The trip from YVR Airport to Ladner is 20 km, and the drive takes about 30 minutes. A standard rideshare is about $38 at normal demand, and the likely range is $34 to $44.
Where the $38 comes from
Our figures are estimates built from average rates. They are not Uber’s own prices, and the Uber app shows the real upfront price.
The rate card has a base fare of $2.50, $1.15 per kilometre, $0.35 per minute and a $2.00 booking fee. Twenty kilometres adds $23.00 and thirty minutes adds $10.50. With the base fare that is $36.00, and the booking fee takes it to about $38.
When demand goes up
Prices move with demand. At a busy level (1.2 times) the fare is about $45. At very busy (1.5 times) it is about $56, and at a peak (2 times) it reaches about $74.
The gap between normal and peak is large on a trip this long, so it is worth checking the app again if the first price looks high. Waiting a few minutes sometimes changes it.
Bigger vehicles
Comfort is about $47, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $54, and Premier is about $83. XL is the one to pick if you are travelling with a family or several large bags.
Taxi and getting a smooth pickup
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi use the same published tariff: a $3.75 flag fee plus $2.18 per kilometre. For 20 km the meter comes to about $47. Anything for waiting or extras would come on top.
So a metered taxi runs about $9 above a standard rideshare at normal demand. Once demand is high, the taxi can be the cheaper option.
Because you are leaving an airport, read the pickup details in the app before you walk out, and give the driver the full street address of your destination. If you need an accessible vehicle, book one before you land. Vancouver Taxi (604-871-1111) and Yellow Cab Vancouver (604-681-1111) both list wheelchair accessible cars.
A 30 minute drive is long enough that you will want to know the price before you start, so confirm it in the app and keep your phone charged.
If you would rather speak to a person, you can phone a taxi company and ask for a quote on the day. Tell them where you are leaving from and where you are going, and ask whether the fare is metered or fixed. Having that answer before you get in means there is nothing to argue about at the end of the ride, and it lets you compare it with the app price in a minute or two.