Getting Around Lagos: A Comprehensive Guide
Getting around West Africa’s most populous city can be an adventure in itself. Residents of Lagos rely heavily on road transportation to commute to the office, worship centers, markets, parties, and beaches. With at least 10 million residents crisscrossing the city daily, the level of activity is palpable.
The Dominance of Danfo
In addition to private vehicles, commercial buses known as danfo form the backbone of public transportation. They are omnipresent, taking turns to pick up passengers from garages, designated motor parks, roadsides, and bus stops. The routes have fixed prices, making them an economical choice for many. Conductors usually collect fares shortly after departure, and passengers can pay with a larger Naira note if they don’t have the exact fare, receiving change promptly.
Neighborhood Rides on Rickshaws
Three-wheeled motorized rickshaws, or kekes, have been part of Lagos’s transport network for over 20 years. While motorcycles, referred to as okadas, have historically been favored for their speed, many areas have seen a ban on them to reduce road accidents.
Exploring the City by Bus
The Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system allows high-capacity buses to travel on dedicated lanes, providing an efficient way to see the city. Although it doesn’t cover the central Lekki–Victoria Island–Ikoyi areas where many tourists stay, the BRT is still an excellent option during daylight. Passengers enjoy free wi-fi and access to USB charging ports, a valuable convenience given Lagos’s spotty power supply.
Planning Tip: A Cowry card is needed to board the BRT and can be purchased and reloaded at terminals. Be prepared for potential waits of 20 to 40 minutes or longer, depending on traffic. Fares range from N250 to N600 based on distance.
Ride-Hailing Services in High Demand
Ride-hailing services have become a popular commuting option in Lagos, with Uber, Bolt, and inDriver operating alongside local options like Rida Nigeria and Shuttlers. Typically, drivers take between five to twenty-five minutes to arrive, with a trip under an hour averaging about N1500.
In 2022, Lagos Ride, a state government initiative, was launched to replace older cabs with new, safer vehicles equipped with dashboard cameras and panic buttons.
Riding Bikes: A Growing Trend
Bicycling is gaining traction in Lagos, particularly during weekends. Although there are no dedicated bike lanes yet, a community is forming, supported by local groups like Lagos City Cyclers. Moreover, AWA Bike is promoting bike-sharing to help reduce car dependence among residents.
Enjoy the Scenery on a Ferry
One of the most enjoyable experiences in Lagos is taking a scenic boat cruise from Badagry to Epe. Lasting about 90 minutes, it offers views of the city that are not accessible from land. The government is continuing to develop waterway routes as part of its public transport options, with the Lagos Ferry Services providing existing services for residents commuting to the Island and beyond.
Peak boarding times are between 6:30 AM and 9 AM, and 3:30 PM to 5 PM, with a typical fare of N1000. Cowry cards are also required for ferry rides.
Private Boats to Exclusive Beaches
Lagos is witnessing a surge in private beach houses, particularly in areas like Ilashe and Ajah. Many Lagosians prefer to reach these relaxing getaways via private boats, and numerous companies are catering to this demand. Local speedboats operate from terminals like CMS, transporting visitors to popular spots such as Tarkwa Bay beach.
Traditional Fishing Practices
With water covering a significant quarter of Lagos, traditional fishing communities thrive, particularly in areas such as Epe and Badagry. Dugout canoes have historically served these communities, especially for fishing expeditions. The stilt houses of Makoko by the lagoon are also a sight to behold, attracting tourists interested in the local culture and economy.
Visitors can experience guided tours and boat rides to fully enjoy this unique aspect of city life.
This article was updated in March 2023.
