Before you book, open the rideshare app and look at the upfront price for the trip from Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal to Metrotown, because our number is only a guide. We put a standard ride at about $55 at normal demand, with a likely range of $49 to $63, for 30 km and about 45 minutes.
How we get to $55
The estimate comes from average rideshare rates, not from Uber. Those rates are a base fare of $2.50, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. Thirty km adds $34.50 and 45 minutes adds $15.75. With the base fare that is $52.75, and the booking fee lifts it to about $55.
The fare rises when demand does. A busy time (1.2 times) gives about $65. Very busy (1.5 times) gives about $81, and a peak (double) gives about $108. If the app shows something near those levels, you know the cause is demand and not a longer route.
Larger vehicles cost more again. Comfort is about $68, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $78 and Premier is about $121.
Taxi meter figure
Both Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi have a tariff that opens at $3.75 and adds $2.18 for every km. For 30 km the meter would come to around $69. That does not include waiting time or extras, so treat it as the lowest the meter is likely to show.
Both companies charge the same, which makes comparing them simple. Against the rideshare estimate, the taxi is higher at normal demand but steady, since the meter ignores busy periods.
Planning a 45 minute ride from a ferry terminal
When a sailing comes in, plenty of riders request cars at once, and prices and wait times can both go up. If you are not in a hurry, check the app again after a few minutes.
Choose the pickup spot the app suggests and send the driver your exact address. Ask whether your bags will fit, especially if you have more than two large cases. A wheelchair accessible vehicle should be booked ahead.
Since the trip takes close to an hour on a slow day, leave room before any appointment at the other end.
If the app shows a price above $63, the top of the likely range at normal demand, a multiplier is probably in play. You can wait and refresh, or phone one of the taxi companies for a quote. A group of five or six may find XL at about $78 cheaper than splitting into two cars, so it is worth a quick comparison before you book.