Getting Around Nigeria
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use BRT buses and danfos for Lagos and Abuja. Rural: Rent a car for northern explorations. Coast: Ferries and boats along the Niger Delta. For convenience, book airport transfers from Lagos to your destination.
Train Travel
NRC National Rail
Reliable train network connecting major cities with scheduled services on key routes.
Cost: Lagos to Ibadan ₦3,000-5,000, journeys 2-3 hours; longer routes like Abuja-Kaduna ₦5,000-8,000.
Tickets: Buy via NRC website, app, or station counters. Advance booking recommended for peak times.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and holidays for better availability and comfort.
Rail Passes
Economy and first-class options available; multi-journey tickets for frequent travelers save up to 20% on repeated routes.
Best For: Business travel between Lagos, Abuja, and Kano over multiple days, ideal for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Major stations, NRC website, or official app with e-tickets for instant access.
Modern Rail Lines
Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge line offers faster travel; connections to Abuja via Kaduna ongoing expansions.
Booking: Reserve seats 1-2 weeks ahead for best prices, discounts for groups up to 30%.
Main Stations: Lagos Terminal and Abuja Central, with links to international borders via partnerships.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring rural north and south. Compare rental prices from ₦15,000-30,000/day at Lagos Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid international license, credit card, minimum age 21-25 with deposit.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions, verify inclusions in rental agreements.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80-100 km/h rural, 110-120 km/h highways where marked.
Tolls: Major roads like Lagos-Ibadan expressway charge ₦200-500 per toll gate for vehicles.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic on narrow roads, watch for informal checkpoints.
Parking: Secure lots in cities ₦500-1,000/day, street parking risky due to theft; use guarded areas.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at ₦600-700/liter for petrol, diesel similar; shortages occasional in rural areas.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps for spotty coverage.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Lagos and Abuja during rush hours (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM); plan accordingly.
Urban Transport
Lagos BRT & Light Rail
Bus Rapid Transit system in Lagos, single ticket ₦200-500, day pass ₦1,000, multi-ride cards ₦2,000.
Validation: Use smart cards or mobile payments at stations, conductors check on board.
Apps: LAMATA app for routes, live tracking, and e-tickets in Lagos and Abuja.
Bike & Okada Rentals
Motorcycle taxis (okadas) widespread in cities, ₦100-300/ride; bike-sharing emerging in Abuja at ₦500-1,000/day.
Routes: Nimble for traffic jams, but helmets recommended; avoid in heavy rain.
Tours: Guided bike tours in parks and eco-areas, focusing on urban exploration and fitness.
Buses & Minibuses (Danfos)
Danfos and intercity buses cover urban and rural Nigeria via operators like GUO and ABC Transport.
Tickets: ₦100-300 per ride, pay conductor on board or buy terminals for longer trips.
Coastal Services: Ferries in Lagos and Port Harcourt, ₦200-1,000 for river crossings and delta travel.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, central Lagos or Abuja for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Nov-Mar) and major festivals like Durbar.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-related travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, generator backup, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G in cities like Lagos and Abuja, 3G/2G in rural areas with improving 5G rollout.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from ₦2,000 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile offer prepaid SIMs from ₦1,000-3,000 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport and NIN registration required.
Data Plans: 2GB for ₦1,000, 10GB for ₦5,000, unlimited for ₦10,000/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, malls, and cafes; public hotspots limited but growing in urban centers.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major bus terminals offer paid or free WiFi access.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in cities, suitable for browsing; power outages may affect reliability.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS) 20km from city, taxi ₦5,000-10,000 (45 min), or book private transfer for ₦8,000-15,000.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports and bus stations (₦1,000-2,000/day) and hotel services.
- Accessibility: Buses and trains have varying access; urban areas improving with ramps in new infrastructure.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains with carrier (₦1,000 fee), confirm accommodation pet policies.
- Bike Transport: Motorcycles not on trains; folding bikes free on buses if space allows.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Nigeria
Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS): Primary international gateway, 20km west of city with taxi and bus links.
Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe (ABV): Capital hub 35km from center, shuttle buses ₦2,000 (45 min).
Port Harcourt (PHC): Oil region airport with domestic flights, convenient for southern Nigeria.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for dry season travel (Nov-Mar) to save 20-40% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Accra or Addis Ababa and connecting domestically for savings.
Budget Airlines
Arik Air, Aero Contractors, and Overland Airways serve domestic routes; international via Ethiopian and Turkish.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in recommended 24 hours before, airport processes can be lengthy.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available in cities, fees ₦100-500, use bank ATMs to avoid high charges in remote areas.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels and malls, cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in urban spots, but mobile money like OPay common for small transactions.
- Cash: Essential for markets, transport, and rural areas, carry ₦10,000-50,000 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants and for drivers.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid street changers for safety.