
Lagos City – Travel Guide
Lagos, Nigeria`s largest city, sprawls inland from the Gulf of Guinea across Lagos Lagoon. Victoria Island, the financial center of the metropolis, is known for its beach resorts, boutiques and nightlife. To the north, Lagos Island is home to the National Museum Lagos, displaying cultural artifacts and craftworks. Believe it or not, nearby is the unique Freedom Park, once a colonial-era prison and now a major venue for concerts and public events.
All about Lagos City



Getting Around Lagos City
By Bus
There are two bus companies in the city of Lagos, BRT (Lagos Bus Rapid Transit System), and LBSL (Lagos Bus Services), all buses are air-conditioned. Paying for a bus ride is done with a public transport card, not cash, it can be used equally on both buses and can be purchased at ticketing booths located at the bus terminals scattered throughout Lagos State. Oshodi Bus Terminal is the central hub for the city buses and long-distance buses, it is the largest bus station in West Africa.
The city of Lagos has good mass transit buses courtesy of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) schemes, the lines run on physically segregated lanes that make them run faster, while private cars are stuck in different lanes with traffic. The buses are red (LagBus), and blue (NURTW). Buses are inexpensive and a convenient option in the city, tickets cost around 100-250 Naira and can be purchased at bus stops, or from ticket booths at the bus stations.
Danfo’s are smaller yellow buses that ply routes from the mainland to the island and within the mainland. The fare is a fixed fare starting around 50 Naira, increasing per distance.
By Train
The Lagos Light Rail, which is the first section of the rapid transit system in the city has been operating since February 2023. The Blue line runs between Mile 2 and Marina (east-west axis). The Red Line will run between Agbado and Marina (north-south axis). The Green Line will run between Marina and Lekki. The yellow line will run between Otta/airport to Iddo. The Purple Line will run between Redeem to Ojo. The Brown Line will run between Mile 12 and Marian. The Orange Line will run between Redeem to Marina. The Lagos Terminus, Murtala Muhammed Rd, across the bridge from Lagos Island, is the city’s hub for long-distance trains, it can be quite chaotic.
Lagos features a double-track standard gauge line to Ibadan and a modern main station at Mobolaji Johnson. The Lagos-Ibadan train service runs three trips every Friday and Saturday departing from the Mobaji Johnson train station. Passengers can travel to Ibadan on Friday at the train station by 8 pm, 12 pm, and 4 pm. On Saturday the train departs at 8 am, 1 pm, and 6 pm. The Lagos-Ibadan train is scheduled for Monday to Thursday, and on Sundays departs at 8 am and 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased over the counter with cash only.
By Car
The city of Lagos has one of the largest and most extensive road networks in West Africa. The highways are usually congested during peak hours, and the city is linked by many highways and bridges. There is limited parking in the city, especially during working hours. There are many one-way streets in the city due to the transportation systems, so avoid driving in the BRT Bus lanes. There are parking spaces found in the city at hotels, and shopping malls, and some provide free and safe parking.
By Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in the city and are a popular mode of transportation. Taxis in the city are primarily yellow with painted stripes and numbers on them making them easy to spot and flag down from the streets. You can find taxis outside of the airport, your hotel, bus stations, or shopping malls, or call and order by phone or use the Uber app. The new taxis in the city even have numbers on them that you can call for a pick-up.
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More About Lagos City
On Foot
Lagos is not a walkable city, there are not many points of interest that are even within walking distance from one another. There really isn’t a central tourist area with restaurants, or museums to walk to. Taking a car, bus, or taxi ride is much more advisable.
By Boat
The Five Cowries Terminal is the central terminal for ferry operations in Lagos, located on the lagoon between Lagos Island and Victoria Island. There is a jetty, restaurant, bar, administrative offices, and more located here. There is a multi-story parking lot located behind the terminal.

