Before you book the Guildford to Coquitlam Centre trip, open the Uber app and look at the upfront price, because that figure is the one you will actually pay. Our estimate for a standard rideshare is about $31 at normal demand, with a likely range of $27 to $36. That is 15 km and around 25 minutes in the car.
Guildford to Coquitlam Centre rideshare estimate
These numbers are estimates worked out from average rates, not Uber’s own prices. The calculation uses a base fare of $2.50, $1.15 per km and $0.35 per minute, with a $2 booking fee added at the end. Demand multiplies the fare before that fee.
At a busy time (x1.2) the estimate rises to about $36. When it is very busy (x1.5) it is about $45, and at a peak (x2) about $59. If you see a number near the top of that scale, waiting a little and checking again can sometimes bring it down.
The larger vehicles cost more even at normal demand. Comfort is about $38, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $43, and Premier is about $66. For a shopping trip with a group, XL may end up cheaper per person than two separate cars.
Taxi fare and getting the pickup right
What a taxi meter would show
On the Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi tariff, the flag fee is $3.75 and each km adds $2.18. Over 15 km the meter comes to about $36, which is close to the rideshare price at a busy time. Waiting time and extras are not included in that figure, so treat it as a minimum rather than a quote.
If you would rather phone, Vancouver Taxi is on 604-871-1111 and Yellow Cab Vancouver is on 604-681-1111. Both list app booking and card payments, and both list wheelchair accessible service.
Tips for a shopping centre pickup
Large shopping centres often have more than one entrance, so tell the driver exactly where you are standing. Put the address in the app and also send a short message if the pin looks off. When you are leaving the centre with bags, check where the driver will wait before you walk out.
Allow more than 25 minutes if you have a fixed time to be somewhere, since travel time can stretch at peak hours. If you are bringing a stroller, bulky purchases or a folding chair, ask the driver whether it fits before you load it.
Anyone who needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle should book ahead and confirm the booking, because these cars are fewer than standard ones. Having the confirmation in hand also lets you plan your return trip.