Transport and connectivity.
Ride-hailing, BRT, the new rail network, highway realities, and the SIM setup that makes all of it work.
Last reviewed May 2026
Getting around, mode by mode.
Ride-Hailing
Recommended for citiesUber, Bolt, and InDrive operate in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. Always verify driver name, plate, and photo before entering. Share trip details with a contact.
→ Avoid hailing rides from strangers; always book in-app
Private Driver
Best for multi-day tripsHire a vetted private driver through your hotel or a reputable local agency. Agree on daily rates upfront. For travel between states, a trusted driver is safer than public transport.
→ Negotiate full-day rates - typically ₦20,000–₦60,000 depending on state
Self-Drive
For experienced visitorsAn International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside your home country licence. Roads vary in quality - many expressways are excellent but rural roads can be challenging.
→ Avoid inter-state road travel after dark under any circumstances
BRT & Rail (Lagos)
Efficient within LagosLagos BRT buses connect major corridors. The Blue Line metro serves Marina–Mile 2. For intra-city commutes these are affordable and relatively safe.
→ Use during peak hours only with awareness of your surroundings
Okada & Keke Napep
Last-mile connectionsMotorcycle taxis (Okada) and tricycles (Keke Napep) are common for short distances. Banned on major roads in Lagos and Abuja. Useful for accessing off-main-road locations in smaller cities.
→ Negotiate fare before boarding and confirm destination clearly
Paying for all of it. Load OPay or Moniepoint before you land; cash-only is over in the cities. The full playbook of apps, cards, and the six money rules lives on the money guide.
The Lagos metro, drawn to scale.
Blue Line (Lagos Rail Mass Transit)
Phase 1 OperationalPhase 2 under construction: Mile 2 → Okokomaiko (+14km (9 mi))
Red Line (Lagos Rail Mass Transit)
Under ConstructionFull east-west cross-mainland corridor
Planned lines. Four additional lines in the Lagos MTS master plan: Yellow Line, Green Line (coastal), Purple Line (Oshodi–Lekki), and a Circle Line. Overseen by LAMATA - Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.
Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)
Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway
OPERATIONALNigeria's first standard gauge passenger railway, inaugurated June 2021. Air-conditioned coaches, WiFi, and reclining seats. Multiple daily departures.
Abuja–Kaduna Standard Gauge Railway
SUSPENDEDSuspended since March 2022 following a terrorist attack. Check nrc.gov.ng for restoration updates. Do not attempt the Abuja–Kaduna road at night.
Itakpe–Warri Standard Gauge Railway
OPERATIONALInaugurated July 2020. Connects iron ore mines at Itakpe to the Warri coastal zone. First standard gauge line through Nigeria's interior.
Port Harcourt–Maiduguri (Eastern Line)
LIMITED SERVICEThe historic narrow gauge eastern line. Passenger service is irregular. Intercity buses are faster on this corridor.
Major highways.
| Highway | Length | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (A1) | 127km (79 mi) | Lagos (Ojota) to Shagamu to Ibadan | West Africa's busiest expressway. Significant rehabilitation completed 2020–2023. Allow 2–4 hours depending on Lagos traffic. |
| Abuja-Kaduna Expressway | 190km (118 mi) | Abuja FCT to Suleja to Kaduna | Dual carriageway. Notable for Zuma Rock monolith. Security advisory: daylight travel only on this corridor. |
| Lagos-Benin Expressway | 340km (211 mi) | Lagos to Sagamu to Ore to Benin City | Primary southwest highway. The Ore section has a history of serious accidents - drive with caution. |
| Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway | 254km (158 mi) | Enugu to Okigwe to Owerri to Port Harcourt | Primary south-east to south-south artery. Sections near Owerri significantly rehabilitated. |
| Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway | 83km (52 mi) | Lagos (Toll Gate) to Sagamu to Abeokuta | Key expressway for Olumo Rock and Ogun State attractions. Generally well-maintained. |
| Kano-Zaria-Kaduna Highway | 200km (124 mi) | Kano to Zaria to Kaduna | Primary north-south artery. Passes through Zaria - site of Ahmadu Bello University and the 1834 historic walled city. |
| Second Niger Bridge | 1.98km (1.2 mi) bridge + 10.3km (6 mi) approach | Asaba (Delta) ↔ Onitsha (Anambra) | Fully commissioned 2022. Reduces the Onitsha–Asaba crossing from hours to minutes. |
New corridor projects
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
Under ConstructionPresident Tinubu's flagship infrastructure project - a 10-lane greenfield expressway along the Atlantic coastline. Estimated completion 2028–2030.
East-West Road (Trans-Niger Delta Highway)
Active RehabilitationSignificant sections now passable year-round. Connects all five South-South coastal states.
Abuja–Kano Expressway Rehabilitation
Under RehabilitationCritical north-south artery. Some sections complete; work ongoing on the Kaduna–Kano segment.
Road safety rule. Never travel by road between states after dark, regardless of route quality. Daylight departures only; check the state risk profile first.
SIMs and signal.
MTN / Airtel / Glo
4G LTE coverage in all 36 states. 5G is live in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt on MTN and Airtel networks. Purchase a SIM at the airport (registration with passport required).
Starlink
Available across Nigeria. Best option for remote or rural itineraries. Monthly subscription only - rent a router or confirm your accommodation has it.
eSIM
Airalo and Holafly offer Nigeria eSIMs with 4G data. Activate before landing. Not all devices support eSIM - check compatibility.
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