The distance from Downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is 37 km, and the drive takes about 45 minutes. A standard rideshare costs about $63 at normal demand, with a likely range of $56 to $73.
What goes into $63
We use average rideshare rates: $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. Thirty seven kilometres adds $42.55, and 45 minutes adds $15.75.
That makes this an estimate from average rates, not an Uber price. The app shows the real upfront fare before you confirm.
The booking fee is a flat $2 on every ride, so it matters little on a trip of this length. Distance is the biggest piece, followed by time, and the app combines the two with whatever demand is doing at that moment.
When demand climbs
At 1.2 times the normal rate the fare is about $75. At 1.5 times it is about $93, and at double it is about $124.
Comfort is about $78, XL with up to six seats is about $90, and Premier is about $139. A family with several bags may find XL the better fit, because a standard car can fill up quickly once strollers, suitcases and carry on bags are loaded.
If a surcharge appears, you can wait a few minutes and refresh the price. It does not always fall, but it often does once the first rush of requests passes.
Taxi comparison
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi both publish a $3.75 flag fee plus $2.18 per km. For 37 km the meter would show about $84. Time spent waiting and any extras would be added at the end.
That is about $21 above the standard rideshare estimate. Some riders still prefer a taxi, because they can phone for one and do not need the app.
Getting to a ferry on time
A ferry terminal is a place where a sailing time often decides your schedule, so give yourself more room than the 45 minutes suggests. Check the sailing and check-in details with the ferry operator, since we do not have them.
Look at the pickup pin in the app, and tell the driver where you are headed. Ask whether your luggage fits before you leave, and book an accessible vehicle ahead if you need one. Peak hours can raise both the fare and the wait for a driver, so request the ride early and keep your phone charged until you arrive.