Victoria has Uber, but Lyft has not operated there. Uber began service in Greater Victoria on June 6, 2023, so the app is the main ride-hailing option, with local taxis as the other choice.
Where Uber works in Victoria
Uber launched across Greater Victoria, including Victoria International Airport (YYJ) and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. Its coverage runs from Langford through downtown Victoria to the Saanich Peninsula. That takes in the Inner Harbour area, the airport and the ferry terminal, which are the places most visitors need.
The launch followed a long approval process. The Passenger Transportation Board denied Uber’s application for Victoria and Kelowna in December 2021, and approval came later, ahead of the 2023 start.
What about Lyft
Lyft launched in Metro Vancouver in January 2020, but a search of news coverage shows no sign that it has expanded to Victoria. If you are comparing the two apps for a trip that includes Vancouver, the page on Lyft and Uber in BC covers where each one runs. Coverage can change, so open the app at your pickup spot to see what it offers.
Getting a ride in practice
Download the Uber app from the App Store or Google Play, create an account with your email or phone number, and add a payment method. After that, enter your destination, choose a ride type, confirm the pickup point and follow the driver on the map. The app shows the fare estimate before you confirm.
Fares depend on distance, time and demand, and airport or booking fees can be added. The estimate in the app is the figure to rely on, and it can rise during busy periods. Wait times vary by neighbourhood and hour, with more cars in the core than in outlying areas and fewer late at night.
When a taxi makes sense
Taxis remain useful in Victoria, particularly for airport and ferry runs, for phone bookings and for times when the app shows few cars. You can look at taxi service in Victoria to see the local options. Many people keep both a taxi number and the Uber app handy, then pick whichever is quicker and cheaper for the trip at hand.