A standard rideshare from YVR Airport to Canada Place costs about $32 at normal demand, with a likely range of $29 to $38. The trip is 15 km and takes about 30 minutes.
How the $32 is worked out
These figures are our estimates from average rates, not Uber’s own prices. We start with a base fare of $2.50, add $1.15 for each kilometre and $0.35 for each minute, then add a $2 booking fee. For this trip that is $2.50 plus $17.25 for distance plus $10.50 for time, which comes to $30.25 before the booking fee and about $32 after it.
Demand changes the middle part of that sum. When the area is busy (a 1.2 multiplier) the estimate rises to about $38. At very busy times (1.5) it is about $47, and at peak demand (2.0) it reaches about $63. The Uber app shows the real upfront price before you confirm, so use our numbers as a guide for budgeting.
If you need more space, Comfort is about $40 and XL, which seats up to six, is about $46. Premier is about $70.
What a taxi would cost
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi both publish a tariff with a flag fee of $3.75 and $2.18 per km. Over 15 km the meter comes to about $36 for either company. That figure leaves out waiting time and extras, so the final fare can be higher. It sits a little above the normal rideshare estimate and a little below the busy rate.
If you would rather phone ahead, Vancouver Taxi is on 604-871-1111 and Yellow Cab Vancouver is on 604-681-1111. Both are listed as wheelchair accessible and as taking airport rides.
Before you leave the terminal
Airports often have set pickup arrangements, so open the app after you land and read the pickup instructions it gives you before you walk anywhere. Enter your exact destination address and check that the car and plate match the booking.
If you have large bags, ask the driver whether they fit, or choose XL. Allow extra time if you have a booking to meet at the other end, since 30 minutes is an average and busy hours can stretch it. If you need an accessible vehicle, book one ahead by phone rather than hoping one turns up. Prices in the app can move between the moment you look and the moment you book, so check the total again on the confirmation screen, especially if you are travelling at a busy hour. Paying by card in the app also means you do not need to carry cash for the ride.