How to Get to Ado-ekiti. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Major Airports & Routes

Nearest Operational Airport

Akure Airport (AKR) in Ondo State is around 75-80 km (47-50 miles) south of Ado-Ekiti.

Domestic Connections

Domestic airlines like Air Peace, Overland Airways, and ValueJet.
Flights generally operate from Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV).
Availability remains generally consistent. Prices fluctuate during holidays.

International Gateway Airports

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos serves as the main entry point for international travelers to Nigeria.

International & Domestic Links

LOS and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja receive major international airlines.
International flight prices to Lagos or Abuja vary by season. Consider services like Dollar Flight Club to find deals, or use Skyscanner for broad searches.
LOS offers duty-free, restaurants, car rentals, lounges, currency exchange, and ATMs. Akure Airport has basic facilities.

Transfers from Akure

Taxi or private car is the most common and recommended option from Akure Airport (AKR) to Ado-Ekiti. Arrange transport with your hotel or a trusted driver. Journey about 1.5 - 2 hours.

Road Travel from Lagos

The most common way from Lagos (LOS) to Ado-Ekiti. Private car hire is recommended for comfort and safety. Journey takes approximately 4-6 hours. Inter-state bus services are also available.

Lagos Flight + Road

Fly from Lagos (LOS) to Akure (AKR), then take a taxi or private car to Ado-Ekiti. This combines the speed of air travel with local vehicular access.

Domestic and International Connectivity

Domestic Flight Considerations

Check flight timetables to Akure (AKR) from Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV).
Schedule flights within the country in advance, notably during festive periods.
Be aware of airline baggage policies, which vary.
Ado-Ekiti's own airport project is not yet operational for commercial flights.

International Flight Best Practices

No direct international flights land at Akure (AKR).
Book international flights to Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV) from major global hubs.
International flight prices change by season; research for best deals.
Allow ample time for transfers and connections at key airports.

Airport Facilities & Services

LOS Facilities

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) offers duty-free shops, restaurants, car rentals, lounges, currency exchange, and ATMs.

ABV Facilities

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) has similar services, catering to international and domestic travelers.

AKR Facilities

Akure Airport (AKR) provides basic facilities, mainly for domestic flights, with limited services.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Travel

Bus travel connects Ado-Ekiti to various parts of Nigeria. This is a common and accessible option for many travelers.

Major Bus Operators & Routes

Major companies: God is Good Motors (GIGM), ABC Transport, Young Shall Grow, Chisco Transport.
Frequent services from Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Benin City to Ado-Ekiti.
Buses depart from company-specific terminals. Booking in advance is recommended.

Self-Driving Considerations

Self-driving for tourists is generally not recommended due to assorted road conditions and safety concerns.

Road Conditions & Requirements

Road conditions vary from fairly good to very poor, with potholes and unpaved sections.
If you choose to drive, an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid national driver's license are required.
Inter-state roads carry risks of armed robbery and kidnapping, especially at night. Travel during daylight hours only.

Driver Hire Services

Renting a car with a local driver has a safe and practical way for tourists to gain flexibility in travel.

Benefits of Hiring a Driver

Local knowledge navigates routes and conditions.
Enhanced safety and comfort compared to self-driving.
Reduces travel pressure and allows focus on your trip.

Alternative Land Travel

While trains are not an option, other forms of land transport exist for local movement.

Train & Border Information

No direct train service reaches Ado-Ekiti. Nigeria has a limited rail network.
Ado-Ekiti is not near any international land border.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are not generally available or recommended for tourists due to safety concerns.

Road Safety Reminders

Roads can be different greatly; expect potholes and unpaved sections.
Avoid inter-state traveling by road at night due to heightened risks.
Drivers often disregard traffic laws; maintain vigilance.

Consider private car hire with a driver for safer journeys.
Familiarize yourself with local driving customs if self-driving.
Plan routes carefully, considering road quality and area traffic patterns.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Ado-Ekiti is a landlocked city, so ferry services and cruise ports do not apply to direct travel here.

Water Transport Details

No direct access to major waterways for passenger transport in Ado-Ekiti.
No cruise ship arrivals or departures.
Inland location precludes sea-based travel options.

Unique Water Transportation

Other forms of water transportation like boat taxis are not relevant for reaching Ado-Ekiti.

Local Waterway Use

Any local river transport serves specific communities, not tourist routes to Ado-Ekiti.
Mainly for fishing or local commuting in specific rural areas.
No commercial water-based passenger services to or from the city.

Inland Location

Ado-Ekiti's location deep within Nigeria means water-based international or inter-state travel is not an option.

No River Ports

The city does not have river ports or docks prepared for commercial passenger or cargo ships.

Focus on Land & Air

Travel to Ado-Ekiti mainly involves air travel to nearby airports or land-based bus and private car transport.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures & Timing

Plan your departure from Ado-Ekiti and Nigeria by understanding the necessary procedures.

Departure Guidance

International Flights (LOS/ABV): Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Domestic Flights (AKR): Show up at LEAST 1.5-2 hours before departure.
Land Travel (bus): Arrive at the terminal 30-60 minutes before scheduled departure.

Exit Fees & Airport Facilities

Departure taxes are generally included in airline ticket prices. No separate exit fees are typically paid at the airport in Nigeria.

Airport & Terminal Amenities

LOS/ABV: Shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange.
AKR: Provides basic facilities for departing travelers.
Bus Terminals: Basic waiting areas and kiosks for snacks and drinks.

Travel Checklist for Departure

Documentation

Confirm passport validity, visa status for next destination, and boarding passes are ready.

Baggage

Check luggage weight and size restrictions for your airline.

Finances

Convert remaining local currency or secure necessary foreign currency.

Smooth Departure Note

Allocate ample time for airport procedures. Confirm all documents are in order for your onward journey.

How to Get to Ado-ekiti