Before you order, open the Uber app and look at the upfront price for the trip from YVR Airport to New Westminster Station. Our estimate is about $44 at normal demand, with a likely range of $39 to $52. The distance is 24 km and the drive takes about 35 minutes.
Why the estimate is $44
We built it from average rideshare rates, so it is not an official Uber price. The rates are a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee.
For 24 km the distance charge is about $28, and for 35 minutes the time charge is about $12. With the base fare that makes roughly $42 before the booking fee.
When demand goes up
A busy period (1.2 times) puts the fare at about $53. Very busy (1.5 times) is about $66. At peak (2 times) you could see $87.
Those jumps can happen with little warning, which is another reason to look at the app before you commit. The multiplier applies to the trip charges, and the booking fee is added after it.
Bigger cars
If you have more people or more bags, the typical prices are $55 for Comfort, $63 for XL (up to 6 seats) and $97 for Premier.
The XL fare is only about $19 above the standard fare, so for a group it can be sensible to split the cost.
Taxi fare and getting ready
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi share one published tariff: a $3.75 flag fee and $2.18 per km. For 24 km the meter comes to about $56. The meter figure does not cover time spent waiting or any add-ons.
That is roughly $12 more than the typical rideshare price, but it is close to what a busy surge would cost. A very busy rideshare at $66 is the point where the meter starts to look cheaper, so the better choice depends on the hour you travel.
Share your exact address with the driver rather than only the name of the station, because a short message removes a lot of guessing. Allow a little extra time if you are heading out at a busy hour, since both prices and trip times can rise. Check the pickup spot in the app after landing, since airports tend to have set areas for rides. Ask if your luggage fits before the driver arrives.
If you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, book it ahead. MacLure’s Cabs (604-831-1111) and Vancouver Taxi (604-871-1111) list wheelchair accessible service for this area.