LAGOS TO ILORIN 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.
Lagos is the commercial hub of the entire country and one of the most densely populated cities in the country as a result while Ilorin is the capital of Kwara state, the largest city in the state and located in the North-central region, although close to the south-western region as well.

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

Ijora Park: Located around Orile-Iganmu under the bridge that Leads to Apapa, alight from the vehicle taking you and enter the Park. The fare for Sienna minivans is 2,500 naira and for buses is 1,800 naira.

Ojota Motor Park: For those that live on the mainland, take a bus/taxi/BRT and alight at Ojota Park. The park is just beside the Total fuel station there. Inside the Park, you can find the usual selection of vehicles and board one of your choosing: Taxi/Sienna Minivan and Bus. The fare to Ilorin in the Ojota Park is in the 2,500-3,000 naira range depending on the type of vehicle.

Oshodi Motor Park: Located in Oshodi, one of the most popular areas in Lagos, after having been driven to Oshodi, alight at the park and go in to pay your fare and have your bags loaded. The price and vehicles are the same as at the Ojota Motor Park

Several private road transport companies are also available. They may offer more organized transport options with higher comfort for those who choose to use them. They include God is Good Motors, ABC Transport Company, Chisco Transport , Cross Country Transport Limited and Guo Transport

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 Lagos to Ilorin takes approximately 4hours, 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 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.

GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION

Getting into Ilorin, you’ll be dropped off at General from which you can then find your way to your eventual destination.

Have a safe trip!

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

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