The distance from UBC to Lonsdale Quay is 20 km, which takes about 30 minutes in a car. A standard rideshare is around $38 at normal demand, and the likely range is $34 to $44.
Where the $38 comes from
We priced this trip with average rideshare rates. That means $2.50 as the base, $1.15 for every km, $0.35 for every minute and a $2 booking fee on top. For 20 km and 30 minutes, the sum is close to $38. These figures are estimates and not Uber’s prices, so rely on the Uber app for the real upfront price.
Demand multiplies the ride part of the fare. Busy (x1.2) brings it to about $45. Very busy (x1.5) is about $56, and peak (x2) is about $74.
The app also offers bigger or more upmarket cars. A Comfort car runs about $47, an XL with up to 6 seats about $54, and a Premier about $83.
Our numbers cover the ride itself. If you want a sense of how far the price can swing, compare the normal figure with the peak one: the gap here is about $36, which is nearly the cost of a second ride at normal demand.
Taxi meter for the same trip
Both Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi list $3.75 as the flag fee, then $2.18 for each km driven. Over 20 km, the meter would show about $47. Waiting time and extras would be added on top of that.
So a taxi costs a bit more than the rideshare at normal demand. A busy or very busy rideshare price comes close to the meter figure, and a peak price goes well beyond it.
Practical tips before you book
A 30 minute trip is short enough that a mix-up at pickup can eat a large share of your time. These habits help:
- Look at the pickup pin in the app and move it if it is not where you are waiting.
- Give the exact drop-off address, not only the name of the destination.
- Ask whether your luggage or gear fits before the driver arrives.
- Book a wheelchair accessible vehicle ahead if you need one.
Campus pickups can be confusing because the grounds are large. If you cannot spot the car, message the driver with a clear description of where you are standing.
Leave a cushion if you are heading for a fixed time such as a sailing, a meeting or a dinner booking. The 30 minute figure is a typical drive time, and a busy period can stretch it.