Abuja To Lagos By Road: A Traveller's Guide

For some of us, road travel in Nigeria is a last resort due to a lot of factors I do not have the inclination to go into right now, but with our current economic situation, you might end up travelling by road sooner than you think. This post is will tell you what you need to know on your road travel adventure from Abuja to Lagos.
Abuja is the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, located in the middle-belt area, while Lagos is country's commercial hub that shares a border with the Atlantic ocean, and is located in the south-western region. Abuja is about 750 kilometres away from Lagos, so I would classify it as long distance road travel.

Where To Go

Here are a few transport companies that ply the Abuja to Lagos route.

ABC Transport Company

Gwagwalada Terminal: Jibeco Nigeria Ltd
Utako Terminal: No 36, Ekukinam street, Utako District.
Phone: 08142552437, 08142552441, 08063789157
Website: http://www.abctransport.com/

God Is Good Motors

Mararaba Terminal : Abuja/Keffi Road, by Abacha Junction, opp Chrisgold Plaza. 08150846941
Zuba Terminal: Market Space 206, Zuba Market. 08150848952
Utako Terminal: Plot 113, Utako District. 08150846946
Kubwa Terminal: Block 43, Gado Nasko Way, Opp. 2/2 court, Kubwa. 08150846940
Website: https://gigm.com/

Chisco Transport

Utako Terminal: Plot 176, Ekukinam Street, Utako District, opp. Mountain of Fire Ministries.
Nyanya Terminal: AP filling Station, Keffi Road, Nyanya.
Phone: +234-810-651-7669, +234-808-927-3799
Website: https://www.chiscotransport.com.ng/

Cross Country Transport

Utako Terminal: 28 A.E. Ekukinam Street, Utako District.
Phone: 0803 409 4333

Price Range

A bus ticket from Lagos to Abuja will cost about N6500 to N7500, depending on the transport company.

Which Transport Company To Choose

I'm going to highlight the factors to consider when choosing a transport company.

1. Budget: You should pick a transport company that offers a price range you can afford. I would advise you to thoroughly question them before you decide.
2. Convenience: This deals largely with the transport company's range of offers. Here, it's important that you ask about the seating arrangements, so you don't end up squashed or in a terrible seat for a 10-hour trip.
3. Proximity to your home: You should pick a transport company that has a terminal close to where you live so that you can get there early on the day you decide to travel. First-time long distance road travelers are advised to take the very first bus, as this will increase the chances of getting to their destination before dark, and you can only get the first bus by arriving at the park very early.
4. Route: Different Transport companies ply differet routes into Lagos State, so it is advisable to pick a bus accordingly.

What To Carry

Here are some tips on how to pack for your long distance road trip to Lagos from Abuja.

1. Pack light. A trick I apply is that I make sure every item of clothing can be worn at least 3 times. Having a small bag will also give you a lot less to worry about while getting on board the bus.
2. If you have to carry heavy bags, then you should be at the bus park about an hour earlier than the tentative take off time, so you and the transport company assistants can figure out the best way to cram your luggage into the bus.
3. Your carry-on should be a backpack or a large handbag, since you can easily drop either on the floor of the bus if you get tired of carrying it on your lap.

Snack Options

The bus usually makes one stop at either Lokoja or Ore, so here are things to consider

1. You will find sufficient food items at this stop if you decide not to bring some from home.
2. It is advisable to eat light or not at all if like me, your stomach has no respect for you. This is because the only bathroom option available to you after the stop is the bushes by the roadside.

Time Taken

The time taken to travel by road from Abuja to Lagos is about 9 to 12 hours.
This wide time range depends on the following factors;
1. The driving speed: most of these drivers are trying to get you and themselves to the final destination alive, so it's not going to be fast and furious.
2. The nature of the vehicle
3. The age of the vehicle
3. The condition of the road on the route taken: the roads are all bad, so just add about 2 hours to the whole thing.
4. Traffic, which could be caused by reasons ranging from accidents to road repairs to spirits. Sometimes there's just traffic for no reason.

Tips for First-Time Abuja to Lagos Road Travellers

1. Bring a book for the boring parts of the trip where you'll be passing trees for hours.
2. A seat right beside the window would be perfect if you can get it. They're usually the first to go, and that's another reason to get to the park early.
3. If reading in a moving vehicle makes you car-sick, bring headphones, a fully charged device, and a collection of your favourite music to listen to on the journey.
4. Expect stretches of bumpy roads. Keep a packet of panadol in your bag for the resulting headache.
5. If you come across heavy traffic, mentally prepare for a long wait.
6. Prepare for weather changes by carrying a big scarf or a sweater.
7. Read signposts to get your bearings. You don't want to be that annoying passenger yelling "where are we now" at the driver every hour.
8. You can and should sleep your way through most of the trip, it'll seem faster that way.
9. If you need advice or help when you get to your stop, ask the driver or other passengers for help.
10. Make sure you have a fully charged battery at best or some battery life. It's never advisable to allow your phone die fully on a road trip.
11. Another must have is airtime. There are a lot of recharge card sellers at the bus park for this reason.
12. Make sure you keep someone at home or at your destination abreast of your progress via text or phone call.
13. Keep your carry-on close by at all times.

For up to date information on bus fares and routes, please contact the transport companies directly as these are subject to change at any time at their discretion.
Safe Journey!

Leave a comment