Before you leave the terminal, open the Uber app and look at the pickup instructions and the price. From Kelowna Airport (YLW) to Vernon the trip is 40 km and takes about 35 minutes. A standard rideshare costs about $63 at normal demand, and the likely range is $56 to $73.
Where the $63 comes from
We worked this out from average rates, so it may differ from what Uber charges. Our inputs are a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 for each km, $0.35 for each minute and a $2.00 booking fee.
The distance adds $46.00 and the time adds $12.25. With the $2.50 base that is $60.75, and the $2.00 booking fee takes it to about $63.
The app will give you the real upfront price, so use the estimate here to decide whether the trip fits your budget.
Surge prices and bigger vehicles to Vernon
When demand rises, so does the fare. At 1.2 times the normal rate the estimate is about $75. At very busy times (1.5 times) it is about $93, and at a peak, when the rate doubles, about $124.
Comfort is about $78, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $90, and Premier is about $139. Families coming off a flight with large cases may find XL the easier choice, as a standard car can fill up fast. If your group is four people with four large cases, the extra room is usually worth the higher fare.
Taxi quote
We have no published taxi tariff that we could check for this airport, so we cannot give a meter estimate. Phone a taxi company and ask for a price to Vernon. Ask if waiting time and extras are included, because a basic estimate leaves them out.
Airport pickup tips
Flights run late and bags take time, so do not request the car until you are ready to walk out. Drivers who wait too long may cancel, and you could pay more on the next request.
Read the pickup spot shown in the app and follow it, rather than guessing where the car will stop. Share the exact address in Vernon, and tell the driver how many bags you have. Ask whether they fit before you load them.
If you need an accessible vehicle, book it in advance. Check that drivers are showing in the app, since fewer cars may be online outside the busiest hours in a smaller centre, and allow extra time if you have a connection or appointment waiting at the other end.