How much is an Uber from SFU Burnaby to Surrey Central? At normal demand a standard rideshare is about $38 for the 20 km trip, which takes about 30 minutes. The likely range is $34 to $44, so it pays to look at the live price before you agree.
Working out the $38 step by step
We worked this out from average rates, so treat it as a guide and not as Uber’s own pricing. The app shows the real upfront price, and that is the number you will actually pay.
The base fare is $2.50. Add $1.15 for each of the 20 km, which is $23, and $0.35 for each of the 30 minutes, which is $10.50. That totals $36, and the $2 booking fee lifts it to about $38. The regional minimum fare of $4.43 is far below this, so it has no effect here.
When many people want a car, the price multiplies. At 1.2 times you would pay about $45, at 1.5 times about $56 and at the peak 2 times about $74. Those are large differences, and on a long trip they add up fast. The gap between normal demand and the peak is $36, nearly the cost of the ride itself.
For extra space or a higher grade of car, Comfort is about $47, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $54 and Premier is about $83. If three or four of you are travelling together, XL split between you may work out cheaper per person than separate rides.
Taxi comparison and tips
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi quote identical rates, starting at $3.75 with $2.18 added for each km. For 20 km the meter estimate is about $47 for both, which is close to the busy rideshare price. Waiting time and extras are not added to that figure, so treat it as a floor for the meter total.
- Look at the pickup point in the app and be there when the driver arrives.
- Give the exact address at both ends to avoid a wrong turn.
- If you have luggage or equipment, ask if it will fit before the car leaves.
- Phone ahead for wheelchair accessible service, such as MacLure’s Cabs on 604-831-1111.
A 30 minute drive is the average, and rides at busy hours can run longer. If a deadline matters to you, book earlier and give yourself some slack. On a longer ride it also helps to have the card or payment method in the app ready before the car arrives.