Plan on about 25 minutes for the drive from UBC to YVR Airport. The distance is 14 km, and a standard rideshare costs about $29 at normal demand. The likely range is $26 to $34.
Building the price
Our estimate starts with average rates: a base fare of $2.50, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. For 14 km and 25 minutes, that comes to roughly $29.
Uber did not provide these prices; they come from average rates. Once both addresses are in, the Uber app displays the actual upfront price.
The booking fee is a flat $2 and is added after the demand multiplier, so it stays the same however busy the app is. Most of the price is made up of the distance and the minutes in the car.
Prices at busier times from UBC
Busy periods at x1.2 bring the trip to about $35. Very busy (x1.5) pushes it to about $43, and peak (x2) to about $57.
Bigger cars cost more. Comfort works out at about $36, XL (up to 6 seats) at about $42, and Premier at about $64. If you have several suitcases or are travelling with a group, XL is worth pricing before you book.
Meter fare to the airport
Royal City Taxi and Whalley Taxi post the same rates, $3.75 to start and $2.18 per km after that. Over 14 km the meter would read about $34. Time spent waiting and any extras would be on top.
A standard rideshare at normal demand comes in a little lower. If the app shows a very busy or peak price, the taxi meter figure may be the cheaper of the two.
Because both options are close in price on this trip, the choice often comes down to how sure you want to be of a car. If you want a price fixed before you go, use the app. If you would rather phone and speak to someone, the taxi companies above take bookings.
Getting to the airport on time
A flight is the one trip where arriving late really costs you, so build in more margin than the 25 minute drive suggests. Demand can rise and the drive can take longer when many people are on the move.
Open the app early and confirm the pickup spot on campus, since the pin may sit away from where you are. Send the driver a message if you cannot find each other.
Say how many bags are coming with you and check that the car can hold them. Anyone who needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle should book it ahead of time instead of requesting one on the day.