The distance from YVR Airport to Port Coquitlam is 40 km, and the drive takes about 55 minutes. At normal demand a standard rideshare costs about $70, and the likely range is $62 to $81.
Building the fare
Treat these as rough numbers from average rates, since Uber sets its own prices. The rate card starts with a $2.50 base fare, then adds $1.15 per km and $0.35 per minute. A $2.00 booking fee goes on at the end.
For this trip, that is $2.50, plus 40 km at $1.15, plus 55 minutes at $0.35, multiplied by the demand level, plus the fee. The Uber app shows the real upfront price once you enter both addresses, so check it before you confirm.
Demand has a large effect on a trip this long. At 1.2 times normal the estimate is about $83, at 1.5 times about $104, and at double about $138. If you have a choice, a quieter hour will cost noticeably less.
Bigger cars are priced higher. Comfort comes to about $87, XL (up to 6 seats) to about $100 and Premier to about $154. XL is the one to pick when several people share the ride with their bags.
Because the fare mixes distance and time, a slower trip costs more than a quicker one even over the same 40 km. Each extra minute adds $0.35 before the multiplier, so a delay of ten minutes adds a few dollars. That is one reason the likely range is wider than a fixed price would be, and why the app figure is the one to trust.
Taxi pricing and what to do before you go
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi publish the same tariff: a flag fee of $3.75 and $2.18 per km. On 40 km the meter would show about $91 with either company. Waiting time and extras are not included in that figure.
A taxi can suit you if you prefer to pay by meter and avoid watching for price changes. Rideshare tends to be cheaper at normal demand, but the taxi becomes the better value when the app runs at about double its usual price.
A few simple steps help on any airport pickup. Look at the pickup spot suggested in the app and confirm it before the driver arrives. Send the exact address you are going to, including any unit number. If you need an accessible vehicle, book it ahead, and allow extra time when you have a flight to catch.