Before you book, open the Uber app and look at the upfront price for your exact pickup and drop off, because that figure replaces every estimate on this page. Downtown Vancouver to Brentwood is 12 km and takes about 20 minutes. At normal demand a standard rideshare comes to roughly $25, and the likely range is $22 to $30.
How the $25 is worked out
We build the estimate from average rideshare rates for this part of British Columbia: a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. For this trip that is $2.50, plus $13.80 for distance, plus $7 for time. The subtotal is $23.30, and the $2 booking fee brings the total to about $25. The regional minimum fare is $4.43, but that only matters on very short hops and does not apply to a trip this long.
Of all the inputs, demand moves the total the most. When the app is busy, the trip part is multiplied by 1.2 and you land near $30. At very busy times the multiplier is 1.5 and the price is about $37. At peak demand it doubles, which gives roughly $49. These are estimates from average rates, not Uber’s own prices, so treat the app as the final word.
If you are heading to Brentwood at a time when many people are leaving work or an event, it is worth checking the price twice, a few minutes apart. Waiting a little can bring the multiplier down, though there is no guarantee that it will.
Bigger vehicles, taxis and getting the pickup right
Comfort, XL and Premier
Other ride types cost more for the same distance. Expect Comfort at about $31, XL (up to 6 seats) at about $36, and Premier at about $54. XL is the one to look at if you have several passengers or a lot of bags, since a standard car may not fit everyone.
Taxi meter and practical tips
Both Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi list a $3.75 flag fee with $2.18 charged per km. On 12 km that puts the meter at about $30, similar to a rideshare in busy conditions. The meter figure leaves out waiting time and extras, so the final fare can be higher.
Whichever you choose, share the exact address rather than just a building name, and wait for the app to confirm where the car will meet you before you start walking. Allow extra time if you are travelling at a peak hour, since a 20 minute trip can stretch when roads fill up. If you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, book ahead instead of hoping one is free when you want it, and ask the company about luggage space when you call.