Lagos to Port Harcourt By Road: A Traveller's Guide

Port Harcourt is the capital and largest city of Rivers State, with an estimated population of 1,865,000 residents. Port Harcourt is a tourist?s dream destination because it is suitable for business and tourism with a wide variety of attractions and historical landmarks. The port town of Port Harcourt capital of Rivers state was founded in 1912 in an area traditionally inhabited by the Ijaw and Ikwere people and was named after Lewis Harcourt, the then colonial secretary. Today, Port Harcourt is one of the nation?s largest ports, which handles the export of palm oil, palm kernels, and timber from the surrounding area, coal from Anambra state, tin and columbite from the Jos Plateau, and peanuts (groundnuts) from the northern states. Since 1958, Port Harcourt has been the port city for the transportation of petroleum from fields in the eastern Niger River delta. Port Harcourt is a city that is constantly growing and records economic advancement every fiscal year. ?The city has attracted a lot of international attention, so why not pay Port Harcourt a visit to see what all the fuss is about. On your road trip journey from Lagos to Port Harcourt, you will be traveling a distance of approximately 650km. The road is mostly well maintained?and smooth.

Choosing A Bus To Port Harcourt

  There are several things to consider?before choosing a bus bound for Port Harcourt.?Different companies offer different quality of service and comfort, so it is important to make detailed inquiries before booking your bus ticket. First, you have to consider your budget. It is important that you pick a transport company that offers a price you are comfortable with. The next factor to put into consideration should be the proximity of the bus park to your home.?It is advisable to choose the?transport company which is closest to your home to minimize the chances of missing your bus. The bus route?also matters. The three major routes to Port Harcourt from Lagos are via;

1. Sagamu-Benin Expy/A121 (616.4km)
2. Sagamu-Benin Expy/A121 and Benin-Asaba Rd (637.8km)
3. Sagamu-Benin Expy/A121 and A3 (687.8km)

You would need to inquire about the route plied by each company and decide which route best favours you. The bus benefits?are also very important. Try and find out if any perks come with your ticket, how many stops will be made along the way or if a movie or any other form of entertainment available on the bus.

Finding Port Harcourt Bound Buses?

There are various road transport companies available that travel from Lagos to Port Harcourt on a regular basis. Some of them are:

ABC Transport

Jibowu Terminal?

Time: 5:15am Average Price:?N6050 Plot 22, Ikorodu Road, Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos. Tel: 08142552434,? 01-7741320, 01-8793072 Email: [email protected]  

Amuwo Odofin Bus Terminal

Time: 4:30am Average Price:?N6050 Plot 79, Oba Kayode Akinyemi way by FESTAC bypass, Lagos Tel: : 01-8793076, 08053001000, 08142552436 Email:[email protected]  

God is Good Motors

Ajah Terminal Average Price: N5,000 Time:?06:00am, ?06:45am, ?07:30am Address: Near Police station in Ajiwe, Ajah Tel:?08150846929 Email: [email protected]  

CHISCO?Transport

Jibowu Terminal Average Price:?N4,050 Time:? 06.00am, 05.00pm, 07.00pm 6 Ikorodu Road, Yaba Lagos  

Cross Country Transport

Yaba Park Average Price:?N4,000 Time: 7:00am Address:?Murtala Muhammed Way, Lagos Tel:?08067024485, 07060418477 Email: [email protected]  

GUO Transport

Ajah Terminal

Average Price:?N5,080 Time: 5:30am KM 22, Epe - Expressway, Abraham Adesanya Est. Junction, Ajah, Lagos Tel:? 08075090656

Cele Terminal

Average Price:?N4,950 Time: 5:30am 164, Okota Road, Lagos Tel:?08075090634

Coker Terminal

Average Price:?N4,050 Time: 5:30am 36, Opere Street, Wema Bank Bus Stop, Coker, Lagos Tel:? 08117000391

Ejigbo Terminal

Average Price:?N5,580 Time: 5:30am 67A, Ikotun-Egbe Road, Opp Power Line B/Stop, Ejigbo Tel:?08117000390

Iyana Ipaja Terminal

Average Price:?N5,400 Time: 5:30am 167, Abeokuta Expressway Opp Diamond bank Plc. by Iyana Ipaja bus stop, Alimosho LGA Tel: 08075090639

Maza Maza Terminal

Average Price:?N4,050 Time: 5: 30am 1st Gate B/Stop Badagry Express Way Tel:?08075090683 Please note: that the above prices are subject to change, especially during festive periods.

