A standard rideshare from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to Downtown Victoria is about $54, which sits well below the $77 for an XL and the $118 for a Premier on the same trip. The distance is 32 km and the drive takes about 35 minutes. At normal demand the likely range is $48 to $62.
What the $54 is made of
Nothing here comes from Uber itself. We worked these numbers out from average rideshare rates: $2.50 as the starting fare, $1.15 for every kilometre, $0.35 for every minute, a demand multiplier on top, and a $2 booking fee at the end. For this trip the distance part comes to $36.80 and the time part to $12.25, which is how the total lands near $54.
Demand moves the number quickly. When the area is busy (about 1.2 times normal) expect around $64. At very busy times (1.5 times) it is about $79, and at a peak surge of 2 times it reaches roughly $105. Your Uber app will quote the true upfront price before you confirm, so use our figures to plan and the app to decide.
Comfort is about $66. If you are travelling with a large group or a lot of bags, XL seats up to six and costs about $77.
Taxi, and getting the trip right
We could not find a published taxi tariff for this area, so we cannot give you a meter estimate. Phone a company and ask for a quote before you get in. Calls go to Uptown Taxi on 250-886-6066, Victoria Taxi on 250-383-7111 or BlueBird Cabs on 250-382-2222. BlueBird lists wheelchair accessible vehicles, which is worth asking about when you book.
Before you leave the terminal
Open the app early and check that drivers are showing nearby before you rely on getting a car quickly. Look at the pickup point the app suggests and walk to it before you request, because a driver who is sent to the wrong spot loses time that you may end up paying for in waiting.
If you have luggage, say so in the app notes or choose XL. Share the exact street address of your destination in Downtown Victoria, since a hotel name alone can match more than one place.
Reading the price when demand jumps
If the upfront price looks high, wait a few minutes and check again. Surge prices often ease as more drivers come online, and the difference between the busy and peak figures above is more than $40 on a 32 km trip. A booked taxi at a quoted price is a fair thing to compare against in that case.