The distance from Downtown Vancouver to Edmonds is 18 km, and the drive takes about 30 minutes. A standard rideshare costs around $36 at normal demand, and the likely range is $32 to $42.
Where the $36 comes from
Our figure uses average rideshare rates: $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee.
For 18 km, distance adds $20.70. Thirty minutes adds $10.50. With the base fare the subtotal is $33.70, and the booking fee takes it to about $36.
These are estimates from average rates. They are not Uber prices, and the Uber app shows the real upfront price once you enter both addresses.
When demand is high
Price rises with demand, and the effect is easy to see on this route.
A busy period (1.2 times) gives about $42. A very busy one (1.5 times) gives about $53. At peak demand (2 times) the estimate is about $69.
If your plans are flexible, open the app a little earlier than you need to and see how the price moves. If they are not, plan for the higher figure so it does not surprise you.
The regional minimum fare of $4.43 only applies to very short trips, so it has no effect on an 18 km ride like this one.
Bigger cars and the taxi alternative
Comfort is about $44, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $51, and Premier is about $78. XL makes sense once you pass four people or add large bags.
On the taxi side, Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi both publish a flag fee of $3.75 plus $2.18 per km. At 18 km the meter would reach about $43. Waiting time and extras are not in that number.
That puts a taxi above the normal rideshare estimate and close to the busy rideshare prices, so compare both before you decide. A taxi dispatcher can also tell you whether a car can take cards, which is worth asking if you carry little cash.
Making the pickup easy
Check the pin in the app and move it if it is not where you are standing.
Tell the driver the full address and the unit or door you want, rather than only the neighbourhood name. A half hour trip goes more smoothly when the driver does not need to ask twice.
Add some buffer if you are travelling at a peak hour or need to arrive by a set time. If anyone in your group needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle, phone a taxi company ahead of time rather than hoping one is available when you want to leave.