Getting Around the City in Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos, Travel & Transportation, Getting Around the City

Getting Around the City in Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Okada (Motorbike Taxis)

1. Okada (Motorbike Taxis)

Okadas are motorbike taxis that offer a fast way to navigate through Lagos's dense traffic. They are particularly useful for short trips and avoiding gridlocks, and they can weave through cars with ease.
  • Safety: Always wear a helmet provided by the rider.
  • Cost: Prices can be negotiated, so confirm fares before starting your journey.
  • Areas: Not all areas allow Okadas due to safety regulations, so check their availability.
Danfo Buses

2. Danfo Buses

These are yellow minibuses that form the backbone of public transport in Lagos, connecting major areas across the city at an affordable rate. They are known for their frequent stops and slightly chaotic nature.
  • Capacity: Danfos can get very crowded, especially during rush hours.
  • Route: Ensure you know the bus route as destinations are often shouted by a conductor.
  • Payment: Carry small change to pay for your ride.
BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)

3. BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)

The BRT system offers a faster alternative to Danfo buses by using designated lanes that avoid heavy traffic. The buses are more comfortable and reliable.
  • Ticketing: Purchase tickets at BRT stations before boarding.
  • Schedule: BRT services have fixed routes and timetables.
  • Comfort: Offers air-conditioned rides, unlike other bus services.
Ride-hailing Services (e.g., Uber, Bolt)

4. Ride-hailing Services (e.g., Uber, Bolt)

These services provide a convenient and private way to get around Lagos. They offer the comfort of setting your route and paying via a mobile app.
  • Availability: May be affected by peak hours and weather conditions.
  • Price: Fares can surge during high-demand periods.
  • Safety: Ensure drivers match the app profile for added security.
Keke Napep (Tricycles)

5. Keke Napep (Tricycles)

Also known as tricycles or Tuk Tuks, these are an affordable way to navigate short distances off main roads. They can maneuver through narrow streets and are less expensive than taxis.
  • Comfort: Limited seating means it might not be very spacious.
  • Safety: Be cautious, as some areas restrict their operation during peak hours.
  • Fare: Confirm your fare before starting the journey.
Lagos Water Transport

6. Lagos Water Transport

The waterways of Lagos provide an alternative and scenic route for travel, with ferries and boats serving key areas like Ikoyi, Lekki, and Lagos Island.
  • Safety: Wear life jackets provided on board.
  • Timetable: Ferries have specific departure times, so plan ahead.
  • Weather: Services may be influenced by weather conditions.
Taxi Services

7. Taxi Services

Traditional yellow taxis offer a ubiquitous way to get around Lagos with fare negotiation often necessary. They can be flagged down on the street or booked over the phone.
  • Negotiation: Prices can be haggled, especially for longer trips.
  • Air-conditioning: Not all taxis have working air-conditioners, so confirm if necessary.
  • Safety: Choose registered vehicles and legit taxi operators.
Self-Drive Car Rentals

8. Self-Drive Car Rentals

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Lagos at your own pace. Suitable for confident drivers familiar with Lagos traffic conditions.
  • Traffic: Be prepared for potentially heavy congestion.
  • Cost: Rentals can be costly and may include insurance fees.
  • Navigation: A GPS or local map is essential to avoid getting lost.
Personal Car Hire with Driver

9. Personal Car Hire with Driver

Hiring a car with a driver can be practical for first-time visitors, allowing for local navigation tips while avoiding the stress of driving in Lagos.
  • Cost: More expensive than self-drive options but provides added convenience.
  • Language: Drivers speak both English and local languages.
  • Security: Use reputable services for reliable and safe trips.
Lagos Cable Cars

10. Lagos Cable Cars

Though still in development, there are plans to introduce cable cars to connect parts of Lagos. These will help reduce congestion by offering an aerial view of the city.
  • Development: Confirm availability as this service is not widely operational yet.
  • Scenic: Provides potentially breathtaking views during transit.
  • Safety: Ensure compliance with regulations once operational.
School Buses

11. School Buses

For families visiting Lagos, some international schools offer transport for children, ensuring safe and organized transport. This is particularly useful for long-term stays.
  • Schedule: Operates based on school timings.
  • Safety: Monitored routes and licensed drivers ensure child safety.
  • Cost: Fees may apply depending on school agreements.
Walking

12. Walking

For short distances, walking remains the simplest form of transport. It offers a chance to see local sights and experience the city's vibrant street life first-hand.
  • Weather: Consider Lagos's heat and occasional rain.
  • Safety: Stick to crowded areas and avoid poorly lit streets after dark.
  • Navigation: Utilize a map or GPS to locate destinations easily.
Public Bikes

13. Public Bikes

Some parts of Lagos offer bike-sharing services for short trips, offering a healthy and eco-friendly way to travel. It's a great option in less congested areas.
  • Availability: Check bike zones for rental locations.
  • Fitness: Requires a moderate level of fitness and confidence in city cycling.
  • Safety: Use provided helmets and follow traffic rules.
Lagos Rail System

14. Lagos Rail System

The Lagos Rail Mass Transit system aims to provide efficient travel across the city and is being phased in gradually. This is intended to ease road congestion.
  • Status: Verify if routes are operational before planning trips.
  • Cost: Expected to affordably connect distant parts of Lagos.
  • Schedule: Trains will run on a fixed timetable for consistency.
Airport Shuttles

15. Airport Shuttles

Many hotels offer airport shuttle services to ease the burden of navigating Lagos traffic after a flight. This is a safe method for direct travel from Murtala Muhammed Airport to accommodations.
  • Booking: Reserve ahead to ensure a spot.
  • Service: Includes baggage handling assistance.
  • Availability: Check for 24-hour service depending on flight time.
Lagos Light Rail

16. Lagos Light Rail

Currently under development, the Lagos Light Rail is expected to provide a modern and efficient transport option across key routes.
  • Future Benefits: Designed to substantially cut down travel times.
  • Construction: Active lines should be verified as parts may still be under construction.
  • Impact: It promises to alleviate road traffic when fully operational.
Private Boats

17. Private Boats

For a more personalized water transport experience, private boat hires are available for bespoke routes around Lagos's numerous waterways. They provide exclusivity and flexibility.
  • Cost: Can be costly, ideal for group sharing or special occasions.
  • Safety: Ensure all necessary safety equipment is on board.
  • Route: Customize your journey depending on interests.
Shared Taxis

18. Shared Taxis

Known locally as "kabu-kabu", shared taxis offer an affordable commuting option by pooling resources with other passengers going the same way.
  • Community: Typically run by locals who can provide insights on destinations.
  • Capacity: May need to wait until the car fills up before departure.
  • Route: Fixed routes are often adhered to, though they can change slightly.
Chartered Helicopter Services

19. Chartered Helicopter Services

For luxury and extremely fast travel, helicopters provide direct routes over Lagos and require advance bookings. This caters to high-end travel needs.
  • Cost: Premium priced and often used for business-related travel.
  • Availability: Limited slots, necessitating early reservations.
  • VIP Services: Offers efficient skip-the-traffic advantages.
Commercial Bicycles

20. Commercial Bicycles

Certain areas of Lagos offer commercial bicycles for hire as a sustainable transport method, suitable for refreshing and eco-conscious exploration.
  • Fitness Level: Ideal for those comfortable with cycling in city settings.
  • Route Knowledge: Best used for known short-distance routes.
  • Safety: Helmets and safety gear usage is highly recommended.