A rideshare from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Richmond Centre costs about $45 at normal demand, while a taxi meter on a published tariff comes to about $60. The trip is 26 km and takes about 30 minutes.
Rideshare estimate and what moves it
The $45 figure sits inside a likely range of $40 to $52. It is an estimate built from average rates and is not Uber’s own number. For the price you will actually pay, enter your pickup and drop off in the Uber app and read the upfront fare.
The maths is simple. Start with a $2.50 base fare, add $1.15 for every kilometre and $0.35 for every minute, apply the demand multiplier, then add the $2 booking fee. If the result is under the regional minimum of $4.43, the minimum applies instead, which would only happen on a very short ride.
When demand is busy (1.2 times) the estimate rises to about $53. Very busy (1.5 times) brings it to about $66, and peak (2 times) to about $88.
Comfort is about $56, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $64, and Premier is about $99.
Taxi comparison from the ferry
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi both have a published tariff of $3.75 flag fee plus $2.18 per km. Across 26 km, that gives a meter estimate of about $60 for either company. The meter figure has no allowance for waiting or extras.
So at normal demand the rideshare is roughly $15 cheaper. At peak demand the $88 estimate is well above the taxi figure, which matters if you are travelling when many people are ordering at once.
Tips for leaving a ferry terminal
Decide on the car before you reach the exit, not after. Check the app for the suggested meeting spot, and share your exact address with the driver if the pin looks wrong.
- Ask yourself whether your luggage will fit in a standard car, and pick XL if there is doubt.
- Compare the app price with the taxi estimate of $60 before you commit.
- Keep your phone charged, since you will need it to match with the driver.
- Look again at the price after a few minutes if it shows a busy period, because it can come down.
Richmond Centre is a shopping destination by name, so confirm the address you type matches where you want to be dropped off. A wheelchair accessible vehicle is best booked by phone in advance. Vancouver Taxi (604-871-1111) lists wheelchair accessible cars and cards accepted.