Lagos City FAQ
How do I get to Lagos?
Lagos is served by Murtala Muhammad International Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in Africa. The airport is located 14 miles from downtown Lagos. There are taxis, buses, and rental cars available at the airport.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
The most recommended way to get from the airport to your hotel in Lagos is by taxi, there are buses however they cover teh whole Lagos state region (Lagos is really big!), routes are not clear and fares are charged according to the destination. Buses are also not recommended at certain hours. Taxis can be found outside both passenger Terminals and are usually yellow-striped, or blue vehicles. It is always best to negotiate a price before you depart, and usually, a trip from the airport to the city center is around N5000. There are several ridesharing companies in Lagos including Uber and Hopp. There are several international rental car companies at the airport.
How do I get around the city using public transportation?
There are two bus companies in the city of Lagos BRT (Lagos Bus Rapid Transit System), and LBSL (Lagos Bus Services), all buses are air-conditioned. Paying for a bus ride is done with a public transport card, not cash, it can be used equally on both buses and can be purchased at ticketing booths located at the bus terminals scattered throughout Lagos State. Oshodi Bus Terminal is the central hub for the city buses and long-distance buses, it is the largest bus station in West Africa.
The city of Lagos has good mass transit buses courtesy of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) schemes, the lines run on physically segregated lanes that make them run faster, while private cars are stuck in different lanes with traffic. The buses are red (LagBus), and blue (NURTW). Buses are inexpensive and a convenient option in the city, tickets cost around 100-250 Naira and can be purchased at bus stops, or from ticket booths at the bus stations.
Danfo’s are smaller yellow buses that ply routes from the mainland to the island and within the mainland. The fare is a fixed fare starting around 50 Naira, increasing per distance.
Should I rent a car in Lagos?
The city of Lagos has one of the largest and most extensive road networks in West Africa. The highways are usually congested during peak hours, and the city is linked by many highways and bridges. There is limited parking in the city, especially during working hours. There are many one-way streets in the city due to the transportation systems, so avoid driving in the BRT Bus lanes. There are parking spaces found in the city at hotels, and shopping malls, and some provide free and safe parking.
Read More
More About Lagos City
How do I get around by boat in Lagos?
The Five Cowries Terminal is the central terminal for ferry operations in Lagos, located on the lagoon between Lagos Island and Victoria Island. There is a jetty, restaurant, bar, administrative offices, and more located here. There is a multi-story parking lot located behind the terminal.
How do I get around by train in Lagos?
The Lagos Light Rail, which is the first section of the rapid transit system in the city has been operating since February 2023. The Blue line runs between Mile 2 and Marina (east-west axis). The Red Line will run between Agbado and Marina (north-south axis). The Green Line will run between Marina and Lekki. The yellow line will run between Otta/airport to Iddo. The Purple Line will run between Redeem to Ojo. The Brown Line will run between Mile 12 and Marian. The Orange Line will run between Redeem to Marina. The Lagos Terminus, Murtala Muhammed Rd, across the bridge from Lagos Island, is the city’s hub for long-distance trains, it can be quite chaotic.
Lagos features a double-track standard gauge line to Ibadan and a modern main station at Mobolaji Johnson. The Lagos-Ibadan train service runs three trips every Friday and Saturday departing from the Mobaji Johnson train station. Passengers can travel to Ibadan on Friday at the train station by 8 pm, 12 pm, and 4 pm. On Saturday the train departs at 8 am, 1 pm, and 6 pm. The Lagos-Ibadan train is scheduled for Monday to Thursday, and on Sundays departs at 8 am and 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased over the counter with cash only.
How do I call/hail a taxi?
Taxis are plentiful in the city and are a popular mode of transportation. Taxis in the city are primarily yellow with painted stripes and numbers on them making them easy to spot and flag down from the streets. You can find taxis outside of the airport, your hotel, bus stations, or shopping malls, or call and order by phone or use the Uber app. The new taxis in the city even have numbers on them that you can call for a pick-up.
Is Lagos a walking city?
Lagos is not a walkable city, there are not many points of interest that are even within walking distance from one another. There really isn’t a central tourist area with restaurants, or museums to walk to. Taking a car, bus, or taxi ride is much more advisable.
Is Lagos a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?
Lagos is considered a safe city, one of the two largest cities in Nigeria it is significantly safer than rural areas. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, be sure to keep your eyes open and your wallet out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. At night stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. Violent crime, theft, and pickpocketing are common throughout the country. Avoid traveling alone, especially at night.
What are some popular areas for shopping?
There are many great shopping opportunities to experience when visiting Lagos. Nigeria features a surplus of talented tailors and designers offering a great experience to purchase statement pieces and upgrade your wardrobe with some Lagotian design. There are concept stores popping up all over the city, this is one of the best ways to discover some amazing talents in the city. They offer a mix of local designers using traditional techniques and fabrics combined with modern silhouettes to create unique pieces. Some of the high-end brands in the city include Rolex, Louboutin, and Givenchy. Lagos is a bustling city filled with a range of diverse markets, there are street stalls and massive shopping complexes, but there is something for everyone. People come from all over the world to experience the vibrant atmosphere and unique items on sale. Each market has its own unique charm and appeal there are many Lagosian markets to choose from.
The Lekki Arts and Craft Market where tourists shop for local authentic items such as colorful woven baskets, bags, and accessories. The market is like a photogenic maze with a huge variety of products like handmade leather shoes and bags, souvenirs, trinkets, jewelry, and artwork.
