Rideshare and taxi land close together on the way from Steveston to YVR Airport, though the taxi meter runs a little higher. A standard rideshare is about $23 at normal demand, with a likely range of $20 to $27. A taxi on the published tariff comes to about $26.
Steveston to YVR by rideshare
The run covers 10 km and takes around 20 minutes. We work out the price from average rideshare rates: a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2.00 booking fee. Add those up for this distance and time and you get roughly $23.
That figure is our own estimate from average rates and not a price set by Uber. The Uber app shows the real upfront price once you enter the pickup and drop-off, and that figure is the one you pay.
Demand changes the total. When it is busy the fare is multiplied by 1.2, which gives about $27. Very busy is 1.5 times, or about $34. At peak demand, 2 times, expect about $44. For a flight, that spread matters, so check the price before you commit to leaving late.
Larger vehicles cost more. Comfort is about $28, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $32, and Premier is about $49. XL is worth a look for a family or anyone with several suitcases.
The taxi meter
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi share one published tariff of $3.75 to start and $2.18 per km. Over 10 km the meter reads about $26. Waiting time and extras are not included, so treat it as a minimum guide.
Taxi is the better choice if you want a fixed phone booking with a company rather than an app match. Vancouver Taxi (604-871-1111) and Yellow Cab Vancouver (604-681-1111) both list airport rides, card payment and wheelchair accessible vehicles. Coastal Rides (604-330-7433) lists itself as a rideshare app with airport rides.
Getting to the airport on time
Work backwards from your flight, then add a buffer for the check-in line and for a slower ride than the app predicts. Peak hours are when both waiting times and prices tend to rise, so book earlier than you think you need to.
Share your exact pickup address, and say how many bags you have so the driver can plan for them. Anyone who needs an accessible vehicle should phone and reserve one in advance. Confirm your airline and departure point with the driver as you set off so the drop-off is at the right door.