Are you planning to travel from Lagos to Abuja by road? This article is for you. Every information you need regarding your trip is in this blog post.
Lagos and Abuja are the two most populous cities in Nigeria. Lagos is the commercial capital of the country, while Abuja is the political capital.
The distance between the two cities is about 748 kilometers (468 miles). The journey by road takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.
Several routes can be taken from Lagos to Abuja by road. The most popular route is the Lagos-Ibadan-Abuja Expressway. This route is well-maintained and has a good standard of road surface. However, it can be congested, especially during peak hours.
Another popular route is the Lagos-Benin-Auchi-Lokoja-Abuja Expressway. This route is longer than the Lagos-Ibadan-Abuja Expressway, but it is less congested. The road surface is also in good condition.
No matter which route you choose, it is important to be aware of the risks of driving in Nigeria. The roads can be dangerous, and there is a high incidence of armed robbery. It is advisable to travel in a convoy or with a security escort.
If you are not comfortable driving from Lagos to Abuja by road, you can take a bus or fly. Several bus companies offer direct services between the two cities. The flight from Lagos to Abuja takes about an hour.
Lagos to Abuja by Road Cost
The cost of traveling from Lagos to Abuja by road depends on the bus company you choose and the type of bus you travel in. The cheapest option is to travel in a non-airconditioned bus, which typically costs around ₦13,500. If you want to travel in an air-conditioned bus, the cost will be around ₦19,950.
The journey from Lagos to Abuja by road takes approximately 10 hours 30 minutes. The road condition is generally good, but there may be some delays due to traffic congestion.
Related: How Much is Lagos to Ibadan Train Fare? (See Price Now)
The Route Options
There are two main route options to get from Lagos to Abuja by road:
Route 1
This is the longer route, but it is also the better-maintained road. It is about 748 kilometers long and takes about 10 hours and 30 minutes to drive. The route starts in Lagos and goes through Ibadan, Ondo, Akure, Owo, Akokoedo, Okene, and Lokoja before reaching Abuja.
Lagos to Abuja by Road Route 2
This is the shorter route, but it is also the more dangerous road. It is about 699 kilometers long and takes about 9 hours and 45 minutes to drive. The route starts in Lagos and goes through Benin City, Auchi, and Lokoja before reaching Abuja.
Travel Time
The travel time from Lagos to Abuja by road depends on the route taken and the traffic conditions. The fastest route is the Benin-Sagamu Expressway, which takes about 12 hours and 3 minutes. Other routes, such as the Ibadan-Ilorin Expressway, can take up to 14 hours.
Here are the estimated travel times from Lagos to Abuja by road, taking the fastest route:
- Benin-Sagamu Expressway: 12 hours and 3 minutes
- Ibadan-Ilorin Expressway: 14 hours
- Oshogbo-Ilorin Expressway: 15 hours
Shagamu-Benin Expressway: 16 hours
The travel time can also be affected by traffic conditions. During peak traffic hours, such as during the weekends and holidays, the journey can take longer. It is advisable to avoid traveling during these times if possible.
Road Conditions
The road conditions from Lagos to Abuja vary depending on the route you take. The fastest route is via the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, but this road is often congested and in poor condition. The second fastest route is via the Benin-Ore Expressway, which is in better condition but takes slightly longer. The third route is via the Ilorin-Lokoja Expressway, which is the longest but has the best road conditions.
Here is a brief overview of the road conditions on each route:
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
This expressway is the busiest road in Nigeria and is often congested, especially during peak hours. The road surface is also in poor condition, with potholes and cracks that can damage vehicles.
Benin-Ore Expressway
This expressway is in better condition than the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, but it is still prone to congestion. The road surface is smoother, but there are still some potholes and cracks.
Ilorin-Lokoja Expressway
The Ilorin-Lokoja expressway is the longest of the three routes, but it has the best road conditions. The road surface is smooth and well-maintained, and there is less congestion than on the other two routes.
No matter which route you take, it is important to be aware of the road conditions and to drive safely. Be prepared for delays due to congestion and bad road conditions. Also, be aware of the risk of armed robbery and kidnapping, especially in remote areas.
Lagos to Abuja by Road Traffic
The traffic on the Lagos to Abuja road can be heavy, especially during peak hours. The busiest time is usually on Fridays and Sundays when people are traveling to and from Lagos for the weekend. The road is also congested during public holidays.
The following are some of the factors that contribute to traffic congestion on the Lagos to Abuja road:
- The high volume of traffic: The road is one of the busiest in Nigeria, and there are often long lines of vehicles.
- The poor condition of the road: The road is not well-maintained, and there are potholes and other obstacles that can slow down traffic.
- Construction work: There is often construction work on the road, which can also cause delays.
- Accidents: Accidents can also cause traffic congestion, especially on weekends when there are more vehicles on the road.
If you are planning to travel from Lagos to Abuja by road, it is important to factor in the traffic congestion. You should allow plenty of time for your journey, and be prepared for delays.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Here are some tips for a smooth road trip from Lagos to Abuja by road:
Plan your trip: This includes deciding on the date and time of your trip, as well as the route you will take. It is also a good idea to book your transportation in advance, especially if you are traveling during the holidays or other peak times.
Check the road conditions: The road conditions between Lagos and Abuja can vary depending on the weather and time of year. It is a good idea to check the road conditions before you leave so that you can plan your trip accordingly.
Get a good night’s sleep before your trip: Driving for long hours can be tiring, so it is important to be well-rested before you start your journey.
Drive safely: Obey the speed limit and be aware of your surroundings. Be especially careful when driving at night, as the roads can be dark and there is more traffic.
Make sure your car is in good condition: Have your car serviced before your trip to make sure that it is in good working order. This will help to avoid any problems on the road.
Pack a car emergency kit: This should include items such as a first-aid kit, flares, a flashlight, and a spare tire.
Bring snacks and drinks: You will likely be driving for several hours, so it is a good idea to bring snacks and drinks to keep you hydrated and energized.
Take breaks regularly: Do not drive for more than two hours at a time without taking a break. This will help to avoid fatigue and keep you alert.
Always be patient: There will likely be traffic on the road, so be patient and allow extra time for your trip.
Watch out for the police checkpoints: There are often police checkpoints on the road between Lagos and Abuja. They will always request for your driver’s license and vehicle documents.
Be careful of the motorcyclists: Motorcyclists are a common sight on the Lagos-Abuja road. Be careful not to hit them when changing lanes or making turns.
Expect delays: There can be delays on the Lagos-Abuja road due to construction, accidents, or bad weather. Be prepared to wait for a while if you encounter any delays.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure a smooth and safe road trip from Lagos to Abuja.
Conclusion
The distance between Lagos and Abuja is 717.5 km, and the journey by road will take approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes. The best route is the Lagos – Akure – Owo – Ibilo – Okene – Lokoja – Abuja route, which is the most popular because public transport companies operating between Lagos and Abuja often use it.
What do you have to say about the Lagos to Abuja by Road? Let’s hear from you in the comments section below.
Originally posted 2023-09-02 09:06:12.
