The drive from MacArthurGlen (YVR) to Richmond Centre takes about 12 minutes and covers 5 km. A standard rideshare for it costs about $14 at normal demand, and the likely range is $13 to $17.
Working out the fare
We start from average rideshare rates: $2.50 for the base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. Five kilometres adds about $5.75 and twelve minutes adds about $4.20. Add the base fare and the booking fee and you arrive at roughly $14.
That number comes from average rates, so Uber may charge something a little different. Open the Uber app and enter both addresses to see the real upfront price. On a trip this short, the base fare and booking fee together are a big part of the total, and the regional minimum fare of $4.43 is not a factor.
Surge levels and larger vehicles
When many riders want cars at once, the price goes up. At busy demand (1.2 times) expect about $17. At very busy demand (1.5 times) it is about $21, and at peak (2 times) about $27.
A short ride like this is easy to delay, so if the price looks high, wait a few minutes and look again.
Comfort costs about $18, XL (up to 6 seats) about $20 and Premier about $30. If you are carrying shopping bags from the outlet centre, check that a regular car will hold them or choose XL.
Premier is the premium option and costs roughly twice the standard fare, which is hard to justify on a 5 km ride unless you want a higher grade of car.
Taxi meter and pickup advice
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi list a $3.75 flag fee with $2.18 added for each km. For 5 km the meter would reach about $15, so the taxi and rideshare prices are close. Any waiting time or extras would be charged on top. For a phone quote, Yellow Cab Vancouver is at 604-681-1111 and Vancouver Taxi is at 604-871-1111.
Because the starting point is a shopping destination with an airport connection in its name, give the driver the exact address and check the pickup spot the app suggests. Send a message if you are waiting somewhere other than the pin.
If anyone with you needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle, book one ahead by phone. Allow a few extra minutes if you are catching a flight, since 12 minutes is an average.