Getting around Nigeria takes patience. The country is large, the roads are often poor outside of cities, and travel times bear little relationship to distances on a map.
Domestic Flights
The fastest and most reliable way to cover long distances. Air Peace, Ibom Air, and United Nigeria Airlines operate between Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Calabar, and other cities. Flights are short — usually under an hour — and reasonably priced. Delays are common, but early-morning flights tend to leave on time. Book in advance during holidays.
Long-Distance Buses
Intercity bus companies provide a backbone of ground transport. God is Good Motors, ABC Transport, and Peace Mass Transit run comfortable air-conditioned coaches between major cities. Tickets are cheap and buses generally run on schedule. Lagos to Abuja takes roughly six to eight hours by road; Lagos to Benin City around four hours. For long-haul journeys, a daytime bus on a reputable company is far safer than overnight travel or riding with an unknown minibus.
Shared Taxis and Minibuses
For shorter trips between towns, shared taxis (and Toyota Hiace minibuses, locally called danfo in Lagos) fill the gaps. They're cheap and ubiquitous but stop frequently and can be crowded. Agree the fare before getting in.
Rail
Two rail lines operate: Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna. Both are modern, comfortable, air-conditioned, and good value. The Lagos–Ibadan train is the more useful for visitors and is a genuinely pleasant alternative to the road. More lines are under construction.
Within Cities
In Lagos, the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) runs on dedicated lanes and is useful for some routes. Ride-hailing apps — Bolt and Uber both operate in Lagos and Abuja — are the most practical way to get around the major cities. They're safer than hailing an unknown taxi and the prices are transparent. Okadas (motorcycle taxis) and kekes (three-wheeled tricycles) operate in most cities for short hops; they're fine for getting around town quickly but add some risk.
Roads
Road quality varies enormously. The expressways linking major cities are generally serviceable, though potholed sections appear without warning. Rural roads, particularly in the rainy season, can be very poor. Night driving anywhere outside cities is inadvisable — unmarked road hazards and armed robbery both increase after dark.