Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Lagos (LOS): 22 km from the city.

• Full list of airports in Nigeria with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Although the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways, has been liquidated, internal flights are now operated by the new airline Virgin Nigeria. However, domestic flights are often disrupted by fuel shortages, and flights may be cancelled at short notice. Charter facilities are also available in Lagos.

Visitors may also travel the country by water, using the ferry services that operate along the south coast and along the Benue and Niger rivers. There is also a ferry service runs from Lagos to Lagos Island.

There are two main rail routes in Nigeria: from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri via Aba, Enugu, Makurdi and Jos) and from Lagos to Kano (via Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbombosho, Kaduna and Zaria). Both lines run daily trains, which although are generally slower than buses, also tend to be cheaper.

A national road system links the main centres; however, secondary roads often become impassable in the rains. Car hire is available in Lagos and Abuja; however, it is advisable to hire through hotels. Chauffeur-driven cars are recommended. Travellers should beware that there have been reports of an increasing number of armed robberies in broad daylight on rural roads in the northern half of Nigeria.

Travel between towns can be achieved using buses and taxis (or 'bush taxis' - Ford Transit vans). However, travel within the major city of Lagos can be very difficult, as it suffers from severe traffic congestion, which makes it impossible for taxis and buses to operate efficiently, especially during the rush hours. Taxis in Lagos are yellow and both fares and tip should be agreed in advance.