A taxi from Burnaby to YVR is metered, so the fare depends on where in Burnaby you start, the traffic and the waiting time. Metro Vancouver taxis charge a $3.75 flag rate plus $2.18 per kilometre, so a longer starting point costs noticeably more than a short hop from the west side of the city.
Those figures come from the Passenger Transportation Board common rate rule for Metro Vancouver, in effect since January 1, 2025, and they include 5% GST. Waiting time is billed at $38.93 per hour, which is what the meter runs on when the car is stopped or crawling in traffic.
How the Burnaby to Vancouver airport fare is worked out
Every taxi licensed in Metro Vancouver uses the same common rate, so there is no reason to shop between companies on the per kilometre price. The meter adds $0.10 for every 45.95 metres, and the Board does not allow taxis to charge variable rates that respond to demand. A cab does not get more expensive because it is raining or because many people are looking for a ride.
The flat fare zones you may have seen quoted apply to trips leaving the airport, not trips going to it. From Burnaby to YVR, expect the meter to decide the price.
What changes the total
Distance is the biggest factor. Burnaby is large, and a ride from Metrotown is a different length from one starting near Simon Fraser University or Brentwood. Traffic matters too, because waiting time adds to the meter whenever the cab is held up. Leave extra time at rush hour so delays do not turn into a bigger fare and a missed flight.
Pre booking a cab for an early flight is a good idea. Ask the dispatcher for a rough estimate when you book, and ask whether the company can send a larger vehicle if you have several bags or a group.
Choosing a company and avoiding surprises
Use a licensed taxi company, and look for a vehicle with a working meter and a posted rate card. Some practical points to check before you set off:
- Meter or quote: confirm the ride will run on the meter and ask for an estimate to the terminal you need.
- Extra stops: the rule lists en route stop charges of $6.00 for the first 10 minutes and $2.00 for each additional minute, so tell the driver if you need to stop on the way.
- Payment: ask whether the car takes cards or mobile payment before you get in.
- Terminal: say which terminal you are flying from so the driver goes to the right curb.
If you want to compare a taxi against a ride hailing app, the taxi fare estimator gives a starting point, and the app estimate will show the current price before you confirm.