ABUJA TO ILORIN 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.
Abuja is the Capital City of Nigeria and the central City/State of the Country while Ilorin is the capital of Kwara state, the largest city in the state and located in the North-central region.

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

Peace Mass transit: board a bus/taxi going to Utako and drop at the Peace Mass Transit Park. Buses and Sienna minivans are available in the 3,500-4,000 naira range.

Kwara Express Park: For people coming from the Garki area, Take a cab direct to Nyanya , the park is located before the bridge near the NNPC filling station. Buses and Siena minivans ply the Ilorin route. Buses go for 4,000 and sienna minivans for 4,500.

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, although a long trip with at least one rest stop in Lokoja, 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 Ilorin usually takes approximately 8hrs 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 Yara in Kabba 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 ILORIN

• 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.

• If you love trying out new delicacies, such a long journey isn’t a good time for that so even if you see and buy something you feel you might like along the way, save it until you’re “home” and have a private restroom at hand in case your stomach reacts unfavourably to said delicacy. Stick to food items you’re familiar with.

GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION

Getting to Ilorin, you’ll be dropped at either General or Offa Garage.

Have a Safe Trip!

Related: Abuja to Ibadan By Road: A Traveler's Guide

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