Plan on about 30 minutes for the ride from Downtown Vancouver to New Westminster Station, which is 20 km. A standard rideshare costs about $38 at normal demand, and the likely range runs from $34 to $44.
How the estimate is built
The price comes from average rideshare rates in this part of British Columbia, not from Uber’s own system. Those rates work out as $2.50 to start, $1.15 for each km, $0.35 for each minute, and $2 to book. Twenty km adds $23, and 30 minutes adds $10.50. Together with the base fare that is $36, and the $2 booking fee makes it about $38.
A regional minimum fare of $4.43 exists, but a trip of this length is well above it. The Uber app will show the actual upfront price when you type in your pickup and destination, and that number is the one you will pay.
What changes at busy times
Demand is the main thing that moves the total. At a busy level (1.2 times) the estimate is about $45. When it is very busy (1.5 times) it is about $56, and at peak demand (2 times) it is about $74. That is nearly double the normal price for the same ride, so a quick look at the app before you leave can save you a surprise.
If you need more space, Comfort is about $47, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $54, and Premier is about $83. XL is worth a look when you have a group or several large bags.
Taxi meter and travel tips
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi both publish a flag fee of $3.75 and a charge of $2.18 per km. Over 20 km the meter would come to about $47. Waiting time and extras are not counted in that figure, so the final fare may be higher. A taxi at that price sits close to a rideshare in busy conditions, though well above the normal estimate.
The place name suggests you may be heading to a station, and if you are catching something with a set departure, leave more time than the 30 minute estimate suggests. Travel at a peak hour can slow any car, and a taxi or rideshare cannot wait for a late connection. Confirm your pickup spot in the app, send the driver the exact address, and ask about luggage space if you are carrying more than a bag or two. For a wheelchair accessible vehicle, book with a taxi company ahead of time.