Scheduling an Uber in advance in Vancouver is a reasonable way to plan a pickup, though Uber does not publish a punctuality rate for it. Uber Reserve pairs a driver with your trip ahead of time and lets you book from 90 days up to 30 minutes before pickup, but traffic can still push the arrival past the estimate.
Uber Reserve is available in Vancouver for UberX and UberXL. It is aimed at trips such as airport runs, train stations, other cities and planned events, where a late car costs you something.
What Uber Reserve does
After you place a reservation, Uber starts matching you with a driver. The service prioritizes timely pickups by assigning drivers to trips in advance, and it builds in extra waiting time so you can gather your belongings. Riders can also choose drivers they have previously rated highly for their reserved rides.
Changing or cancelling a booking
You can cancel up to an hour before the scheduled pickup at no charge. A cancellation made within 60 minutes of pickup carries a fee, and the amount shows in the app. Check the pickup time and place when you book, since a mistake is cheaper to fix early.
Why a scheduled pickup can still run late
Heavy traffic downtown or at peak hours can delay a driver beyond the first estimate. Road closures, accidents and construction change the route and the timing too. A driver who accepted your booking well in advance can still get stuck in congestion on the way to you.
How to improve your odds
Wait at a visible, accessible spot close to your pickup point so the driver can find you quickly. Move to the curb once the app shows that the driver has arrived. Track the car in the app as pickup time nears, and message the driver if the meeting point is unclear.
Traffic, events and time of day
Rush hours and weather change arrival times a lot. If you can choose, avoid weekday mornings and late afternoons when traffic is heaviest. Festivals and other events in Vancouver raise demand, so book earlier than you think you need to and leave a buffer before a flight or ferry. For a fare comparison before you book, the Uber calculator gives a rough idea.