Uber no longer publishes a single price per kilometre in BC. The fare is an upfront price built from expected time and distance, traffic and demand, so the cost of one kilometre changes from trip to trip. The best figure to plan around is the estimate in the app before you confirm.
For a sense of scale, when Uber launched in Vancouver in January 2020, reports put its rates at $0.70 per kilometre and $0.33 per minute, plus a $4.50 base fare that included the booking fee. Those are launch numbers, and today’s upfront prices may differ.
How the fare is built
Uber’s own explanation is that the price covers time and distance, market conditions and real-time demand. Distance is only one piece. A short trip in heavy traffic can cost more than a longer trip on a clear road, because time counts too. Surge is included in the price you see, and the app shows a notice when the price is higher than usual.
In Vancouver, the launch reports also mention pickup and drop-off fees in the metro core between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., at $0.30 each at the time. Check the fare breakdown in the app for any fees on your trip.
What can change the price
- Demand. Rush hour, events and bad weather raise prices because more riders request trips at once.
- Route changes. The upfront price can be adjusted if you add a stop, change the destination or the route changes a lot.
- Traffic. If the trip takes much longer than expected, the final fare can rise.
- Service type. UberX, larger vehicles and premium options are priced differently, so compare the options in the app.
Local factors
Winter rain and snow lengthen trips in Vancouver and Victoria, and they raise demand at the same time. Airport pickups and some downtown zones may carry extra charges, so look at the breakdown before you confirm. Fuel prices and municipal fees can also play a part, though Uber does not publish how much.
Ways to lower the cost
- Check the estimate at a couple of different moments and book when the price looks reasonable.
- Compare it with a taxi on the same route. Our Uber calculator gives a rough idea of the cost.
- Book off-peak if your schedule is flexible.