A standard rideshare from Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal to Capilano Suspension Bridge costs about $29 at normal demand, and the likely range is $25 to $34. The trip is 15 km and takes about 20 minutes.
Where the $29 comes from
We built this from average rideshare rates, so it is an estimate and not an Uber price. The pieces are a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. For 15 km and 20 minutes the first three add up to $26.75, and the booking fee brings the total to about $29.
Enter both addresses and the Uber app will show the exact upfront price for your pickup.
Surge at Horseshoe Bay
A busy period (1.2 times the usual fare) moves the trip to about $34. When it is very busy (1.5 times) expect about $42, and at a peak (double) about $56.
Short trips feel these jumps less in dollars than long ones, but a doubled fare is still a surprise if you were not expecting it.
For more room, Comfort is about $35, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $41 and Premier is about $62.
What the taxi meter reads for 15 km
The two companies we checked, Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi, set a flag fee of $3.75 and $2.18 per km. Over 15 km the meter would come to about $36. Charges for waiting and extras are not part of that figure.
Under normal demand the rideshare costs less than the meter. At a peak it costs more, and the taxi does not change with demand.
Practical advice for a short hop
Check the pickup spot in the app before you walk out of the terminal. Share the exact address you are heading to, because the driver sees it only as a pin until you confirm.
Ask whether bags will fit if you are carrying a lot. Anyone who needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle should book it ahead.
Twenty minutes is short, but a ferry arrival means many people looking for cars together. Allow extra time if you have an entry time or a booking at the other end.
If the price in the app looks far above $34, the top of the likely range at normal demand, a demand multiplier is probably active. You can wait a few minutes and refresh, or compare it with the $36 taxi meter figure and decide which suits you. Groups of four or more may find that XL at about $41 costs less than splitting into two cars, and it keeps everyone together.