Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
Yes, you can travel from Lagos to Ghana by road. The trip runs west along the coast through Benin Republic and Togo to Accra, crosses three borders and usually takes 9 to 14 hours. A 2026 bus ticket costs about ₦80,000 to ₦130,000 with major operators such as ABC Transport and Chisco. Nigerians need no visa for Ghana, but you must carry a valid passport (or ECOWAS travel document) and a yellow fever certificate.
Going to Accra by road is popular with traders, students, families and anyone who wants to avoid airfares. It is a long day, but it is straightforward if you pick a reputable operator, travel with the right documents and know what happens at each border. This guide walks you through the route, the options, the paperwork and the practical tips. For a full cost breakdown, see our companion guide how much is Nigeria to Ghana by road.
The route: Lagos to Accra, border by border
| Stage | Crossing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Lagos to the Benin border | Seme (Nigeria) – Kraké (Benin) | Leave via the Lagos–Badagry Expressway. Expect Nigerian exit checks, then Benin entry. |
| 2. Across Benin | Via Cotonou | Coastal road west through Cotonou and Ouidah towards the Togo border. |
| 3. Benin to Togo | Hillacondji (Benin) – Sanvee Condji (Togo) | Second border; exit Benin, enter Togo. |
| 4. Across Togo | Via Lomé | A short run along the coast; Lomé sits right by the Ghana border. |
| 5. Togo to Ghana | Kodjoviakopé (Togo) – Aflao (Ghana) | Final border; Ghana immigration and health checks. |
| 6. Aflao to Accra | Via the coastal highway | The last stretch into Accra; traffic builds near Tema and Accra in the evening. |
Border names are the main coastal crossings. Journey time from operator guides: about 9 hours (2023) to 10–14 hours including border time (Travo, April 2026).
Border waiting time is what makes the trip unpredictable. A bus with all passengers' papers in order moves through much faster than a car with missing documents. Leaving Lagos early in the morning helps you clear the borders in daylight.
Ways to travel from Lagos to Ghana by road
1. Direct international bus (recommended)
Several Nigerian coach operators run scheduled Lagos–Accra services and handle the border process as a group. Published 2026 fares:
| Operator | Lagos to Accra fare | Lagos departure terminals |
|---|---|---|
| ABC Transport | ₦80,000 – ₦90,000 | Amuwo Odofin, Bolade Oshodi, Jibowu and others |
| Chisco Transport | ₦88,000 – ₦130,000 | Head terminal: 104 Funsho Williams Avenue, Iponri, Surulere |
Fares from Agotravel operator guides (ABC page modified 27 July 2026; Chisco page updated 18 February 2026). Terminal details from Agotravel and chiscotransport.com.ng. Confirm the fare and departure point with the operator when booking.
Other operators have run the route too: a 2023 comparison listed GIGM (God is Good Motors), GUO and Cross Country alongside ABC and Chisco, at fares from ₦53,000 to ₦64,500 at the time. Check each operator's current schedule before you plan around it. For more on booking a seat, see our bus to Ghana from Lagos guide.
Advantages: one ticket, a driver who knows the borders, luggage allowance and a fixed arrival point in Accra. Disadvantages: fixed departure times and waiting for every passenger to clear each border.
2. Stage-by-stage by shared taxi
Some travellers go in hops: Lagos to Seme, then shared taxis to Cotonou, Lomé and Aflao, then onward to Accra. It can work out cheaper and gives more flexibility, but you handle each border alone, change vehicles several times with your luggage, and need cash in CFA francs and cedis. It is not ideal for first-timers, families or anyone carrying goods.
3. Driving your own car
Driving gives total flexibility but means more paperwork: your vehicle papers, a valid driver's licence, and insurance that is valid in each country you pass through. Ask your insurer about cover for ECOWAS countries before you go. The UK government's Benin travel advice warns that road conditions are poor and recommends avoiding driving outside towns at night; there are also police checkpoints. Plan to finish the drive in daylight.
Documents you need
- Passport or ECOWAS travel document. Ghana Immigration Service lists Nigeria among ECOWAS countries whose citizens do not need a visa. You still need a valid travel document; see our guide to the ECOWAS passport versus the international passport. If your passport is close to expiry, our passport assistance page explains the options.
- Yellow fever certificate (yellow card). UK travel advice (updated 2 July 2026) states you must have proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter Ghana. Carry the original.
- Bus ticket and ID copies. Keep a photocopy or phone photo of your passport data page.
- For drivers: vehicle registration papers, proof of ownership, driver's licence and insurance.
- Money: Ghana limits cash imports to the cedi equivalent of US$10,000, according to UK travel advice. Carrying more risks confiscation.
What to expect at the borders
- Everyone gets off the bus with their passport and yellow card.
- You exit one country (passport stamped) and walk or drive through to the next country's post for entry.
- Luggage may be inspected by customs on either side.
- Health officials may check your yellow card.
- The bus waits until all passengers are cleared, then continues.
Use only official immigration counters. Be wary of people offering to "help" you through faster for money, and ask for receipts for any official fee you pay.
Book your road trip to Ghana
Find a bus seat from Lagos, or ask us to arrange a private car or parcel shipment to Accra.
Money and currency along the way
- Benin and Togo use the West African CFA franc; Ghana uses the cedi.
- Change only small amounts at the border for snacks and tips, and use licensed bureaux in Accra for larger amounts.
- Card acceptance on the road is limited; carry some cash in small notes.
- Tell your bank you are travelling if you plan to use your Nigerian card in Ghana.
Travel tips for Lagos to Ghana by road
- Book in advance for festive periods, when buses fill up and fares rise.
- Travel light. Big loads slow down customs checks. Ship goods separately: see shipping from Nigeria to Ghana.
- Keep documents on you, not in the luggage hold.
- Carry water and snacks. Stops can be long at the borders.
- Charge your phone and a power bank, and share your trip with family.
- Check Accra traffic before arrival, for example on the Accra–Tema Motorway.
- Shopping stop? Many travellers pick up goods in Cotonou; see cheap things to buy in Cotonou.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to travel from Lagos to Ghana by road?
Usually 9 to 14 hours, depending on border delays and traffic in Lagos and Accra.
How much is a bus from Lagos to Ghana in 2026?
Published 2026 fares are about ₦80,000 to ₦90,000 with ABC Transport and ₦88,000 to ₦130,000 with Chisco. Confirm with the operator when booking.
Do Nigerians need a visa for Ghana?
No. Ghana Immigration Service lists Nigeria among the ECOWAS countries whose nationals do not need a visa. You still need a valid passport or ECOWAS travel document.
Is a yellow fever card required to enter Ghana?
Yes. UK travel advice updated in July 2026 says you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Ghana.
Which countries do you pass through from Lagos to Accra?
Benin Republic and Togo. You cross at Seme–Kraké, Hillacondji–Sanvee Condji and Kodjoviakopé–Aflao.
Is it safe to travel from Lagos to Ghana by road?
Many Nigerians make the trip regularly. Use a reputable operator, travel by day, keep documents on you and avoid unofficial helpers at the borders.
Related guides
- How much is Nigeria to Ghana by road
- Bus to Ghana from Lagos: fares and booking
- Transport costs from Nigeria to Ghana
- Nigeria to Ivory Coast by road
- Kasoa–Mallam road traffic updates
Sources: Agotravel ABC Transport (Jul 2026) and Chisco (Feb 2026) guides; chiscotransport.com.ng; NigerianPrice (Sep 2023); Ghana Immigration Service; UK FCDO Ghana entry requirements (Jul 2026); FCDO Benin advice (Dec 2025). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
