THE SHORT VERSION / How to get around Lagos
The easiest way to get around Lagos during Detty December is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt or inDrive) for short trips and a hired driver for concert nights. BRT buses, the Lagos Blue and Red rail lines and ferries also run, but traffic, especially on the bridges and the Lekki-Epe Expressway, is the biggest factor in every plan.
- Best for visitors
- Ride-hailing
- Concert nights
- Hire a driver
- Public transport
- BRT, rail, ferries
- Traffic hotspots
- Bridges, Lekki-Epe
- Airport to Island
- 45 min to 2 hr+
- Avoid
- Unmarked buses
The 6 ways to get around Lagos
- Ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, inDrive): the easiest option for visitors. Prices surge after big events.
- Hired driver: best for full days and concert nights. The driver waits and gets you home.
- BRT buses: Lagos Bus Rapid Transit runs on dedicated lanes on key routes. Pay with a Cowry card.
- Lagos Rail: the Blue Line (from Marina) and Red Line (on the mainland) connect some key areas quickly.
- Ferries and water taxis: cross the lagoon and avoid road traffic. Use licensed operators and wear a life jacket.
- Danfo, keke and okada: yellow buses, tricycles and motorbikes. Cheap, but not recommended for visitors. Commercial motorbikes are banned in several parts of Lagos.
Getting from Lagos airport to the Island
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is on the mainland in Ikeja. The drive to Victoria Island, Ikoyi or Lekki can take 45 minutes at night or 2 hours or more at rush hour. Pre-book a driver or use ride-hailing from the official pickup areas. Don't take unofficial taxis from strangers in the arrivals hall.
Lagos traffic hotspots in December
| Route | Why it jams | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Third Mainland Bridge | Main link between the mainland and the Island | Travel early morning or late night |
| Lekki-Epe Expressway | Lekki residents heading to VI | Leave for events early |
| Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, VI | Event traffic around Eko Hotel and Landmark | Get dropped off nearby and walk |
| Carter and Eko Bridges | Lagos Island traffic | Avoid peak hours |
| Around TBS on concert nights | Crowds and road closures | Agree a pickup point in advance |
Should I hire a driver in Lagos?
Yes, for concert nights and full days out. A driver waits outside, avoids you getting stranded when networks drop, and knows the shortcuts. Ask your accommodation or a trusted friend for a recommendation, agree the daily rate and hours in advance, and confirm who pays for fuel.
6 tips for Lagos transport
- Add 30 to 60 minutes to every journey in December.
- Group your plans by area: do Island days and mainland days, not both.
- Share your ride with a friend using the in-app share feature.
- Keep phones out of sight in traffic. Phone snatching from car windows happens.
- Carry some naira cash for tolls and small payments.
- Never board unmarked buses. See "one chance" in our scams guide.
THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
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Frequently asked questions
Does Uber work in Lagos?
Yes. Uber, Bolt and inDrive all operate in Lagos and are the easiest way for visitors to get around. Prices surge after big events.
How long does it take from Lagos airport to Victoria Island?
About 45 minutes late at night, and 2 hours or more at busy times, especially in December.
Is public transport in Lagos safe for visitors?
BRT buses, the rail lines and licensed ferries are the safer public options. Avoid unmarked buses. Most visitors use ride-hailing or a hired driver.
