IBADAN TO IFE BY ROAD: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE

For the majority, road travel is the easiest and most convenient if not the cheapest means of getting around the country, particularly these two cities. Ibadan is the state capital of Oyo state and the largest city in the country located in south-western Nigeria while Ife is the capital of Osun state located in the South-Western region of the country.

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET AN IFE-BOUND VEHICLE IN IBADAN

Gbagi Motor Park:

Take a cab/bus from Agodi Gate going to Gbagi/Alakia and drop at Gbagi this time, specifically the Park. The usual kinds of vehicles are here: Taxis, Buses and Sienna Minivans, pay a fare ranging from 500-800 naira with the lowest being for buses and the highest for the Minivans, load your bags and the vehicles get filled up fast.

Alakia Park:

Take a cab/bus from Agodi Gate going to Gbagi/Alakia and drop at Alakia motor Park (you have to be specific with the driver beforehand). Same as the Gbagi Park- similar prices and the exact kind of Vehicles in it.

Iwo Road (Iyana Ife):

Iyana Ife means “Ife Junction” in English and that’s what this park is named for – it deals almost exclusively with Ife-bound vehicles, from the Challenge-Sawmill express route or from Gate, take a bus/cab going to Iwo Road and drop at Iyana Ife, after having dropped, make your way to the park and pay a fare ranging from 400-700 naira for a vehicle of your choice, have your bags loaded and wait for the bus to fill up.

WHICH MOTOR PARK TO CHOOSE

Of the three motor Parks, the Iyana-Ife Park at Iwo Road is the best choice because apart from having the cheapest prices, vehicles going to Ife can be found at virtually any time.

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’s a very short trip with no designated rest stops and if the vehicle stops for any reason, it’s for passengers to relieve themselves in the bushes along the route.

• 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 Ibadan to Ife usually takes about 45 mins – 1 hour, taking into consideration road and weather conditions.

SNACK AND RESTROOM OPTIONS

You can make a selection from a wide range of snack choices at either park, from barbecued meat to Gala and drinks. It is a short trip so there are no rest stops along the way.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO IFE

• 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 valuables 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 into Ife, you’ll be dropped off from any point at/between the University gates to Mayfair

Have a safe trip!

Related: Ibadan to Port-Harcourt By Road: A Traveler's Guide