How to Get to Ibadan. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Ibadan

Airports for Ibadan

Ibadan Airport (IBA) mainly handles domestic flights. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos serves as the main international gateway.

Airport Details

Ibadan Airport (IBA): 15-20km from city center, domestic flights.
Lagos Airport (LOS): 120-150km southwest, main international entry.
Nnamdi Azikiwe International (ABV): 500km north, less common for Ibadan.

Airlines and Routes

Domestic flights to IBA via Air Peace, Overland Airways connect Ibadan with LOS and ABV. International flights land in LOS from global hubs.

International Carriers to LOS

British Airways, Lufthansa, France's National airline, KLM, Turkish Airlines.
Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines.
Ibadan Air terminal (IBA) does not give direct international flights.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices vary seasonally, with peaks during December holidays and summer months.

Booking Ahead

Booking flights well in advance yields better rates and preferred schedules.

Airport Facilities

IBA has basic facilities; LOS (Lagos) provides comprehensive shops, restaurants, plus lounges.

Transfers to Ibadan

From Ibadan Airport IBA

Taxis readily available; agree on fare beforehand.
Ride-sharing (Bolt/Uber) operates for airport transfers.
Short distance to city center.
Hotel pre-arranged pick-ups are an option.

From Lagos Airport LOS

Private Taxi/Car Hire: Pre-book or arrange at airport (2-3 hrs travel).
Ride-sharing Apps (Uber/Bolt): Verify driver/vehicle match.
Inter-city Bus: From designated Lagos terminals (e.g., GIGM, ABC Transport).
Domestic Flight (LOS to IBA): Less common due to short road distance.

Transfer Recommendation

Private Car from LOS

Consider pre-arranging a private car through your hotel for ease after a long international flight.

Verify Ride-share

Always verify the driver and vehicle details on the app before entering any ride-share car for safety.

Bus Terminal Access

Inter-city buses depart from specific terminals, not directly from LOS airport, requiring an additional taxi segment.

Land Transportation

Train Travel: Lagos-Ibadan

A modern, air-conditioned standard gauge railway line connects Lagos (Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta) to Ibadan (Moniya Station).

Train Service Details

Several trips operate daily, offering a comfortable alternative.
The train journey typically takes around 2.5 - 3 hours.
Fares are inexpensive and vary by class (Economy, Business, First Class).

Long-Distance Bus Services

Many private bus companies operate inter-city routes, connecting Ibadan to major cities across Nigeria from its own terminals.

Bus Company Features

Major operators: GIGM, ABC Transport, Young Shall Grow Motors, and Chisco Transport.
Executive buses offer air conditioning, reclining seats, sometimes Wi-Fi.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel periods.

Self-Driving Considerations

If you plan to self-drive, you will need a valid national driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Driving Advice

A sturdy vehicle, preferably a SUV, handles varying road conditions well.
Major inter-state roads are mostly asphalted but can feature potholes or heavy traffic.
Driving at night beyond the city centers is not recommended due to safety concerns.

Road Conditions and Safety

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a artery connecting the two cities. It is generally in fair to good condition, but ongoing construction and heavy commercial truck traffic are constant features.

Road Safety Points

Inner-city roads vary greatly in quality.
Aggressive driving, a relaxed adherence to traffic laws.
Poorly lit roads at night.

Driving Cautions

Potholes and sections under repair on major roads are common.
Heavy traffic is common, notably during peak hours and around major commercial centers.
Visitors are strongly advised to use reputable transport services or hire a car with a local driver.

Road quality is not consistent significantly, from well-maintained to poorly maintained.
Be aware of diverse driving standards and unpredictable road users.
Potential for vehicle breakdowns (especially if using older vehicles) is a concern.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

No Sea or River Arrivals

Ibadan is a landlocked city. Sea or major river arrivals are not applicable for international or inter-state travel to this destination.

Transportation Types Absent

Ferry services and cruise ports do not operate here.
River transportation options are limited to local, informal crossings on smaller rivers.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for Ibadan.

Local River Crossings Only

Local, informal river crossings or canoe services exist on smaller rivers within Oyo State. These are not used for inter-state or international travel.

Not a Tourist Option

Such local options are generally not a tourist transport choice.
They do not connect to land transportation for general travel purposes.
No formal infrastructure for water-based tourism exists.

Inland City

Ibadan's location away from major waterways means sea/river transport is irrelevant.

No Port Access

No cruise ports or ferry services connect to Ibadan.

Limited Water Use

Water transport is local and unofficial, not for broader travel.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Departure Timings

Airline tickets typically include leaving the airport taxes. You generally do not pay separate cash exit fees at airports for international flights from Nigeria.

Recommended Arrival Times

International flights (LOS): 3+ hours before departure.
Domestic flights (IBA): 1.5 - 2 hours before departure.
Train/Bus: At least HALF an hour before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Ibadan Airport (IBA) offers limited facilities for departing travelers. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos provides more extensive options.

LOS Facilities

Check-in counters, duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants.
Currency exchange services.
Train/Bus stations typically have waiting areas, ticket counters, and small shops.

Departure Checklist

Flight Status

Confirm flight departure times 24-48 hours in advance.

Train/Bus Schedules

Confirm train or bus schedules as they can change.

Traffic Allowance

Allow additional time for potential traffic jams to airports/stations.

Final Departure Tip

Confirm your flight, train, or bus departure times 24-48 hours in advance, as schedules can sometimes change.

How to Get to Ibadan