How much is an Uber from UBC to Coquitlam Centre? About $70 at normal demand, with a likely range of $62 to $81. The trip is 40 km and takes about 55 minutes.
What the rideshare price is based on
We worked the estimate out from average rates: a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. Add those up for 40 km and 55 minutes and you land near $70. This is our estimate, not Uber’s own price, and the Uber app will show the actual upfront price when you request the ride.
Busy periods push the total up. At x1.2 demand the trip is about $83, at x1.5 it is about $104, and at x2 peak demand it is about $138.
Other ride types cost more. Comfort is about $87 and XL (up to 6 seats) is about $100. Premier is the top tier at about $154.
Taxi comparison and getting ready to go
Taxi fare on the meter
We checked the published tariff for Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi. Both charge a flag fee of $3.75 plus $2.18 per km, which makes about $91 on the meter for 40 km. Waiting time and extras are not included in that number, so treat it as the starting point for the fare and not the final bill.
Next to that, a standard rideshare at normal demand is cheaper. If the app shows a very busy or peak price, compare it with the taxi figure before you decide, because the two can end up close.
Practical tips for a long campus pickup
Open the app a little before you need the car and look at where the pickup pin sits. University grounds can be spread out, and drivers sometimes wait in a different place from the one you pictured. If the pin is wrong, move it or message the driver.
Type in the full address for your drop-off. At almost an hour on the road, a wrong turn at the end is a poor way to finish.
Plan for the trip to take longer than 55 minutes if you have to be somewhere on time, particularly at busy periods. People travelling with suitcases, sports gear or a group should ask in the app or by message whether everything fits, and anyone who needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle should book one ahead instead of hoping one is free.