A rideshare to Grouse Mountain usually comes out a little cheaper than a taxi over this distance. A standard ride from Lonsdale Quay is about $20 at normal demand, while the meter on a published taxi tariff would reach about $23.
What the rideshare costs
The trip is 9 km and takes about 15 minutes. Our likely range is $18 to $24. These are estimates from average rates and not Uber’s own prices, and the Uber app shows the real upfront price before you confirm.
The rate card starts with a base fare of $2.50, then adds $1.15 per kilometre and $0.35 per minute. This trip is $10.35 for distance and $5.25 for time, which makes $18.10 before the $2.00 booking fee.
When many people want a car, the price rises. At 1.2 times normal demand it is about $24, at 1.5 times about $29, and at double the usual rate about $38.
Larger cars cost more. Comfort is about $25, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $28 and Premier is about $43.
Meter cost to Grouse Mountain on published tariffs
Both Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi charge a $3.75 flag fee and then $2.18 for each km on their published tariff. Over 9 km the meter comes to about $23. Waiting time and extras are not included in that estimate, so the bill may be higher.
If you would rather book by phone, ask the dispatcher for a quote before you agree to the ride.
Practical tips for a mountain trip
A destination like this tends to draw groups and families, so a little planning helps a lot.
- Check the pickup pin in the app and send the driver your exact address.
- Tell the driver about skis, bikes or bulky bags when you book, and choose XL if the load is big.
- Order a bit earlier than you think you need, since prices and waits rise when demand is high.
- Book a wheelchair accessible vehicle ahead of time if anyone in your party needs one.
The 15 minute drive time is an average. Allow extra for the return journey too, because the ride home is priced the same way and can land in a busy stretch.
The difference between the two options here is small, about $3 at normal demand. If a taxi is available straight away and you prefer a metered fare, it is a reasonable choice. If you want to see the price first and track the car on a map, the app has the advantage. Check both before you decide, since a surge can reverse the order.