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;
- Sagamu-Benin Expy/A121 (616.4km)
- Sagamu-Benin Expy/A121 and Benin-Asaba Rd (637.8km)
- 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:?
- Sagamu-Benin Expy/A121 :?9. 1 hours
- Sagamu-Benin Expy/A121 and Benin-Asaba Rd: 9.5 hours
- 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
- Have a form of identification on hand in case of random police checks
- Have a good night rest the day before your trip. Road travel can be very stressful.
- Take a sleep mask, this will come in?handy when you want to sleep and protect your eyes from the sun.
- Go along with you a book or any other form of entertainment.
- Be careful to conserve your phone battery so you can use your phone upon arrival at Port Harcourt.
- Confirm the exact location of the transporters Port Harcourt terminal in order help you choose the closest hotel in Port Harcourt.
- Take the time to stretch your legs at every stop to get your blood circulation flowing.
- 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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