DOES Canada HAVE UBER?

Whenever you're planning a trip to another country, you usually focus on where you're going to stay, what you're going to do, where you're going to eat, and what you're going to pack. The last portion of planning a trip is always transportation. If you're planning a visit to Canada or you're already in Canada and you're looking for the easiest way to get around, then this blog is for you. Not only do I dive into whether or not Canada has Uber, which is one of the quickest means of transportation from point A to point B, but I also dive into pricing, transportation alternatives, and more. Ready to get the cheapest prices to get to and from your destinations? Let's go!

IS UBER LEGAL IN CANADA?

Yes, Uber is legal in Canada and it has been since September 2015, when UberX was launched in both Toronto and Mississauga. After that, many other cities and municipalities in Canada legalized the use of Uber the following year between March and October of 2016. Today, Canada is one of the top three countries where Uber is the most popular, right behind the United States and Mexico. According to Uber, in the past 10+ years that it's platform has been in the country it has served 17 million Canadians with trips or deliveries, showing that it has always been prevalent and is continuing to grow.

DOES CANADA HAVE UBER?

Yes, Canada has Uber. In fact, Canada is proud to offer platform users multiple different options when it comes to Uber in that country. This includes UberX, for standard, affordable, every day rides,  UberXL for larger groups, Uber Comfort for newer vehicles that have amenities like extra leg room, and Uber Black for premium ride options in luxury vehicles. Whether you're in major Canadian cities like Toronto, Quebec City, or Calgary, or you're in smaller, local towns or suburbs, an Uber is likely not too far away.

HOW DOES UBER WORK IN CANADA?

Uber works exactly the same, whether you're in Canada or the United States. If you're from a country like the United States where you already have the Uber app downloaded on your phone and a credit card hooked up to your account, the process is very simple. First, download the app and create an account if you haven't already done so. Then, open up the app, enable location services, and input your destination in the "Where to?" box. You'll then be prompted to choose your ride, which will show the number of people that can fit in the car and the price next to it. Once you choose the type of Uber, the app will find a driver near you. Once a driver accepts the ride, the app will tell you the name of your driver, the make, model, and year of the vehicle they're driving, and the license plate. It will also show their exact route coming to you and how many minutes away they are so you can plan accordingly. Finally, once they arrive to pick you up, make sure to ask the driver's name so you can confirm it's correct, and watch the GPS on your phone as they drive you. They should take you the exact route that the app shows. Once the ride is over and they drop you off safely at your destination, you'll be asked to rate the driver/ride and prompted to tip if you'd like or give any necessary feedback. The total amount of the ride with be automatically charged to your card on file.

HOW MUCH DOES UBER IN CANADA USUALLY COST?

UberX in Canada, which is the standard ride option that's typically the most affordable, costs about $1 to $2 per mile ($0.62–$1.24 per kilometer). However, it's important to remember that there are several factors that can increase the pricing, including but not limited to high demand in your area for rides, a decreased number of drivers available, traffic, if you need to travel a long distance, and/or tolls.

CAN I USE UBER IN CANADA AS A TOURIST?

Yes, anyone who is in Canada can use the Uber app to order or schedule a ride! All you need to do is download the app, set up your account, add a payment method, and choose your destination. If you already have the Uber app downloaded and the account you used in your home country is set up, you can use it without having to set up a new account. This means that, for example, if an American citizen is traveling through Canada and wants to use their Uber account that was previously used in the U.S., this is completely fine. The app was built to handle any currency conversions, so there's also no need to worry about exchange rates either.

UBER TO AND FROM CANADA'S AIRPORTS

Yes, you can schedule an Uber to and from most of Canada’s major airports, making it a convenient option for travelers looking for reliable transportation at any time of day. Uber is available at popular Canadian airports including Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Calgary International Airport (YYC), Edmonton International Airport (YEG), Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW), Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG), and Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). In most cases, you can schedule your ride in advance through the Uber app—ideal for catching early flights or ensuring a ride home after landing. Pickup and drop-off locations vary by airport, so be sure to check Uber’s airport guides for specific instructions. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, scheduling an Uber in Canada can help you avoid the stress of last-minute transportation arrangements and guarantee a smooth start or end to your trip.

USING UBER IN CANADA WITHOUT A DATA PLAN

If you’re visiting Canada and don’t have an international data plan, you can still use Uber as long as you follow these steps. One option is to connect to free Wi-Fi at your hotel, airport, coffee shop, or public hotspot to book your ride before heading out. You can also screenshot your driver’s details and estimated arrival time in case you lose connection. Some travelers opt for downloading offline maps from Google Maps so they can track their location without data. If you know you’ll need Uber on the go, consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device at the airport or local retailers. This ensures you can request rides anytime, especially in areas where Wi-Fi isn’t readily available.

DOES CANADA HAVE LYFT?

Yes, Canada does have Lyft, especially in majorly populated cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton. However, it's important to remember that Lyft does not operate in smaller areas in Canada, so it's best to download the app and see if there's a Lyft available in your current city/town. Lyft has announced that they're working on expanding their services to other areas in Canada, so that may be changing soon.

DON'T WANT TO RELY ON UBER? RENT A CAR FOR AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

IS UBER MORE AFFORDABLE THAN OTHER TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS IN CANADA?

Uber can be more affordable than traditional taxis in the city, especially for shorter trips, because of the upfront pricing the app offers. However, costs vary by location, time of day, and demand—surge pricing during peak hours can make Uber more expensive than alternatives. Public transit like buses and subways are generally the cheapest option, while rental cars may be more cost-effective for longer stays or travel through small towns. Comparing fares in the Uber app before booking is the best way to determine if it’s the most budget-friendly choice for your trip.

READY TO EXPLORE CANADA WITH UBER?

Uber is available in most major Canadian cities, making it a convenient option for both locals and visitors. While there are some areas where service is limited, it’s generally easy to use for airport transfers, sightseeing, or quick trips around town. If you’re planning more travels in Canada, scroll down to explore my other Canada-related blogs for inspiration and detailed guides. I’ve been to 17+ countries (and counting!) and love sharing both international adventures and East Coast gems. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new post!