UberX is the cheapest standard Uber for most riders in Vancouver, and a shared option such as UberX Share is cheaper still where the app offers it. Check both in the app before booking, since the price you see depends on the moment you ask.
UberX is the standard service with regular sedans, and it is the baseline other options are priced against. UberXL has more seats, so it costs more than UberX and only makes sense when your group or luggage needs the room. UberX Share is for a single rider who accepts sharing the car with strangers. The driver drops each passenger off at their own destination, which usually means a longer wait and a longer trip, and in return the fare is lower.
Choosing a service type for your trip
Solo or small group
UberX covers most trips for one to four people. If you are travelling alone and have time to spare, compare it with Share and see how large the saving is for your route. Share has a limit of one rider per booking, so a friend cannot join you on the same request.
Larger groups and luggage
UberXL is the option for extra seats and cargo space. Splitting an XL fare between several people can still work out cheaper per person than two separate UberX cars, so run both numbers before you decide.
Comfort options
Uber Comfort and Uber Black suit people who want more space or a premium car, and they cost more than UberX. They are not the right pick when price is the priority.
Compare prices before you book
Open the app, enter your pickup and drop off, and look at the estimates for each ride type side by side. The prices change with demand, so the same trip can cost less at a quiet time. Waiting a few minutes or walking to a nearby corner is sometimes enough to change the quote.
Promotions appear in the app from time to time, so check the account section for any offer that applies to your trip. For a rough idea of normal pricing, try the Uber calculator. If the Uber quote looks high on a busy night, a taxi can be worth a quick comparison, since taxi meter rates in Metro Vancouver are fixed by the Passenger Transportation Board and do not surge.