Uber does not publish one fixed price per kilometre for BC. The distance rate depends on the city, the vehicle type, the time of day and how busy the network is, so the only reliable number is the fare estimate the app shows before you confirm a ride.
How the fare is built
An Uber fare is made of several parts: a base fare, a charge for distance, a charge for time spent in the car, and fees on top. When Uber launched in Metro Vancouver in January 2020, its published launch rates were a $2 booking fee, a $2.50 base fare, $0.70 per kilometre and $0.33 per minute. Those were launch figures, and current rates change with demand, so treat them as a picture of the structure and not as today’s price.
The City of Vancouver also requires a $0.30 pickup and drop-off fee for rides in its core between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. That small charge is added to the fare on top of the per kilometre and per minute amounts.
Why a per kilometre figure alone misleads
Time counts as much as distance. A slow crawl through downtown traffic can cost more than a faster trip of the same length, because the per minute charge keeps running. That is also why two rides of identical distance can be priced differently at 8 a.m. and at 11 a.m.
Surge pricing and other changes
When many people request rides at once, the app raises the price to bring more drivers onto the road. The size of the increase varies from trip to trip and is shown in the estimate before you accept. Rain, big events and the end of a concert or game are common triggers. If the price looks high, waiting a few minutes or walking a couple of blocks away from a crowded pickup spot can sometimes bring it down.
What affects the final price
Distance and travel time are the main drivers. Pickup and drop-off locations matter too, so enter them carefully. Airport trips, tolls and local fees can add to the total, and the app lists these in the fare breakdown.
Vehicle choice changes the price as well. Compare UberX with larger options such as Uber XL in the app and pick the one that fits your group. For a rough idea before you open the app, the Uber fare calculator can help you plan, and the in-app estimate is the number that counts. Check the breakdown before you confirm, especially at busy times or on routes with extra fees.