Getting Around Lagos: A Practical Transport Guide
Lagos offers several transport options for visitors, though navigating the city requires some planning. The main modes of transport are buses, ride-hailing services, taxis, rail transit, and hired cars with drivers. Understanding each option will help you move around the city efficiently.
Rail Transit: The Lagos Blue Line
Lagos has a modern electric rail system called the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, developed to provide fast, reliable transport across the city. The Blue Line, which opened in 2023, is the first operational line and connects Marina in the central business district to Okokomaiko in the suburbs. The line runs approximately 27.5 kilometers with 13 stations, including stops at National Theatre, Orile Iganmu, Suru Alaba, and Mile 2. An end-to-end journey takes approximately 35 minutes.
The Blue Line uses electric trains (Electric Multiple Units) that run on a dedicated right-of-way with no level crossings. This separation from regular traffic means the service is faster and more reliable than road-based options. The line operates over an elevated structure in some sections and at ground level in others, primarily along the rebuilt Badagry Expressway.
A second line, the Red Line, is planned to run from Marina to Agbado and will use the existing railway corridor. Long-term plans include expanding to seven lines across the city.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
The Bus Rapid Transit system offers an affordable and relatively fast way to travel within Lagos. BRT buses are coloured red or blue and operate in segregated lanes, allowing them to move faster than cars stuck in traffic congestion. They run numerous routes connecting the mainland to the island areas of Lagos.
Tickets for BRT buses are purchased at bus stops before boarding. Rather than buying individual tickets each time, consider purchasing a ticket booklet in advance, as tickets do not have a timestamp and can be used flexibly. This is particularly useful since ticket vendors are often unavailable in the evening, despite buses running late into the night.
Yellow Minibuses (Danfo)
Smaller yellow buses, known locally as Danfo, operate on routes throughout Lagos, connecting mainland to island areas and within the mainland itself. These are an inexpensive option, with fares starting from very low amounts and increasing by distance. However, the yellow bus system can be confusing for first-time visitors. Ask locals for help understanding the routes—Nigerians are typically welcoming to visitors and happy to provide directions.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis are available throughout Lagos, though agreeing on fares in advance is advisable. Ride-hailing apps operate in the city and offer a more transparent, meter-based alternative to traditional taxis.
Hired Cars with Drivers
If you prefer not to navigate public transport, hiring a car with a driver is a practical option. Most major hotels and the airport can arrange this service. Drivers typically charge by the hour and can provide valuable local knowledge about the places you pass. Be prepared to negotiate prices, which generally range around ₦1,000–2,000 per hour. Hiring a driver also means you won't need to manage Lagos traffic yourself—an advantage given the congestion that can occur during peak hours.
Driving Yourself
Lagos has a generally good road network, though traffic congestion and limited parking, especially during working hours, can be challenging. Watch carefully for road signs to avoid entering one-way streets. The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) manages traffic in congestion-prone areas. It is important to follow traffic rules and avoid driving in the BRT bus lanes, as violations can result in fines or vehicle impoundment.
Walkability
Lagos has street signs at most street corners, making it relatively easy to locate places and landmarks on foot. During daylight hours, it is generally safe to move about in most areas. If going out at night, stay in groups and stick to known routes. A local tour guide familiar with the city's layout and routes is highly recommended, especially if you're new to Lagos.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Lagos is served by Murtala Muhammed International Airport, located in Ikeja. The airport handles flights from major cities across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North America, including direct services from the United States.
Upon arrival, be prepared for a thorough immigration and customs process. Immigration officials work in pairs at each desk, and processing can be slow. You will need to provide an address in Nigeria and a local contact number on your arrival card. After collecting baggage, you will pass through customs and agricultural inspections, where your luggage may be searched. A health inspector will check your yellow fever vaccination certificate. Finally, keep your luggage tag from check-in, as security will not allow you to leave the airport without it.
Once you have cleared arrivals, arrange your transport before exiting the airport. Do not leave and expect to re-enter—you will not be allowed back in. Options include hiring a car and driver through your hotel or a transport service, or using ride-hailing apps if available. If traveling with a corporation, protocol officers may meet you in the luggage hall and arrange official company transportation.
Long-Distance Rail Travel
If arriving by train from other parts of Nigeria, two main stations serve Lagos. The newer Lagos-Ebute Metta railway station serves the new higher-speed Lagos-Ibadan Railway and is now the central rail hub for long-distance services from Ibadan. The Lagos Terminus (Lagos Iddo railway station) is the older, more centrally located station on Murtala Muhammed Road in Iddo, across the bridge from Lagos Island. As of 2022, local services and long-distance trains on the older, slower routes call at this station.
General Transport Tips
- For departing flights, arrive at the airport at least four hours early, especially near weekends and holidays, as security is thorough and check-in queues can be lengthy.
- The Lagos Blue Line is the fastest and most reliable option for covering longer distances within the city, particularly between Marina and suburban areas.
- If on a budget, the BRT bus system offers good value with routes covering much of the city.
- Always carry your luggage tag if departing by air—security requires it before allowing you to leave the airport terminal.
- Plan trips during daylight hours when possible, and travel with others in the evening.