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How to Get to Lekki

How to Get to Lekki

Lekki Lagos, Nigeria Travel Guide

Air Travel to Lagos

Major Airports & Airlines

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Ikeja, Lagos, serves as the main international and domestic hub for Lekki.

Airport Access

  • LOS is 30-60 km from Lekki, depending on traffic.
  • International carriers include Ba, KLM, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta Air Lines.
  • Direct flights from London, Amsterdam, Paris, Dubai, Doha, Atlanta, New York, Johannesburg, Istanbul.

Flight Availability & Pricing

Flight prices change with seasons.

Seasonal Trends

  • Peak Season (Dec-Jan, Jul-Aug): Higher demand and fares due to holidays and summer travel.
  • Off-Peak Season (May-Sep): Lower fares and greater availability during the rainy season.
  • Check with airlines for specific direct routes and pricing.

Airport Facilities

LOS offers duty-free, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, car rental, and Wi-Fi.

Transfer Options

Pre-booked hotel shuttles or Ride-sharing apps like Uber/Bolt are highly recommended.

Private Car Hire

Reputable private car hire companies offer pre-arranged chauffeur services for comfort and security.

Transfer & Safety Tips

Airport Transfers

  • Hotel Shuttles: Convenient and safe, driver meets you.
  • Ride-sharing (Uber/Bolt): Book using app, verify driver/vehicle details.
  • Airport Taxis: Negotiate fare upfront, beware of unofficial touts.
  • Private Hire: Pre-arranged chauffeur for premium comfort and security.

Arrival Safety

  • Confirm driver name, vehicle model, license plate with app.
  • Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving.
  • Avoid unofficial touts offering rides at the airport.
  • Consider pre-booking for peace of mind.

Flight Booking Resources

Dollar Flight Club

Find cheap flight deals and alerts.

Skyscanner

Compare flight prices from various airlines.

Airline Websites

Book directly for best rates or loyalty points.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Rail

Nigeria shares land borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. Overland travel calls for careful planning and adherence to visa rules.

Overland Details

  • Meet all visa and immigration requirements for Nigeria and transit countries.
  • Border crossings can involve complex procedures and significant delays.
  • Limited modern long-distance passenger rail services; not a main arrival method for Lekki.

Bus Options & Self-Driving

Long-distance bus services connect Lagos to other Nigerian cities. Self-driving is generally not recommended for tourists.

Travel Advice

  • Reputable Bus Companies: GIGM, ABC Transport, Young Shall Grow Motors for inter-city travel.
  • Self-Driving: Not recommended because of dense traffic, aggressive driving, varied road conditions, and security concerns.
  • Requirements if driving: International Driving Permit (IDP) with national license.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road quality varies. Major expressways in Lekki are good, however smaller roads have holes in the road. Flooding is common in rainy season.

Safety on Roads

  • Traffic Accidents: Frequent due to aggressive driving styles.
  • Security Risks: 'Area boys' (street touts) can be a nuisance/risk in traffic. Armed robbery on roads possible at night/isolated areas.
  • Vehicle Safety: Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving.

Car Rental Options

Car rentals in Lagos typically come with a driver, which is the recommended option for tourists.

Rental Choices

  • Car Rental with Driver: Recommended for tourists, removes navigation stress.
  • Self-Drive Rentals: Available but not recommended for tourists.
  • Local agencies and some international brands offer chauffeur services. For online booking, check DiscoverCars.com.

Motorcycle Taxis & Tuk-tuks

  • Motorcycle Taxis (Okada): Common for quick trips, but regulated/prohibited on major roads. High accident rate, not recommended for tourists.
  • Ride-hailing Bike Services: Operations significantly restricted in Lekki due to safety/regulations.
  • Bicycle Rentals/Sharing: Very limited; typically only within specific resorts or parks, not for general city use.
  • Tuk-tuks (Keke Napep): Three-wheeled tricycles for short distances not on the primary roads. Not allowed on expressways.
  • Driving Laws: Drive on right, seatbelts mandatory. Aggressive driving is common.
  • Parking: Available in malls/hotels. Street parking is challenging and less secure.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Ports

Sea and river transportation primarily serves local commuting and cargo, not international tourist arrivals to Lekki.

Local Water Travel

  • Apapa Port: Commercial cargo port, no international passenger services.
  • Lagos State Ferry Services: Local passenger ferries across Lagos Lagoon/creeks.
  • Scenic Views: Ferries connect different parts of Lagos, offering unique perspectives.

International Water Travel

International passenger ferry or cruise ship arrivals are not applicable for Lekki travel.

Arrival Notes

  • No international passenger routes to Lekki.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for tourist arrivals.
  • Connections to land transportation from international sea arrivals are not relevant.

River Transportation

Mainly for local commuting plus fishing; not an international tourist arrival point.

Land Connections

Local ferries may connect to bus stops or ride-sharing pick-up points.

Unique Transport

No cable cars, funiculars, or similar elevated systems in Lekki/Lagos.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Timing & Traffic

  • International Flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Aim for 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Traffic Allowance: Allow 2-3 extra hours for travel to airport from Lekki due to unpredictable traffic.

Exit & Airport Services

Exit fees are usually included in your ticket. LOS offers various facilities for departing travelers.

Airport Facilities

  • Exit Fees: Typically included in airline ticket price; confirm with airline.
  • LOS Facilities: Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, airline lounges, currency exchange.
  • Online Check-in: Consider checking in online to save time at the airport.

Last-Minute Resources

AirHelp

Claim flight compensation for delays or cancellations.

Airline Customer Service

Confirm flight details and terminal well in advance.

Travel Insurance Provider

For assistance with any kind of last-minute issues or emergencies.

Departure Reminder

Always confirm your flight details and allow ample time for unpredictable Lagos traffic.