Getting Around Nigeria

Flying is the best option for long distances. Nigeria has several domestic airlines operating between major cities:

• Prices: NGN 40,000-120,000 one way (varies by route and timing)
• Lagos to Abuja: 1 hour flight, most frequent route
• Book early: Prices rise significantly for last-minute bookings
• Delays: Nigerian domestic flights are often delayed. Allow buffer time for connections.

Lagos-Ibadan Rail (Standard Gauge)

Modern rail service from Lagos Mobolaji Johnson Station to Ibadan. Journey time approximately 2.5 hours. First class: NGN 6,000, Economy: NGN 3,000. Comfortable and avoids the notorious Lagos-Ibadan traffic.

Abuja-Kaduna Rail

Regular service connecting the capital with Kaduna (2 hours). First class: NGN 6,000, Economy: NGN 3,000. Well-patronised and efficient.

Lagos Blue Line Metro

Urban rail from Marina to Mile 2 in Lagos. Fast alternative to road transport for that corridor. NGN 500 per trip.

Abuja Light Rail

Connects Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport to the city centre. NGN 500 per trip. Fast and avoids road traffic.

Reputable bus companies offer comfortable intercity services:

• God Is Good Motors (GIGM): One of the most reliable. Online booking available. Routes across southern and central Nigeria.
• ABC Transport: Long-established company with wide coverage.
• Peace Mass Transit: Extensive network, especially south-east routes.
• The Young Shall Grow Motors: Lagos to south-east routes.
• Chisco Transport: Popular for Lagos-south-east routes.

Ride-Hailing (Bolt, Uber)

The safest and most convenient option in cities. Available in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Bolt is more widely used. Trips are GPS-tracked and driver-verified.

Keke NAPEP (Tricycles)

Three-wheeled vehicles common in most Nigerian cities (except Lagos Island/VI where they are banned). Cheap (NGN 100-500) and convenient for short distances. Negotiate the price before boarding.

Danfo / Molue (Lagos Minibuses)

The iconic yellow minibuses of Lagos. Very cheap but crowded, often poorly maintained, and drivers are notoriously reckless. Not recommended for tourists.

BRT (Lagos)

Bus Rapid Transit with dedicated lanes. Reasonably efficient and cheap (NGN 200-500). BRT buses are distinctively blue and run on key corridors.

Lagos Ferry (LAGFERRY)

Water taxis connecting key points across Lagos Lagoon. Routes include Mile 2-Marina, Falomo-CMS, and Ikorodu-Marina. Scenic, avoids traffic, and relatively cheap (NGN 500-1,500).

Okada (Motorcycle Taxis)

Motorcycle taxis known as "okada" are banned in major parts of Lagos but remain common elsewhere. They weave through traffic efficiently but are risky. Not recommended for visitors.

Car hire with a driver is recommended over self-drive for most visitors. Nigerian roads can be challenging with potholes, erratic drivers, and confusing routes.

• With Driver: NGN 25,000-50,000 per day depending on distance and vehicle type
• Self-Drive: Available from international companies (Avis, Hertz) but not recommended for first-time visitors
• International Driving Permit: Required alongside your home country licence