How much is an Uber from Lonsdale Quay to Park Royal? Expect about $17 at normal demand, with a likely range of $14 to $20. Lonsdale Quay to Park Royal is 6 km and about 15 minutes by car.
Adding up the $17 estimate
These figures are our own estimates from average rideshare rates, not Uber’s prices. Our calculation starts from a $2.50 base fare, then $1.15 for every km and $0.35 for every minute, and finishes with a $2 booking fee. For 6 km and 15 minutes that comes to about $16.65 before rounding.
Demand moves the number. When it is busy (a 1.2 multiplier) the same trip is about $20. When it is very busy (1.5 times) expect around $24, and at peak demand (double) about $31. Treat our figure as a budgeting guide only, since the Uber app displays the actual upfront price before you confirm.
Short trips have a floor, called the regional minimum fare, which is $4.43. This ride is well above it.
If you want more room or a nicer car, Comfort is about $20, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $23 and Premier is about $35.
Taxi meter on the Park Royal run
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi share one published tariff of $3.75 to start plus $2.18 per km. On those tariffs a 6 km meter comes to about $17, almost the same as the rideshare estimate. A real meter can finish higher because waiting time and extras are not counted here.
If you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, Vancouver Taxi (604-871-1111) and Yellow Cab Vancouver (604-681-1111) both list one. Phone ahead rather than hoping one is free when you want to leave.
Choosing a pickup spot at a quay or mall
A quay and a shopping centre both have several places where a car could stop, so open the app and read the pickup spot it suggests before you walk anywhere. Type or share the exact address or entrance you want, and message the driver if the pin looks wrong.
Short hops cost the least when the car is already close. If you are leaving at a busy hour, give yourself a few extra minutes in case the first driver is a little way off or the price jumps while you wait. Shopping bags and a stroller usually fit in a standard car, but ask if you have anything larger.
Compare the app price with the meter figure above just before you go. On a trip this short the two are close, so the better choice is usually whichever car arrives sooner.