The distance from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to White Rock is 30 km, and the drive takes about 45 minutes. A standard rideshare costs about $55 at normal demand, and most trips fall between $49 and $63.
Rideshare and taxi prices
Rideshare estimate
These numbers are estimates from average rates and are not Uber prices. The Uber app shows the real upfront price for your exact pickup and drop off.
We used a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. The first three are multiplied by the demand level, and the booking fee goes on at the end. A regional minimum of $4.43 sets a floor, though a 30 km ride sits far above it.
Busy demand at 1.2 times normal gives about $65. Very busy, at 1.5 times, gives about $81. At peak, with demand doubled, the estimate is about $108.
Among the bigger options, Comfort comes to about $68, XL (up to 6 seats) to about $78 and Premier to about $121.
Taxi meter estimate
Both Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi charge the same published rates: $3.75 as the flag fee, then $2.18 per km. Over 30 km the meter would show about $69. Waiting time and extras are on top of that, so the final fare could be higher.
The rideshare estimate is about $14 lower at normal demand. By the time demand is very busy the two are close, and at peak the taxi is clearly cheaper.
What to do before and during the ride
At the terminal
Leaving a ferry terminal is easier with a plan. Look at where the app wants you to meet the car, and if the marker seems wrong, drag it or message the driver. A second look at the price a few minutes later can show a lower number if demand has eased.
Tell the driver how much luggage you have. If the standard car looks too small, ordering XL beforehand is simpler than switching at the curb.
For the trip itself
Forty five minutes is long enough that you will want the right drop off point set in advance, so type the full White Rock address instead of a general area. Plan some spare time if you have a booking at the other end.
If you pay by card, check the app has your payment method saved before you leave the terminal, so nothing holds you up when the car arrives.
For wheelchair accessible service, call ahead. Vancouver Taxi (604-871-1111) and MacLure’s Cabs (604-831-1111) both list wheelchair accessible cars.