Getting Around Lagos: A Visitor's Transport Guide

Lagos is huge, busy and brilliant, and getting around is half the adventure. Whether you're visiting for the first time or coming home after years away, here's how to move around the city and plan your days around the traffic.

Island vs Mainland

Lagos is split by the lagoon into two broad areas:

• The Island side: Lagos Island (Balogun market), Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki, with business districts, hotels, restaurants and beaches.
• The Mainland: Ikeja (with the international airport), Yaba (home of Tejuosho Market), Surulere, Maryland and more, where most Lagosians live and shop.

The bridges connecting them, such as Third Mainland Bridge, get very congested at rush hour, so plan cross-lagoon trips carefully.

Ride-hailing apps and drivers

Ride-hailing apps are the easiest option for most visitors: upfront prices, tracked trips and no haggling. For long days of shopping or events, many families hire a trusted driver for the day.

• Share your trip with family.
• Confirm the plate number before getting in.
• Expect surge prices in rain and in December.

Trains: the Red Line and Blue Line

• Red Line: runs north–south on the Mainland between Agbado and Oyingbo, with stops including Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin and Yaba, handy for getting to Tejuosho.
• Blue Line: runs west from Marina on Lagos Island towards Mile 2.

Trains avoid road traffic, which makes them attractive at rush hour. Check current schedules and payment methods before you travel.

BRT buses

Lagos BRT buses run on dedicated lanes on major corridors, which helps them move faster than regular traffic. They're cheap and widely used by commuters.

Danfo, keke and okada

• Danfo: the yellow minibuses that are the backbone of Lagos transport. Cheap but crowded; best with a local who knows the routes.
• Keke (tricycles): good for short trips within neighbourhoods.
• Okada (motorbikes): restricted on many Lagos roads; check current rules and prioritise safety.

Ferries

Water transport links several waterfront areas and can be a scenic way to skip traffic on some routes. Use licensed operators and always wear a life jacket.

Beating the traffic

• Group activities by area: do the Mainland one day, the Island the next.
• Travel early in the morning or after the evening rush.
• In December, add extra time to every journey, especially to events and the airport.
• Shop at markets on weekday mornings; see our shopping guide for visitors.

Planning a market day? Start with the best markets in Lagos.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around Lagos as a visitor?

Most visitors use ride-hailing apps or a trusted driver for convenience. The Red Line and Blue Line trains and BRT buses are useful for specific routes and can be quicker than roads at rush hour.

What is the difference between Lagos Island and the Mainland?

The Island areas (Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki) hold many business districts, hotels and beaches, while the Mainland (including Ikeja, Yaba and Surulere) is where most people live and has major markets and the airport.

When is Lagos traffic worst?

Weekday mornings and evenings are busiest, and December is especially heavy. Plan cross-city trips outside rush hours where possible.