Before you book, open the Uber app and enter both addresses, because the upfront price shown there is the one you will actually pay. Everything below is our own estimate to help you judge that number. From Coquitlam Centre to Port Moody the trip is 5 km and takes about 12 minutes.
Where the $14 comes from
At normal demand a standard rideshare comes to about $14, with a likely range of $13 to $17. The sum behind it uses typical rates: $2.50 for the base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. Five kilometres adds about $5.75, twelve minutes adds about $4.20, and the fee goes on top.
Uber sets its own prices, so read ours as an estimate from average rates. On a trip this short the fixed charges are close to half of the total. The regional minimum fare is $4.43, but a ride of this length is well above it.
The quote in the app can differ from ours by a dollar or two in either direction, and that is normal. A figure far outside the $13 to $17 range is a sign to check the addresses you typed.
Surge pricing and larger vehicles for Port Moody
When demand rises, the fare rises with it. At busy demand (1.2 times) the price is about $17, at very busy (1.5 times) about $21, and at peak (2 times) about $27. A peak price on a 5 km ride can feel steep, and waiting a few minutes before you book sometimes brings it down.
Comfort is priced at about $18, XL (up to 6 seats) at about $20 and Premier at about $30. The step up to XL is small here, so it is worth it if your group will not fit in a regular car.
Taxi meter and practical tips
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi charge a $3.75 flag fee, then $2.18 for each km they publish. For 5 km the meter would reach about $15, which is close to the rideshare price. Waiting time and extras would add to that. You can also phone Yellow Cab Vancouver at 604-681-1111 or Vancouver Taxi at 604-871-1111 and ask for a quote.
- Check the pickup spot in the app, since a shopping centre can have more than one entrance.
- Carry your bags to that spot before you confirm the booking.
- For a wheelchair accessible vehicle, phone and book ahead.
- Allow a few extra minutes at busy times, because the 12 minutes is an average.