A standard rideshare from YVR Airport to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver costs about $44 at normal demand, and the likely range is $39 to $51. The trip is 22 km and takes about 40 minutes.
Where the $44 comes from
These are our own estimates, built from average rideshare rates. They are not prices published by Uber. The formula starts with a $2.50 base fare, adds $1.15 per km and $0.35 per minute, multiplies that by a demand factor, and finishes with a $2 booking fee. At 22 km and 40 minutes, the distance part is about $25 and the time part is $14.
Demand changes the total more than anything else. A busy period (1.2 times) brings the price to about $52. At very busy times (1.5 times) it is about $65, and at peak (2 times) it climbs to $86. Only the Uber app can show the real upfront price, so check it right before you book.
Larger vehicles cost more. Comfort is about $54, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $63, and Premier is about $96.
What a taxi would charge
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi both have published tariffs: a $3.75 flag fee plus $2.18 per km. Over 22 km the meter comes to roughly $52. Waiting time and extras are not counted in that number, so treat it as a floor for a taxi rather than a fixed quote.
That puts the meter estimate a little above the busy rideshare price and well above the typical $44. If the app shows a surge, a taxi may come out close to the same cost.
Practical tips for an airport pickup
A 40 minute trip is long enough that a small mistake at the start can cost you time at the other end. A few habits help, and none of them take more than a minute. Airports are places where it is easy to be rushed, so it pays to set up the ride calmly before you leave the terminal.
- Open the app before you collect your bags and read where the pickup spot is.
- Type the exact drop off address instead of only the place name.
- Ask the driver if your luggage will fit, or pick XL if you are carrying a lot.
- Leave extra time if you are travelling at a busy hour, since both traffic and demand can rise.
If you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, book it ahead by phone. Vancouver Taxi (604-871-1111), Yellow Cab Vancouver (604-681-1111) and MacLure’s Cabs (604-831-1111) all list wheelchair accessible vehicles.