Before you book, open the Uber app and look at the upfront price, because it is the only figure that counts. Our estimate for Downtown Vancouver to Metrotown (Burnaby) is about $29 at normal demand, with a likely range of $26 to $34. It is a 14 km drive of roughly 25 minutes.
The price and how it moves
The rate card
We calculate from average rideshare rates, so this is an estimate and not an Uber price. The rates are a base fare of $2.50, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute, and a $2 booking fee. The first three parts are multiplied by the demand factor. For 14 km and 25 minutes, the standard fare comes to the $29 above.
Busy times and bigger cars
When demand rises to 1.2 times, the fare is about $35. At 1.5 times (very busy) it is about $43, and at 2 times (peak) it is about $57. The jump from normal to peak is large on a 14 km trip, so a few minutes of waiting and rechecking can matter.
Comfort is about $36, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $42, and Premier is about $64. If you are a group of four or five with shopping bags, XL gives you space.
Taxi and practical advice
Taxi meter
We have no published taxi tariff we could check for this area. Two published ones, Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi, charge a $3.75 flag fee and $2.18 per km. Across 14 km the meter reads about $34. The meter figure excludes time spent waiting and any extras. To get a quote, phone Vancouver Taxi on 604-871-1111 or MacLure’s Cabs on 604-831-1111.
Shopping centre pickups
Large malls usually have several entrances and parking areas, so a driver can easily end up in the wrong place. Pick a clear entrance, type the full address, and confirm the pin in the app. Expect higher prices when many shoppers leave at once, and allow extra time for the trip back. If you are loaded with purchases, ask the driver whether everything fits, and book a wheelchair accessible vehicle ahead of time if you need one.
At normal demand the rideshare estimate of $29 sits about $5 under the taxi meter figure of $34. Once demand reaches the busy level, the two are close, and at peak the taxi is clearly cheaper. Neither number includes a tip, and both are estimates rather than quotes.