Time, distance and the usual price
The drive from Port Coquitlam to Surrey Central takes about 30 minutes. Over 18 km, a standard rideshare comes to about $36 when demand is normal. Most trips should land between $32 and $42.
That figure is our estimate, not a price from Uber. The Uber app shows the real upfront price once you enter both addresses, so use our number to judge whether the app’s price looks reasonable.
We worked from average rideshare rates: a base fare of $2.50, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. For this trip that is $2.50, plus $20.70 for distance, plus $10.50 for time, with the booking fee added at the end.
When demand pushes the price up
Demand multiplies the fare before the booking fee. At a busy time you can expect about $42. When it is very busy the estimate rises to about $53, and at a peak, when rates double, it reaches about $69.
If the price in the app looks high, waiting a little and checking again is often cheaper than booking straight away.
Larger vehicle prices to Surrey Central
Comfort for this trip is about $44. XL, which seats up to 6, is about $51, and Premier is about $78. A group of five or six with bags will pay less for one XL than for two standard cars at $36 each.
Taxi fare and pickup advice
Both Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi have a published meter that opens at $3.75 and charges $2.18 per km. On 18 km the meter would come to about $43. Extras and time spent waiting are charged separately, so expect the final bill to come in higher.
At normal demand that is about $7 more than the standard rideshare estimate. At a very busy or peak time the taxi meter can work out cheaper than the app.
Before you set off, send the driver the exact address for the pickup, since a neighbourhood name leaves too much guesswork. Check the pin in the app and move it if it sits on the wrong side of a building.
A 30 minute drive can run longer at rush hour, so leave extra time if you have an appointment, a connection or a booking at Surrey Central. If you travel with a wheelchair or a lot of luggage, ask about vehicle space before the car arrives. Accessible vehicles are best booked ahead by phone.
Pay by card in the app if you want the price fixed before you start. With a taxi, ask whether the driver takes cards before you get in.