BENIN TO LAGOS BY ROAD: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE
For the majority, road travel is the easiest and cheapest way of getting around the country and while in this case, air travel is more convenient, a trip by road is far cheaper and affords passengers a chance to take in the scenic route.
Benin is the capital of Edo state, centre of the Nigerian rubber industry and one of the oldest cities in the country located in the South-South region of the country while Lagos is the commercial hub of the entire country and one of the most densely populated cities in the country as a result
THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET A LAGOS-BOUND VEHICLE IN BENIN
Ramat Park:
Take a bus/cab going to Ramat Park and alight, in the park you can find Buses, Cabs and Siena Minivans going to Lagos at the Price range of 3,000- 3,500 naira depending on the type of vehicle boarded, the lowest being the Buses and the highest being the Siena Minivans.
God is Good Transport (GIGT):
Take a bus anywhere in the Benin metropolis going to New Benin and alight at the Total Filling station, the Park is right across the road. The usual types of vehicle are here with prices ranging from 2,800-3000 naira for the Buses and the highest being the Minivans which go for around 3500 naira.
Edegbe Bus Park:
Take a taxi going to Edegbe bus stop and stop at the Park, inside the Park you can find the usual vehicles and usual price range with the lowest being the buses and the highest being the Minivans and Taxis
WHAT/HOW TO PACK
Pack as few bags as possible for easy management and to save cost, Drivers tend to charge extra for really big bags (especially the taxi and minivan drivers) and extra bags.
Make sure you get to the park on time so you can pick a seat of your choice.
When you get to the park you’ll be set upon by different *alabarus (porters loitering around waiting for passengers with heavy luggage) who’ll flat out demand to carry your bags to the vehicle going to your destination, you have a choice of firmly indicating a “No†with your head and walking past them or surrendering your bag(s) to them if they’re heavy, however be sure to keep a close watch on the porter and your bag(s)
Inform your driver of any fragile items in your bag. It also helps to watch as the bags are being arranged to ensure your belongings aren’t squashed in a corner or under other heavy luggage. Keep all valuables with you
On no condition should you have any sort of camouflage material with you as they’re banned and if found on your person, will lead to you being extorted for money by the policemen along the route and the vehicle being delayed.
Watch what you eat before travelling, it is better to err on the side of caution where public restrooms are concerned.
Fill the personal information form that will be passed around beforehand. The transport company just might need to reach someone on your behalf.
TIME TAKEN
The trip from Benin to Lagos usually takes approximately 5hrs 30mins, taking into consideration road and weather conditions.
SNACK AND RESTROOM OPTIONS
There are a variety of snacks to pick from at the park and you can buy whatever you want beforehand. If you are hungry during the journey however, there is a rest stop at the popular Ore where the vehicle is going to stop for about a half hour for passengers who are thus inclined to eat, relieve themselves and stretch their legs for a bit.
PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO BENIN
Evacuate your bowels before leaving the house.
Make sure you fill the personal information form supplied to passengers and also take down the licence plate number of the vehicle and pass on to as many friends as possible (and make sure the driver sees you taking down the plate number)
Make sure your most valuable possessions are kept close to hand in a carryon or a small bag, not just because of theft but also because of the way items are stacked carelessly in the trunk.
I prefer sitting up front beside the driver, asides being the most comfortable seat in the vehicle, it’s also within easy reach of the charging port so you can listen to music, read, surf the internet (where coverage exists on the road) without running your battery flat. Barring that, leave the house with a full charge and a powerbank if you have one.
GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION
Getting to Lagos, you’ll be dropped off at Ojota or Oshodi bus stop from which you can get another bus to your destination
Have a Safe Trip!
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