Rideshare is usually cheaper than a taxi on the run from SFU Burnaby to Downtown Vancouver, at least when demand is normal. The route covers 18 km and needs about 30 minutes. A standard rideshare is about $36, with a likely range of $32 to $42, while the taxi meter comes to about $43.
Rideshare price and what moves it
We estimate the fare from average rates: a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. For 18 km and 30 minutes, that gives about $36. These are estimates and not Uber’s own prices. Before you confirm, the app will quote the actual upfront price.
When demand rises, so does the total. Busy (x1.2) is about $42, very busy (x1.5) is about $53, and peak (x2) is about $69. At the busy level the rideshare is still a little under the meter figure, while at very busy it is well above it.
Bigger vehicles are priced separately. Expect about $44 for Comfort, about $51 for XL (up to 6 seats) and about $78 for Premier.
Taxi meter on the published tariff
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi charge a $3.75 flag fee with $2.18 added per km. Over 18 km, that makes about $43 on the meter. The figure does not include waiting time or extras, so the final fare may be higher.
A metered taxi has one advantage: the fare does not jump with demand the way an app price can. If the app is showing a very busy or peak price, the meter estimate is worth weighing against it.
If you are travelling with a group, compare the XL price with two separate standard rides. At normal demand the XL fare is about $15 above a single standard ride, so splitting the cost can make it the better deal.
Before you head out
City destinations can be hard to pin down with one name, so give the driver the exact address or the entrance you want. Check the pickup pin in the app too, since a campus can be large and the pin may not match where you are standing.
Allow extra time if you have a fixed appointment. Thirty minutes is the typical drive, and busy periods can add to it. If you are carrying luggage, ask whether it fits, and book a wheelchair accessible vehicle in advance if you need one.