Amazon launches 1-hour and 3-hour deliveries

Amazon just launched new, ultrafast shipping options in some U.S. cities. 

Here are the details:

Amazon’s 1-hour and 3-hour delivery

Big picture view:

The new shipping options are 1-hour and 3-hour deliveries. The options are available in select cities and cost more, with prices varying for Prime members and non-members. 

Which cities?

Local perspective:

One-hour delivery is currently available to shoppers in hundreds of cities, Amazon says, including parts of major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., and smaller cities such as Des Moines, Iowa; Boise, Idaho; and American Fork, Utah.

Three-hour delivery is more accessible, and is in more than 2,000 cities and towns. 

You can check if 1-hour or 3-hour delivery is available to you at www.amazon.com/getitfast. 

RELATED: Amazon Pharmacy to expand same-day prescription delivery to 4,500 US cities

How much does it cost? 

By the numbers:

Here is how much Amazon’s new expedited shipping costs: 

• 1-hour delivery for $9.99 (Prime) or $19.99
• 3-hour delivery for $4.99 (Prime) or $14.99

Prime members can still get same-day delivery for free on qualifying orders. 

What items are available?

Dig deeper:

Amazon says items available for 1- or 3-hour delivery are mostly everyday essentials, like pantry items, cleaning supplies, health and beauty items, and some medications. But shoppers will also find some electronics, toys, clothes and gardens available as well. 

You can also filter your search for items available "in 1 hour" or "in 3 hours."

Amazon says it’s completing these deliveries by leveraging its existing Same-Day Delivery sites.

RELATED: Amazon’s Ring expands AI-powered network to help locate lost dogs

What's next:

The new delivery options are available seven days a week and Amazon says it plans to bring 1-hour and 3-hour delivery to more areas in the coming months. 

Meanwhile:

Amazon is also testing Amazon Now in select cities, which offers delivery in about 30 minutes or less on everyday essentials and grocery items. 

Amazon Pharmacy also delivers prescriptions same-day in thousands of cities.