A standard rideshare from Columbia to Surrey Central costs about $17 at normal demand. The likely range is $14 to $20, and the trip is 6 km, which takes about 15 minutes.
How we got to $17
The number comes from average rates, so it is an estimate and not an Uber price. Our inputs were a base fare of $2.50, $1.15 for each km, $0.35 for each minute and a $2 booking fee. The distance part is $6.90 for 6 km, and the time part is $5.25 for 15 minutes. Add the base fare and the booking fee and you reach about $16.65, which rounds to $17.
The real figure appears in the Uber app as an upfront price before you confirm. It can differ from ours by a few dollars either way.
Demand moves the price in steps. When it is busy (x1.2) you would pay about $20. At very busy (x1.5) it is about $24, and at peak (x2) about $31.
Comfort, XL and Premier
Comfort is about $20. XL seats up to 6 and is about $23. Premier is about $35.
For one or two riders the standard car does the job. XL is the sensible choice for a group of four or more, or when you have luggage that will not fit a regular trunk.
Using a taxi instead
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi publish the same tariff: $3.75 flag fee and $2.18 per km. For 6 km the meter would come to about $17, level with the standard rideshare at normal demand. Anything for waiting or extras comes on top of that. When the app is surging, the taxi can come out cheaper, and when it is calm the two are nearly the same.
Taxis also suit riders who would rather phone than use an app. Vancouver Taxi (604-871-1111) and Yellow Cab Vancouver (604-681-1111) both list app booking, cards accepted and wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Whichever you choose, send the exact address and look at the pickup pin before the car arrives. A pin placed on the wrong side of a large building is a common cause of delays on a 15 minute ride like this.
If you have a connection to catch or an appointment, add a margin beyond the 15 minutes. At busy times the same drive can take longer, and requesting early gives you time to compare prices. It also helps to keep your phone charged and your ride details open, so you can call or message the driver if the two of you cannot find each other.