Balogun Market is held on specific days opening at 5 am selling various items. The market is set up in different sections selling various goods like cloth, provisions, accessories, and bridal items. It is the primary destination for anyone looking for “Asoebi” for weddings and other “Owambe” parties. Mile 12 market is located in the Ketu Local Government area of Lagos state, it has been providing affordable bulk perishable food items to the country for over 30 years. It is the largest perishable food market in the country and one of the largest in West Africa. The market offers a variety of food items like fruits, vegetables, flours, cooking oils, and more.
What is the language spoken in Lagos?
The official language spoken in Lagos is English, there are over 500 languages spoken throughout the country. However, English is widely spoken, especially in the service industry. Many people speak English, especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants.
Where can I go to the Beach in Lagos?
Lagos features some beautiful sandy beaches nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, the city offers a bunch of private beach resorts such as Landmark Beach which features the first floating inflatable Water Park in the country. One of the most organized, clean, and premium public beaches in the city.
La Campagne Tropicana is a resort and beach in Lagos. This beach features some spectacular scenery with swaying palm trees, sparkling white sands, and verdant mangrove forest covering over 65 acres of land. Beachgoers will have the opportunity to swim in the longest pool in Africa, go kayaking, or horseback riding, or relax and enjoy a picnic.
Tarkwa Bay Beach is the second most popular beach in Lagos, it is only accessible by water. Take a cruise to Tarkwa and visit the beautiful tranquil beach oasis on this artificial island located near the Lagos harbor. The pristine beach here provides cherishable views of Lagos from the water with many activities to enjoy such as volleyball, football, swimming, and surfing.
Elegushi Beach is the most popular beach with many dining and entertainment options along the beach front. This is a lively beach and is world-renowned as the host of the COPA Lagos beach soccer tournament. There are many restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, a Ferris wheel, and lots of vendors along the beach.
Lekki Leisure Lake is a nice, calm, quiet, clean beach with restaurants along the coast. It is a private beach popular for water sports including jet skiing, and pedal boating, as well as quad biking. There are many great restaurants along the beach and activities for the kids. Landmark Beach is on Victoria Island, the ideal destination for playing tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and mini golf. There are several food stalls dotted along the beach along with three beach clubs; Island Breeze, The Truth Beach Club, and Hangout Lagos.
What is the best time to visit Lagos?
Lagos is located near the equator and experiences a tropical savanna climate with slight seasonal temperature variations. The high temperatures range from 83-91F degrees, the hottest month is March, and the coolest month is August. The best time to visit Lagos would be during the month of December, “Detty December” is a season when the Nigerian diaspora reuters home from enjoyment, there are festivities held throughout the month that range from clubbing, concert going, beach parties, and carnivals. There are two main seasons in Lagos; The wet season from March to October, and the dry season from November the February, the wettest month is June.
What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency of Lagos is the West African Franc (CFA) “say-fa”, and the smaller pesewa the US dollar is not accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for the West African Franc, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in Lome, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.
What is the food like?
Nigerian food is known for being spicy and aromatic, it is becoming increasingly more popular internationally. Nigerian cuisine represents the cuisines from over 250 ethnic groups, sharing similarities with the cuisines of its West African and Central African neighbors like Ghana, Benin, and Cameroon. Popular ingredients include starchy foods like yam, cassava, plantains, rice, and beans, often consumed in a variety of dishes such as hearty soups and stews made with different kinds of meat and vegetables. Popular meats include beef, goat, lamb, chicken, and turkey, and the most popular vegetables include Lagos spinach, African spinach, water leaves, pumpkin leaves, and jute leaves. African crayfish, dry ground pepper, and Maggi cubes are common seasonings, and palm and groundnut oil are also widely used. Popular dishes to try in Lagos include Jollof rice which is probably the most famous dish in the country. Ofada rice is also popular and accompanies many meals with Abula sauce. Amala and ewedu are popular soups produced from dried yam made into a powder form. Eba and Okro are stews, Ewa Agoyin is made with soft beans and served with a pepper sauce. Bean porridge made with beans and yams. Restaurants in the capital city can be found in different areas such as Lagos Island, Victoria Island, and by the beaches. There are rooftop restaurants, beachside bars, and more to explore.
What is the nightlife like?
The nightlife in Lagos is famous especially for its music scene, it has introduced a variety of styles such as Sakara music, Nigerian hip hop, highlife, juju, fuji, and Afrobeats. There are a dizzying array of nightclubs in Lagos, which is dubbed the “party central” of Nigeria. Many of the clubs can be found on Victoria Island and around Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Surelere. The city boasts many bars, clubs, and restaurants with popular places such as Quilox, Escape, and Club 57 to name a few, they feature live music performances by local and international artist.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
In case of an emergency dial 112 for local police, an ambulance, or fire.
Hospitals:
Reddington Hospital tel.234-812-800-8187
St Nicholas Hospital tel.234-802-290-8484
Iwosan Lagoon Hospital tel. 234-708-06-9000.
Top Attractions

Tarkwa Bay Beach
Take a cruise to Tarkwa and visit the beautiful tranquil beach oasis on this artificial island located near the Lagos harbor.

Lafiaji Beach
A peaceful stretch of golden sand offering calm waves and crowd-free relaxation.

Lekki Conservation Center
Lush conservation area featuring Africa’s longest canopy walkway, offering encounters with wildlife such as monkeys.

Third Mainland Bridge
Spanning almost 7 miles, this bridge offers one of the best views of Lagos’ skyline and is one of Africa’s longest bridges.
Unique Experiences

Canopy Walk at Lekki Conservation Center.
Step high above the forest floor on Africa’s longest canopy walkway, suspended between lush treetops. As monkeys swing nearby, each step offers a thrilling mix of nature, adventure, and breathtaking views of Lagos’ hidden wild side.

Jollof, Fried Rice & Moi Moi Tasting Tour in Lagos City.
From smoky, spicy Jollof rice to savory fried rice and silky steamed Moi Moi, this tasting tour dives deep into Nigeria’s most beloved comfort foods — all in one delicious sitting by the roadside or beachfront.
What to expect while traveling




