Before you book a ride from YVR Airport to Metrotown, open the Uber app and look at the upfront price for your exact pickup time, because that number replaces any estimate you read here. Our own figure for a standard rideshare is about $37 at normal demand, with a likely range of $33 to $44. The trip is 18 km and takes about 35 minutes.
Where the estimate comes from
We calculate it from average rates, so it is an estimate and not Uber’s price. The base fare is $2.50, each kilometre adds $1.15 and each minute adds $0.35. For 18 km and 35 minutes that gives $35.45, and a $2 booking fee brings the total to about $37.
Busy periods multiply the fare part of the sum. At 1.2 times the estimate is about $45, at 1.5 times it is about $55, and at the peak level of 2 times it is about $73.
Bigger vehicles cost more. Comfort is about $46 and XL, which has up to six seats, is about $53. Premier is about $82.
The taxi alternative
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi have published tariffs with a $3.75 flag fee and $2.18 per km. Over 18 km the meter reaches about $43 with either one. Waiting time and extras are not included, so the fare you pay may be higher. That is above the normal rideshare estimate and close to the busy price of $45.
Phone bookings are possible too. Vancouver Taxi is on 604-871-1111, Yellow Cab Vancouver is on 604-681-1111 and MacLure’s Cabs is on 604-831-1111. All three are listed as wheelchair accessible and as taking airport rides.
Practical tips for an airport pickup
A few habits make this trip smoother, whichever way you book.
- Read the pickup instructions in the app after you land, and wait until you know where the car will meet you.
- Type in the full destination address so the driver does not have to ask.
- Ask whether your luggage will fit, or pick XL if the group is large.
- Book an accessible vehicle ahead of time by phone if you need one.
Allow some spare time at the destination end. Thirty five minutes is an average, and the same drive can take longer at busy hours, which is also when the price tends to be higher. If you are not in a hurry, check the app again a little later and see whether the surge has eased.