There are two bus companies in the city of Lagos, BRT (Lagos Bus Rapid Transit System), and LBSL (Lagos Bus Services), all buses are air-conditioned. Paying for a bus ride is done with a public transport card, not cash, it can be used equally on both buses and can be purchased at ticketing booths located at the bus terminals scattered throughout Lagos State. Oshodi Bus Terminal is the central hub for the city buses and long-distance buses, it is the largest bus station in West Africa.

The city of Lagos has good mass transit buses courtesy of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) schemes, the lines run on physically segregated lanes that make them run faster, while private cars are stuck in different lanes with traffic. The buses are red (LagBus), and blue (NURTW). Buses are inexpensive and a convenient option in the city, tickets cost around 100-250 Naira and can be purchased at bus stops, or from ticket booths at the bus stations.

Danfo’s are smaller yellow buses that ply routes from the mainland to the island and within the mainland. The fare is a fixed fare starting around 50 Naira, increasing per distance.

The Lagos Light Rail, which is the first section of the rapid transit system in the city has been operating since February 2023. The Blue line runs between Mile 2 and Marina (east-west axis). The Red Line will run between Agbado and Marina (north-south axis). The Green Line will run between Marina and Lekki. The yellow line will run between Otta/airport to Iddo. The Purple Line will run between Redeem to Ojo. The Brown Line will run between Mile 12 and Marian. The Orange Line will run between Redeem to Marina. The Lagos Terminus, Murtala Muhammed Rd, across the bridge from Lagos Island, is the city’s hub for long-distance trains, it can be quite chaotic.

Lagos features a double-track standard gauge line to Ibadan and a modern main station at Mobolaji Johnson. The Lagos-Ibadan train service runs three trips every Friday and Saturday departing from the Mobaji Johnson train station. Passengers can travel to Ibadan on Friday at the train station by 8 pm, 12 pm, and 4 pm. On Saturday the train departs at 8 am, 1 pm, and 6 pm. The Lagos-Ibadan train is scheduled for Monday to Thursday, and on Sundays departs at 8 am and 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased over the counter with cash only.

The city of Lagos has one of the largest and most extensive road networks in West Africa. The highways are usually congested during peak hours, and the city is linked by many highways and bridges. There is limited parking in the city, especially during working hours. There are many one-way streets in the city due to the transportation systems, so avoid driving in the BRT Bus lanes. There are parking spaces found in the city at hotels, and shopping malls, and some provide free and safe parking.

Taxis are plentiful in the city and are a popular mode of transportation. Taxis in the city are primarily yellow with painted stripes and numbers on them making them easy to spot and flag down from the streets. You can find taxis outside of the airport, your hotel, bus stations, or shopping malls, or call and order by phone or use the Uber app. The new taxis in the city even have numbers on them that you can call for a pick-up.

Lagos is not a walkable city, there are not many points of interest that are even within walking distance from one another. There really isn’t a central tourist area with restaurants, or museums to walk to. Taking a car, bus, or taxi ride is much more advisable.

The Five Cowries Terminal is the central terminal for ferry operations in Lagos, located on the lagoon between Lagos Island and Victoria Island. There is a jetty, restaurant, bar, administrative offices, and more located here. There is a multi-story parking lot located behind the terminal.