The trip from YVR Airport to Langley (Willowbrook Mall) is 50 km, and the drive takes about 55 minutes. A standard rideshare costs about $81 at normal demand, with a likely range of $73 to $94.
How the $81 is worked out
We estimate fares from average rideshare rates: a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. On a 50 km ride the distance and time charges make up nearly all of the total, and the booking fee is a small slice. These figures are estimates, not Uber’s own prices. The Uber app shows the real upfront price before you confirm, so use our number as a budgeting guide.
Demand changes the price a great deal on a long trip. At a busy time (1.2 times the normal rate) expect about $97. Very busy (1.5 times) comes to about $121, and at a peak (2 times) the fare reaches about $161. If the upfront price looks far above $81, you can check the app again a little later.
Vehicles, taxis and planning the pickup
Bigger vehicles and the taxi meter
Comfort is about $101 for this trip, XL (up to 6 seats) about $117 and Premier about $180. XL is the one to look at if you have several passengers or a lot of luggage.
Taxis are priced differently. Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi both publish a flag fee of $3.75 plus $2.18 per km, which puts the meter near $113 for 50 km. That figure leaves out waiting time and extras, so the final bill can be higher. At normal demand it is well above the rideshare estimate, though it sits below the very busy and peak rideshare figures.
Before you book
On a ride of nearly an hour, it pays to confirm the pickup spot in the app before you leave the arrivals area. Share the exact address you want with the driver. Because the destination is a mall, tell them which entrance or address you are heading for.
Ask early whether your bags will fit, since a standard car has limited room. If you need an accessible vehicle, book ahead by phone rather than hoping one is close by.
The 55 minute figure is an average. If you have an appointment to meet, build in a buffer, because part of the fare is charged by the minute and a slower drive costs more than a quick one.