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The Cost of Transport from Lagos to Accra: A Detailed Guide for Travellers

You don’t necessarily need a visa to travel between Lagos and Accra. These two West African cities are separated by just 370 miles of road and almost the same number of border crossings. The journey from Nigeria to Ghana, however, is rarely direct or simple. There are numerous checkpoints, toll points and other administrative hurdles to negotiate on either side. Read on for an in-depth guide to the cost of transport from Lagos to Accra, along with advice on how to cut costs wherever possible.

Road travel between Lagos and Accra

The journey from Lagos to Accra by road is one of the most popular routes in West Africa. It’s also one of the most time-consuming and difficult. The road is notoriously poorly maintained, with frequent traffic jams and long periods of complete road closure. These factors make the journey between the two cities long, uncomfortable and expensive for travellers. The journey by road between Lagos and Accra takes between 12 and 20 hours, depending on the time of year, the state of the road and the availability of transport. The journey can be broken up into two or three legs, allowing travellers to avoid overnight travel if they choose.

By bus

The most likely method of transport between Lagos and Accra is by bus. Buses are plentiful, frequent and almost always go direct to the two cities. There are a huge number of bus companies between the two cities, with different ones offering different levels of service. Buses are often air-conditioned, though the condition of the engine room and the driver’s driving skill is usually of more concern to travellers. There are also non-air-conditioned buses, though these are in even worse condition than the AC buses. AC buses are generally safe, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid sitting at the back of the bus. Non-AC buses are almost certain to be dangerous for travellers, so be sure to avoid them unless you’re happy to risk your personal safety.

By train

The rail network between Lagos and Accra was once extensive, but it’s now almost entirely defunct. There are no trains operating between the two cities, so this method of travel is not recommended. If you’re looking to travel by train in West Africa, you’ll find a more detailed guide to train travel in the region in our guide to trains in Africa.

By plane

Flying between Lagos and Accra is a rare and expensive experience for travellers. There are a number of private companies offering luxury charter flights, but these are very rarely used. There are no scheduled flights between the two cities, so don’t rely on this as a travel option unless you’re rich enough to hire a private aircraft.

By boat

There are a number of ferries operating between Lagos and Accra, with crossings taking around six hours. The ferries are usually very basic, with only the most basic facilities on board. There are also very few safety standards in place, with no reported fatalities in recent years. The ferries are, however, cheap and convenient. They’re certainly not recommended for those with a fear of water, but they’re a decent option for most travellers.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve read this guide to the cost of transport between Lagos and Accra, you know exactly what to expect of the journey. The road is long, uncomfortable and poorly maintained, making it the worst option for travel between the two cities. The most expensive method of transport is the plane, but it’s also the quickest. If you’re looking to save money, consider taking the train or taking a boat between the two cities. Even if you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth making the journey a little more bearable by choosing the best method of transport available.