The drive from Braid to Lougheed takes about 8 minutes. That is short enough that the price is mostly set by fixed charges, and a standard rideshare comes to about $11 at normal demand. The likely range is $9 to $13.
Why a 3 km ride still costs about $11
Our estimate uses average rates: a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. For 3 km that is $3.45, and 8 minutes adds $2.80. Together with the base fare and the booking fee, the total is about $10.75, which we round to $11.
This is an estimate and not an Uber price. The Uber app shows the real upfront fare. The regional minimum fare of $4.43 does not apply here, because the trip costs more than that.
Demand and larger vehicles
A busy period (x1.2) lifts the fare to about $13. A very busy one (x1.5) takes it to about $15, and peak demand (x2) is about $20. Comfort is about $13, XL for up to 6 seats is about $15 and Premier is about $22.
On a ride this short, a higher multiplier adds only a few dollars. If you are in a hurry, paying it may cost less than waiting.
Taxi and practical tips
On the meter, Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi start at $3.75 and add $2.18 for each km. For 3 km the meter would show about $10, a little below the rideshare estimate. Waiting time and extras are not included, and on a short trip a few minutes of waiting is a noticeable share of the bill.
- Check the pickup pin in the app and move it if it is not where you are standing.
- Type the full address for the drop off so the driver sees the right spot.
- Tell the driver about bags, a stroller or a bike before the ride starts.
- Book an accessible vehicle ahead if you use a wheelchair.
Short rides are cancelled more often than long ones, since drivers weigh the pickup distance against a small fare. If a request sits unanswered, try again or phone a taxi company such as Vancouver Taxi or Yellow Cab Vancouver, which both list wheelchair accessible service.
Leave a few minutes beyond the 8 in the estimate if you have a fixed time to meet. Walking out to the pickup point and loading bags can take longer than the drive itself, so be ready at the door when the driver is a minute away.