A taxi fare in Metro Vancouver is a starting charge plus a distance and waiting charge shown on the meter, with a few extras on top. The Passenger Transportation Board sets one common meter rate for taxis in the region, so the structure is the same whichever company picks you up.
The meter starts with a flag charge of $3.75, which covers the first 45.95 metres. After that it adds $0.10 for every further 45.95 metres, which works out to about $2.18 per kilometre. All of these rates include 5% GST and come from the Board’s Rule 9, in effect as of January 1, 2025.
The parts of a taxi fare
Flag charge
The flag charge is the fixed start fee on every metered ride. It is the same for a two block hop and a cross town trip, so very short rides cost more per kilometre than long ones.
Distance charge
Distance is billed in small steps of 45.95 metres, so the fare climbs steadily as you travel. At roughly $2.18 per kilometre, a longer trip adds up quickly even before any delays.
Waiting time
When the taxi is stopped or crawling, the meter adds $0.10 for every consecutive 9.25 seconds, which is $38.93 per hour. That is why a trip through heavy traffic can cost more than the same distance at a quiet hour, and why a driver who waits for you while you run an errand adds to the total.
What changes the final charge
Stops along the way carry their own fee. If you ask the driver to stop en route, the Board’s rule adds $6.00 for a stop of 10 minutes or less, then $2.00 per minute after the first 10 minutes. Say so before you set off if you plan to make a quick pickup on the way.
Airport trips have their own pricing. A trip that starts at Vancouver International Airport and ends outside the Richmond and Vancouver flat fare zones carries a $4.00 premium location charge. Pickups at the airport and at the Canada Place cruise ship terminal use flat fares by zone, which range from $16.00 to $47.00 depending on where you are going. Ask the driver or dispatcher which zone applies before you get in.
Anything outside the Board’s meter rate, such as extra luggage help, child seats, pets or a pre booked pickup, depends on the company, so confirm it when you call. Taxis outside Metro Vancouver, for example on Vancouver Island, work under different rates, so check with the local company there.
Getting a rough estimate
To get a ballpark figure before you ride, multiply the distance in kilometres by the per kilometre rate, add the flag charge, and leave room for traffic delays. The taxi fare estimator can do that arithmetic for a specific route. The final amount is whatever the meter shows, so treat any estimate as a guide.