This page contains information about Uber, Lyft, taxi services, Evo, Modo, rental cars, and other transportation options in Vancouver. For information on public transportation services such as the skytrain and buses, please see this page.
Ride-Hailing Services
Uber
- Most widely used ride-hailing service in Vancouver
- Generally the largest driver network and shortest wait times
- Available throughout Metro Vancouver and at YVR Airport
Lyft
- Strong presence in Vancouver
- Often competitive on pricing
- Good alternative when comparing fares against Uber
Drop-off point
Drop-off next to the UBC Student Recreation Centre (SRC) on Student Union Blvd, next to the Tim Hortons. It is a straight walk from there to Irving K. Barber Learning Centre building.
Enter this address into your GPS to be dropped off in this area: 5965 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1K2
Traditional Taxi Companies
For attendees who prefer not to use ride-hailing apps:
Taxi stands are common downtown, around hotels, cruise terminals, Waterfront Station, and the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Car Sharing
Car sharing is popular in Vancouver and can be useful for visitors making occasional trips outside downtown. Registration for either Evo or Modo may take a few days to process.
Evo
- Pick up in one location and drop off in another within the service area
- Vehicles include bike racks
- Popular for short city trips and airport access
- Can only book up to 30 minutes in advance
- Designated parking locations on campus
Sign-up information from Evo’s FAQ page:
Who can join?
To join Evo you must be at least 18 years old, have a credit card, a valid drivers licence, 2 years of driving experience and meet our minimum driving requirements verified by a driving record check.
How do I sign up?
Signing up is quick and easy. Just register online, then call ICBC or your licensing authority and have them send us your driving record for the past 2 years. . For Canadian driving records they can’t be more than 3 months old and for international driving records they can’t be more than 6 months old from the day send to us. You can download the App and hit the road as soon as you’re approved.
Can I join if my driver’s license is from outside BC?
Yes, but you must still meet our minimum driving requirements and send us a copy of your 2 year driving record issued by the licensing authority in the province/country you received your licence. Plus you will need to check how long your license is valid in BC (it may only be valid for 90 days) to ensure you will be covered by insurance. You can check how long your licence is valid in BC here.
Modo
- Vehicle must generally be returned to its original location
- Larger variety of vehicle types
- Useful for errands, day trips, or transporting equipment
- Less availability than Evo cars.
- Can be booked days or weeks in advance.
The City of Vancouver identifies Evo and Modo as the two major car-share operators serving Vancouver.
Sign-up information from Modo’s FAQ page:
Joining Modo
We welcome new members who are 16+ years old, have a valid Class L license or better and meet the eligibility requirements.
- Choose your Modo plan
- Gather your documents:
- Ensure you have your driver’s license.
- Have a credit card in your name (unfortunately, we can’t accept prepaid or debit cards for online registration).
- Check the required documents to complete your registration.
- Head over to our Join Modo page to start your registration.
- Allow us a few days to process your application once all required documentation is submitted.
- Once approved, you receive your Modo vehicle access fob in the mail and are ready to go!
If you are younger than 19 with a class L learner’s license or an N license, you’ll need sponsorship by a Modo Plus member who is 25+ with a valid ICBC-issued Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 driver’s license (full license). You’ll join Modo as a Green Member.
Modo Eligibility
To be eligible to join Modo, you have to meet these conditions:
- Be 19+ years of age or, if younger than 19, join as a Green Member.
- Have an N licence or better or the equivalent from another jurisdiction (non-BC licences are welcome) — you have to be allowed to drive alone in the car.
- Have had no licence suspensions or prohibitions within the past two years
- Have not received six or more driver penalty points (or equivalent demerit points) in the past two years
- Have not been charged with, or convicted of, any Major Traffic Violation in the past two years
Eligible? See how to join Modo
Required Documents
To become a Modo member, you’ll need a few documents depending on your situation. Here’s what to prepare:
- Valid driver’s license.
- Driving abstract for the past 2 years (in BC, this is called your Personal Driving Record)
- Valid credit card in your name or be ready to make an electronic bill payment, depending on your application type.
If your current, active licence is from BC
- Contact ICBC through their online form and ask them to send copies of your Personal Driving Record to info@modo.coop.
If your current, active licence is from outside of BC
Request your driving record for the past 2 years from your non-BC license issuer (translated by an ICBC-approved translator if not in English). If your licence is from outside Canada, visit ICBC’s website for more information on moving to BC with a foreign license or contact your local embassy to find out how to obtain your driving records or history. Please note, some issuers may charge a fee to obtain your records which Modo does not reimburse.
After you have received your driving documents, email it to documents@Modo.coop
Car Rental Companies
Most car rental sites require a driver to be of minimum age of 25, though some permit people ages 21-24 to rent with an additional “Young Driver fee”.
Major rental providers available at Vancouver International Airport and downtown include:
Bicycle Rentals
Vancouver is highly bike-friendly, with extensive cycling infrastructure, protected bike lanes, and the Seawall.
Bike rentals are especially attractive for attendees staying downtown, near Stanley Park, Coal Harbour, Yaletown, or the Convention Centre.
Bike Share
Vancouver has a bike share company called Mobi with bike stations all over the UBC Vancouver campus and downtown Vancouver.
Once you register for an account via the app or the website, you can pay by the minute with a credit card on file. Great for infrequent, short trips.
- Classic Bikes: $1.25 to unlock + $0.29/min
- Ebikes: $2.00 to unlock + $0.39/min
E-Scooter Share
E-scooters are another way to commute around the City of Vancouver. Lime has e-scooter stations available in Vancouver but does not service the UBC area. Download the Lime e-scooter app for Google Play store or App store on iOS. Great for short trips around the city. Helmets are provided and not for use on sidewalks. Must be 18 years or older to use.
- 30 mins for $4.99 to be used in 1 day
- 60 mins for $9.99 to be used in 3 days
- 90 mins for $10.99 to be used in 5 days