have an OPD (overfill protection device) valve, and most refill stations will not fill a tank without one. Portable tanks also need recertification 12 years after their manufacture date, then every 5 years after that, stamped on the collar, so an old grill tank may be refused until it is recertified or replaced. Never store or use a propane tank indoors or in a hot car, keep it upright, and check the date before you head out for a refill.
Propane FAQ
Where can I get propane near me?
Use the map above. For a tank swap, look for the exchange cages at gas stations and stores; for a cheaper refill, try U-Haul, Tractor Supply, hardware stores, or a local propane dealer.
Is it cheaper to refill or exchange a propane tank?
Refilling is cheaper. You get a full tank and pay only for the propane that goes in, while exchange tanks hold less and cost more per pound for the convenience.
How much does it cost to fill a 20-pound propane tank?
A refill usually runs about 15 to 20 dollars depending on local prices and the season. An exchange typically costs a bit more for less gas.
How much propane is in an exchange tank?
Most exchange tanks are filled to roughly 15 pounds, even though a 20-pound tank can hold about 20. That is part of why refilling your own tank is cheaper.
Do propane tanks need to be recertified?
Yes. Portable tanks need recertification 12 years after manufacture and then every 5 years. A refill station may refuse an out-of-date or OPD-less tank.
Last updated: July 2026