Neither app wins every time in Vancouver. The cheaper one changes by trip, time of day and demand, so the quickest way to decide is to check both apps for your exact pickup and drop-off. For a side-by-side look, see the Lyft vs Uber in BC comparison.
Price
When Uber and Lyft launched in Metro Vancouver in early 2020, local reporting found their fares were close. Lyft charged a $2.50 base, a $2.50 service fee and $0.65 per kilometre. Uber charged a $2.50 base, a $2 booking fee and $0.70 per kilometre. Both charged $0.33 per minute, and a sample trip from downtown to Mount Pleasant quoted $11.98 on Uber and $11.74 on Lyft. Those were launch figures, and both companies have changed their pricing since, so treat them as history rather than a current rate.
The City of Vancouver also requires both companies to collect a $0.30 pick-up and drop-off fee in the metro core between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Both apps show an upfront estimate before you confirm, and both can raise prices when demand is high or the weather is bad. The estimate you see at booking is the number that matters.
Service options
At launch Uber offered a wider menu, including UberX, Comfort, Premier, XL, Black, Pet and Assist, while Lyft offered Standard and Plus. If you need a larger vehicle or a pet friendly ride, check which options each app lists for your pickup.
Coverage and waiting times
Both services cover downtown Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey and most populated areas, and both run around the clock. Waiting times vary by neighbourhood and hour, so the pickup estimate in each app is a better guide than any general claim.
How to choose
Open both apps, enter the same trip and compare the price and the pickup time. Book outside surge periods when you can, and switch apps if one shows long waits late at night or after a big event. Having both installed gives you the most options.