Travel Time To?Port Harcourt

The estimated time of travel from Lagos to Port Harcourt is dependent on what route your road transport company plies. Please see?estimated time of travel for the various routes below:?

1. Sagamu-Benin Expy/A121 :?9. 1 hours
2. Sagamu-Benin Expy/A121 and Benin-Asaba Rd: 9.5 hours
3. Sagamu-Benin Expy/A121 and A3: 11.18 hours

The time of year may also influence weather and traffic conditions which will, in turn, affect the overall travel time. The journey may take longer during festive periods as a result of the increase in traffic and road security checks. Also, during the rainy season, the journey?could take longer as a result of low visibility during rainstorms and slippery or bad roads.

How To Pack When Travelling To Port Harcourt

You will be on the road from Lagos to Port Harcourt for between 8 to 10 hours, so packing your luggage should not be taken lightly. First of all, it is important that you first consider the reason behind your trip, because it will determine what you would need for your stay. However, it is advised to?pack as light as possible with a suitcase/bag that is compact. Your luggage may be weighed and heavy bags incur an extra fee. Also, consider you will be arriving at Port Harcourt in the latter part of the day (depending on when you leave) and lugging a bulky bag might be an inconvenience at that time of day. If you have to carry heavy luggage, you may want to consider sending your luggage separately, as most transporters do not have a lot of space available inside their passenger vehicles. Keep a form of identification in this bag, just in case you need it during a security check. Take a carry-on bag that contains all your essentials and valuable belongings. ?Keep it with you at all times. Be sure to pack some snacks in your carry-on bag. The trip from Lagos to Port Harcourt is a long and?the stops are usually spaced hours apart. This means that there will be long stretches of time where you may not see a city or be able to purchase any food. Having food with you would be a great way to tide you over during the trip.

What To Eat

There are several food options between Lagos and Port Harcourt and if you take the longer routes, you will be spoiled with a variety of choices.?Different road transporters?make stops at different locations?but stops are usually made in Ore, Benin, ?Aba, Onitsha etc. You may also purchase food from the hawkers at border towns or wait till the bus stops at a fuel station?to buy food from the nearest restaurant.

Places to Stay in Port Harcourt

If you plan to spend a couple of days in Port Harcourt to take the city in (we strongly recommend this), there are a lot of hotels you can stay in. There are different categories of hotels for any need you might have, whether you're looking to splurge on luxury, or you're trying to find comfort on a budget. Some hotels to stay in include: De Edge Hotel, Claridon Suites, Garden City Marriot Hotel, and many more.  

Travel Tips

1. Have a form of identification on hand in case of random police checks
2. Have a good night rest the day before your trip. Road travel can be very stressful.
3. Take a sleep mask, this will come in?handy when you want to sleep and protect your eyes from the sun.
4. Go along with you a book or any other form of entertainment.
5. Be careful to conserve your phone battery so you can use your phone upon arrival at Port Harcourt.
6. Confirm the exact location of the transporters Port Harcourt terminal in order help you choose the closest hotel in Port Harcourt.
7. Take the time to stretch your legs at every stop to get your blood circulation flowing.
8. Enjoy the long scenic ride from Lagos to Port Harcourt. You?ll pass a lot of towns and settlements between Lagos and Port Harcourt, be sure to take it all in.

  Port Harcourt has great sights and attractions, and interesting things to do. From beautiful colonial buildings to museums and even the busy Port, the city is vibrant, beautiful and has a lot to offer a traveler. We hope you enjoy every bit of it. Safe travels!

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