IFE TO LAGOS BY ROAD: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE

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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.
Ife is the capital of Osun state located in the South-Western region of the country while Lagos is the commercial hub of the entire country and one of the most densely populated cities in the country as a result

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET A LAGOS -BOUND VEHICLE IN IFE

OAU School Gate: Take a cab/bus from anywhere in the city and drop at the school gate (not the main gate) but the expressway side (you have to be specific with the driver). Alight and pick your choice from any of the Buses and Taxis, pay your fare and have your bags loaded and prepare for the journey. Taxis collect 2000-2,500 as their fare while the buses collect a fare in the range of 1,500-1,800 naira.

Mayfair Park: For those that live well inside the town, far away from the school gate, the park at Mayfair is an adequate alternative. Take a bus/cab going to Mayfair, alight and make your way into the cab and board a Lagos-bound vehicle there. The fare goes for around 1,500-2,500 naira, the lowest being for buses and the highest for the taxis/Minivans.

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 Ife to Lagos usually takes approximately 4 hours, 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.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO LAGOS

  • 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 Lagos, you’ll be dropped off at either Berger/Ojota or at Oshodi from which you can get a vehicle to anywhere of your choice.
Have a Safe Trip!

Related: Abuja to Lagos By Road: A Traveller’s Guide

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