How much is an Uber from Downtown Kelowna to UBC Okanagan? At normal demand a standard ride costs about $25, and most trips land between $22 and $30. You are looking at 12 km and a drive of roughly 20 minutes.
Breaking down the $25
We worked this out from typical rideshare rates. You pay a $2.50 base fare, plus $1.15 for every km and $0.35 for every minute. A $2 booking fee goes on top. For 12 km and 20 minutes the total is about $25.
These numbers are estimates, not Uber’s own prices. The Uber app shows the exact upfront price before you book, and that is the figure you will pay.
If the app shows a higher price
Fares go up when many riders request cars together. A busy period, about 1.2 times normal, brings the price to roughly $30. A very busy one (1.5 times) means about $37, and peak demand at double the rate can reach $49.
If you are carrying a lot or travelling as a group, Comfort is about $31, XL with up to 6 seats is about $36 and Premier is about $54.
No taxi tariff for this area was available for us to check, so we cannot show a meter total. For a taxi, phone a local company and ask for a quote for the full 12 km. Waiting time and extras are usually not in a quoted price.
Tips for a campus trip
- Check the pickup spot in the app and move the pin if it looks wrong.
- Send the full address of where you are going so the driver does not need to call.
- Look at the price a few minutes later if the first quote is in the busy range.
- Phone ahead for a wheelchair accessible vehicle instead of relying on the app.
University trips can bunch together around the times people arrive or leave, so build in extra time if you have a class, an exam or an appointment to reach. Also check that cars show as available near you before you rely on the app, since driver numbers in a smaller city can vary.
A 20 minute ride at normal demand costs about $25, but the same ride at peak is about $49. Seeing both numbers before you book lets you decide whether to go now, wait a little or phone a taxi company for a comparison. Keep your phone charged and your pickup address handy while you wait.