Cheap flights to Lagos, Nigeria

The most populous city in Africa is also one of the continent’s most varied and exciting. Lagos is known for having some of the best nightlife in West Africa, as well as containing outstanding opportunities to go shopping — whether that’s in a traditional market or an ultra-modern mall.

Lagos is not a tranquil city, although it does possess some fine beaches. Instead, it’s a place you go to live life to the full. New sights and sounds wait for you around every corner; however often you’ve been before, there’s sure to be a museum or a café that will be new to you.

How long is the flight to Lagos?

Flights from the United States to Lagos, Nigeria range from about 11.5h-60h. The precise length of your flight will depend on your departure city, airline, and the number and length of any stopovers you experience. If you’re departing from the west coast, you’re more likely to experience a flight time on the longer end of the range due to distance and the increased likelihood or stopovers along the way. Conversely, those flying out of the east coast will likely have flight times on the shorter end of the spectrum, especially if you’re flying out of a major airport like New York’s JFK or Washington Dulles.

Where can you get direct flights to Lagos from?

The only airport with direct flights to Lagos is Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, with Delta servicing two daily direct flights from here. If you’re not departing from Atlanta but still want as short of a flight as possible, consider the airlines that regularly fly into Lagos, which are Ethiopian, KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, and Virgin Atlantic. If you can book a flight with one of these airlines from your nearest major airport, you’re more likely to have just a single stop or two and reduce your total flying time. You can expect to make stopovers in cities common to this route, such as London, Abidjan, and Addis Ababa.

How do you get from Lagos airport to the city center?

When your destination is Lagos, you’ll fly into Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), which is about 9 miles northwest of Lagos city center. To reach downtown Lagos from the airport, you can take a taxi, which can take anywhere from one hour to three given traffic and poor road conditions. The average cost of a taxi should be about $14. Uber is also available from Lagos Airport and the price should be even less than a taxi. Be sure not to take a taxi at night as it’s dangerous for tourists, and always negotiate the fare in advance. Besides taxi and Uber, you can also take a bus, but this is only safe for those traveling with a local as the routes are not clear. Finally, you can also opt to rent a car if you feel up for driving in the Lagos area, which can be rough and potentially dangerous due to civil unrest.

What are some things to do in Lagos?

Lagos is not only the capital city of Nigeria, it’s also the most populated city in Africa, meaning there is plenty to do for locals and tourists alike. Spend time relaxing at Lagos numerous beaches. Freedom Park is the city’s cultural epicenter, where you can enjoy galleries, museums, and delicious fare at the food court. Head to Victoria Island and scuba dive in its pristine waters. Lagos also has a thriving nightlife, with clubs and bars partying until all hours in most neighborhoods.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Lagos?

U.S. citizens need a valid passport, visa, and proof of vaccinations to enter Lagos, Nigeria.

What is the best way to travel around Lagos, Nigeria?

The cheapest way to get around, other than on foot, is to use the Bus Rapid Transit system. Buses are generally well maintained, with reasonably priced tickets. For a more comfortable trip, there are increasing numbers of modern taxis.

What is good to know if travelling to Lagos, Nigeria?

Despite Lagos’s cosmopolitan nature, there are still cultural norms to be respected: make sure you greet everyone you speak to and be careful not to wear immodest clothing. Loose shirts and trousers or skirts are recommended, as the city’s climate is humid. Also, remember that bartering is common and expected in most places.

Lagos, Nigeria airport overview

Named after the country’s former military head of state, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is located 14 miles (22.5 km) north-west of the city of Lagos, Nigeria. The airport comprises an international terminal and a domestic terminal, separated by a distance of 0.6 miles (1 km); the slightly newer International terminal was modeled after Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.

Although fairly outdated and weathered, improvements have been made throughout the airport over recent years. All amenities have been restored and previously faulty facilities, including air conditioning and luggage belts, have been repaired. There are plans to expand the arrivals and departures halls in order to cope with the ever-increasing number of passengers visiting the airport each year.

Murtala Muhammed International is on its way to becoming a more efficient airport for its visitors. It can be quite chaotic at times; however, the staff are generally friendly and helpful and the facilities are clean. Do be cautious during your stay, though, as pickpockets are rife both at Murtala Muhammed International and in Lagos.    

What airport do you fly into for flights to Lagos?

For a flight to Lagos, you will be flying into Murtala Muhammed. Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS) is just 5.0 mi from the center of the city.