On a 6 km trip, rideshare and taxi come out almost level: a standard rideshare from Downtown Vancouver to Nat Bailey Stadium is about $17 at normal demand, and the published taxi tariffs give a meter estimate of about $17 as well. The drive takes about 15 minutes.
How the rideshare price is calculated
The likely range for a standard ride is $14 to $20. We got there with average rates, so this is an estimate and not an Uber price. The rate card is a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. Six km adds $6.90 and 15 minutes adds $5.25. With the base fare that is about $15, and the booking fee brings it to about $17.
Demand changes the number. At a busy time the estimate is about $20, when it is very busy it is about $24, and at peak demand it reaches $31. The Uber app shows the real upfront price, so read that before you accept.
Larger vehicles cost more. Expect roughly $20 for Comfort, $23 for XL (which seats up to 6) and $35 for Premier.
Because the base fare and booking fee are fixed, they make up a big share of a ride this short. That is why the standard price stays near $17 even though each extra km adds only $1.15.
Taxi meter on this route
For a cab, Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi share one tariff of $3.75 to begin and $2.18 per km after. Over 6 km the meter would come to about $17. Any waiting charge or extra would be added to that. To book by phone, Vancouver Taxi is at 604-871-1111 and Yellow Cab Vancouver is at 604-681-1111.
Practical tips for a stadium trip
- If you are going to an event, expect demand and prices to be higher around the start and finish, and check the app before you head out.
- Send the driver the exact address and read the pickup spot in the app so you are both looking at the same place.
- Leave extra time on the way there, since a car requested at a busy moment can take longer to arrive.
- Book a wheelchair accessible vehicle ahead by phone, because they are limited.
Groups heading to the same place can split one larger vehicle rather than ordering two cars, and XL at about $23 is often the cheaper way to move four or five people. A short ride like this one is easy to underestimate. The price is low, but the multiplier still applies, and a $17 trip can pass $30 at peak. Looking at the app for a minute or two costs nothing and sometimes saves a good deal.