Lagos receives millions of visitors and returnees every year, but the arrival experience still catches people off guard — long queues, a chaotic arrivals hall, and a city that starts at full speed the moment you step outside. Knowing what to expect before you land makes the difference between a stressful entry and a smooth one.
This guide covers the full journey from booking your flight to getting to your accommodation — with honest notes on what to watch out for at every step.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is the main gateway into Lagos — and into West Africa.
Quick Facts — Travelling to Lagos
Airport
Murtala Muhammed (LOS)
Visa Required
Most nationalities: Yes
Best Airlines
Ethiopian, Emirates, BA
Avg. Return (UK)
£600 – £1,200
Avg. Return (UAE)
AED 2,200 – 4,500
Airport to City
30–90 min by Uber
1. About Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (IATA: LOS) is located in Ikeja, on the Mainland — approximately 30–90 minutes from most parts of the city, depending on traffic. It operates two international terminals: the main international terminal (MMA1) and the newer international terminal (MMA2). Most international flights arrive at MMA2.
- MMA2 is cleaner, more modern, and better organised than the old terminal
- Immigration queues can be long — allow 45–90 minutes to clear during busy periods
- Baggage carousels are functional but slow — collect quickly and move through customs
- The arrivals hall is busy with touts, unofficial taxi drivers, and hotel reps — stay alert
- Free WiFi is available inside the terminal, though reliability varies
Important: Do not accept rides from strangers approaching you inside the arrivals hall. Book your Uber before you exit the terminal — you can connect to airport WiFi or use your roaming data to do this.
2. Airlines That Fly to Lagos
Lagos is one of the best-connected cities in Africa, served by major global carriers. The choice of airline significantly affects both price and comfort — here's how they compare.
| Airline | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | Global via Addis Ababa | Best value from East Africa & Asia. Reliable. |
| Emirates | Dubai → Lagos | Premium service. Strong cargo + passenger volume. |
| British Airways | London → Lagos (direct) | Only direct London option. Premium pricing. |
| Air France | Paris → Lagos | Good value from Europe via CDG. |
| Turkish Airlines | Global via Istanbul | Competitive pricing, good food, long layovers. |
| Qatar Airways | Global via Doha | Premium experience. Often competitive pricing. |
| RwandAir | African routes via Kigali | Best for intra-Africa connections. |
| Air Peace | West Africa + some international | Nigerian carrier. Growing route network. |
Best value tip: Ethiopian Airlines consistently offers the most competitive pricing from East Africa, Southern Africa, and Asia. From Europe, Turkish Airlines and Air France often beat British Airways on price by 30–40%.
3. What Flights to Lagos Cost in 2026
Flight prices to Lagos fluctuate significantly based on origin, season, and how far in advance you book. The Christmas and New Year period (mid-December to early January) is by far the most expensive time to fly into Lagos — prices can double or triple. Book at least 3 months in advance for peak travel.
| Origin | Economy Return | Business Return | Best Time to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| London (LHR) | £600 – £1,200 | £2,500 – £5,000 | 3–4 months ahead |
| Dubai (DXB) | AED 2,200 – 4,500 | AED 8,000 – 18,000 | 2–3 months ahead |
| New York (JFK) | $900 – $1,800 | $4,000 – $9,000 | 4–5 months ahead |
| Nairobi (NBO) | $300 – $650 | $1,200 – $3,000 | 4–6 weeks ahead |
| Accra (ACC) | $150 – $400 | $600 – $1,500 | 2–4 weeks ahead |
| Johannesburg (JNB) | $400 – $900 | $1,500 – $4,000 | 4–6 weeks ahead |
Book early — Christmas flights to Lagos are among the most expensive in West Africa.
4. Visa Requirements for Nigeria
Nigeria requires a visa for most foreign nationals. There are three main options depending on your nationality and travel plans.
- ECOWAS nationals (Ghana, Senegal, etc.): No visa required. Free movement within the bloc.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Available to nationals of approximately 46 countries. Must pre-register online and pay the fee ($100–$150 USD) before travel. Not available to all nationalities.
- Standard Nigerian Visa: Apply through the Nigerian embassy or consulate in your country. Processing typically takes 5–15 working days.
- e-Visa: Nigeria's online visa portal (immigration.gov.ng) allows applications online for eligible nationalities.
Always verify: Visa policies change. Check the official Nigerian Immigration Service website (immigration.gov.ng) and your country's Nigerian embassy for the latest requirements before booking travel.
5. Getting from the Airport to the City
Ikeja is on the Mainland, which means your journey from the airport to your accommodation will depend heavily on where you're staying and what time you arrive. Getting this step right is critical — especially if you're arriving for the first time.
| Transport | Cost (₦) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uber / Bolt | ₦8,000 – 25,000 | Safest and most transparent. Book inside terminal on WiFi. |
| Official airport taxi | ₦15,000 – 40,000 | Available from official stands. Negotiate before entering. |
| Hotel pickup (pre-booked) | Varies | Best option for first-timers. Book with your hotel in advance. |
| Private driver (pre-arranged) | ₦20,000 – 50,000 | Arrange through a trusted contact before arrival. |
| Avoid | Unofficial touts approaching you inside arrivals | |
Timing matters: Arriving between 7–10 AM or 4–8 PM means you'll hit peak traffic. A trip to the Island that normally takes 45 minutes can take 3+ hours. If you can choose your arrival time, aim for early morning or late evening.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
Get a local SIM card at the airport
MTN and Airtel both have desks inside the terminal. A local SIM with data is essential for Uber and navigation.
Declare cash over $10,000 USD
Nigerian customs law requires declaration of cash above this threshold. Non-compliance can lead to confiscation.
Keep your passport and boarding pass accessible
You may be asked to show these at multiple checkpoints within the airport — don't pack them deep in your bag.
Have naira available from a trusted exchange
Airport bureau de change rates are poor. Use a GTBank, First Bank, or Access Bank ATM at the airport for better rates, or exchange at a BDC in the city.
Now decide where to stay: Best Areas to Stay in Lagos — Ranked by Budget →
