The cost of transportation in Nigeria can vary greatly depending on the mode of transport, with a monthly transit pass costing around $25 USD and a taxi start rate of $1.50 USD.
Quick Facts
Monthly Transit Pass($25 USD)
Taxi Start Rate($1.50 USD)
Fuel (per liter)($0.85 USD)
Ride-Hailing Available(Yes — Bolt, Uber)
CurrencyNGN
Getting Around Overview
Nigeria has a diverse range of transportation modes, including buses, taxis, ride-hailing services, and private cars. The quality of public transit varies greatly between cities, with major cities like Lagos and Abuja having more developed systems. Most people in Nigeria get around using private cars or taxis, while others rely on public transportation like buses and minivans. The traffic in Nigerian cities can be chaotic, especially during peak hours, and the road conditions are often poor, making transportation a challenge.
The main transportation modes in Nigeria are buses, taxis, and private cars. Buses are a popular mode of transportation, especially for short distances, while taxis are widely available and can be hired for both short and long distances. Ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber are also available in major cities, providing a convenient and affordable way to get around. Private cars are also a popular mode of transportation, especially among the middle and upper classes.
Public Transportation
Transport Type
Single Fare (USD)
Monthly Pass (USD)
Notes
City Bus
$0.50-$1.00
$20-$30
Limited coverage, often crowded
Metro / Subway
N/A
N/A
Not available in most cities
Minibus / Shared Taxi
$1.00-$2.00
N/A
Routes vary, often crowded
Commuter Train
$2.00-$5.00
$50-$100
Limited routes, often delayed
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Service
Base Fare (USD)
Per km (USD)
Typical City Ride (USD)
Notes
Metered Taxi
$1.50
$0.50
$5-$10
Not always available
Ride-Hailing App
$2.00
$0.25
$5-$15
Bolt, Uber available
Airport Transfer
N/A
N/A
$20-$50
To city center, varies by airport
Fuel & Driving Costs
Item
Cost (USD)
Notes
Gasoline (per liter)
$0.85
Prices vary by location
Diesel (per liter)
$0.80
Prices vary by location
Car Rental (per day)
$40-$100
Economy car, varies by location
Parking (per hour, city)
$1-$5
Varies by location
Toll Roads (typical)
$2-$10
Limited toll roads, varies by location
Intercity & Long-Distance
Route Type
Cost Range (USD)
Notes
Intercity Bus (4-5 hrs)
$10-$30
Varies by route and operator
Domestic Flight
$100-$300
Typical route, e.g. Lagos to Abuja
Train (long-distance)
$20-$50
Limited routes, often delayed
Transport Tips
To save money on transportation, consider using public buses or minivans, which are often cheaper than taxis or ride-hailing services.
Use ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber to get around, as they are often more convenient and affordable than traditional taxis.
Always negotiate the fare with the taxi driver before you start your journey, as they may not always use a meter.
Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded public transportation.
Consider renting a car for long-distance travel, as it may be more convenient and affordable than taking public transportation.
Use traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze to navigate through congested city streets and avoid traffic jams.