ABUJA TO ENUGU 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 cheaper and affords passengers a chance to take in the scenic route.
Abuja is the Capital City of Nigeria and the central City/State of the Country while Enugu is the capital of Enugu state located in South-Eastern Nigeria.

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET AN ENUGU -BOUND VEHICLE IN ABUJA

Imo Transport Company: Located Behind Zuba Motor Spare Parts Market, Zuba, board a vehicle going in the direction and ask to be taken to the Imo State Transport Company at Zuba. Getting to the Park, you can find different types of Vehicles such as the minibuses and the Sienna minivans with prices going for about 5,000-5,500 naira

God is good motor Park: Located at Utako, from Berger take a cab going to Utako and ask to be dropped at God is good Park. After having dropped at the Park, go in and pay for a seat on any vehicle in the usual selection: Buses, Taxis and Sienna Minivans with prices ranging from 4,500-5,000 naira and the luxurious buses which go for around 6,000 naira.

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 Abuja to Enugu usually takes approximately 7hours, 30 minutes, 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. Also, there’s a rest stop along the way at Lokoja and past that, on the way to Enugu if you want to buy food, move about a bit and stretch your legs you can trust the driver to take you to where good food is being sold because drivers of commercial vehicles get free food at these stops along the way.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO ENUGU

• 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 Enugu, you’ll be dropped off at Holy Ghost bus stop.
Have a Safe Trip!

Related: Abeokuta to Lagos By Road: A Traveler's Guide