Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
The Lagos–Ibadan train (LITS) runs from Mobolaji Johnson Station, Alagomeji (Ebute Metta) to Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya. NRC’s timetable has departures at 8:00am and 4:00pm from each end, Sunday to Thursday, with three trips each way on Fridays and Saturdays; the trip takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. NRC’s published fares for Lagos–Ibadan are ₦3,600 regular, ₦6,500 business and ₦13,000 first class. Book on NRC’s e-ticketing portal and confirm times the day before, because NRC does adjust the schedule.
The standard-gauge Lagos–Ibadan railway is the most predictable way to cover the corridor, which can take 2 to 4 hours or much longer by road. This guide sets out the 2026 schedule, every station, the official fares, how to book, and NRC’s rules on ID, luggage and refunds.
Lagos to Ibadan train schedule (2026)
| Days | Departs Lagos (Mobolaji Johnson) | Departs Ibadan (Moniya) |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday to Thursday | 8:00am, 4:00pm | 8:00am, 4:00pm |
| Friday and Saturday | 7:15am, 1:40pm, 4:00pm | 8:00am, 10:50am, 4:30pm |
Source: Nigerian Railway Corporation schedules page, checked 28 September 2026. The end-to-end trip takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. Check NRC’s official channels before travelling.
Sunday to Thursday there are two departures from each end. On Fridays and Saturdays NRC adds a third trip in each direction and shifts some times, so check which day you are travelling before you plan your transfer. NRC sometimes changes times at short notice, so confirm the day before.
Stations on the Lagos–Ibadan line
- Mobolaji Johnson Station, Alagomeji/Ebute Metta, Lagos
- Babatunde Raji Fashola Station, Agege, Lagos
- Wole Soyinka Station, Abeokuta, Ogun State
- Samuel Ladoke Akintola Station, Omi-Adio, Ibadan
- Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya, Ibadan
Moniya is on the northern edge of Ibadan, so plan a taxi or ride to your final destination. Depending on where you are going, Omi-Adio may be the more convenient stop.
Lagos–Ibadan train fares
| Class | Lagos – Ibadan | Lagos – Abeokuta | Abeokuta – Ibadan |
|---|---|---|---|
| First (adult) | ₦13,000 | ₦9,000 | ₦6,000 |
| Business (adult) | ₦6,500 | ₦4,500 | ₦3,000 |
| Regular (adult) | ₦3,600 | ₦3,000 | ₦2,000 |
| Regular (minor) | ₦3,000 | ₦2,000 | ₦1,000 |
Source: Nigerian Railway Corporation fares page, checked 28 September 2026. Some third-party guides still show older first-class fares of ₦6,000 to ₦9,000, but NRC’s own page lists ₦13,000 for Lagos–Ibadan.
How to book a Lagos–Ibadan train ticket
- Online: NRC links to its Lagos–Ibadan e-ticketing portal (nrc.gsds.ng) from nrc.gov.ng. Choose your date, direction, departure time and class, then pay.
- At the station: ticket counters sell remaining seats, but popular trains can sell out, especially at weekends and holidays.
- Carry ID. NRC says tickets are only sold on showing a valid identity card, and you may be asked for it at boarding.
- Arrive early. Travel guides recommend arriving 45 to 60 minutes before departure for security checks and boarding.
NRC rules to know before you travel
- Tickets are non-refundable and valid for one journey only.
- Children under 3 travel free without a seat.
- Luggage over 25 kg is not allowed. Perishable items, combustibles, weapons, sharp objects, animals, bicycles and motorcycles are also prohibited.
- Boarding without a valid ticket attracts a fine of double the fare.
- Alcohol, fighting, trading and hawking on board are prohibited.
- Coaches are fully air-conditioned, so NRC advises bringing warm clothing.
Train vs road: which is better for Lagos to Ibadan?
| Factor | Train | Road (bus or car) |
|---|---|---|
| Journey time | About 2 hours 45 minutes, station to station | 2 to 4 hours, longer in traffic |
| Flexibility | Fixed departures | Buses leave throughout the day |
| Door-to-door | No; stations are at Alagomeji and Moniya | Yes, with a car or charter |
| Cheapest adult fare | ₦3,600 (regular) | Varies by operator |
Road distance of about 130 km and the 2 to 4 hour road time are from Travo.ng’s Lagos to Ibadan guide. Driving costs roughly ₦18,000 of petrol one way at 10 km per litre and ₦1,385 per litre (NNPC Lagos, Legit.ng, 24 September 2026).
If you drive, our petrol calculator guide shows how to work out the fuel cost for your own car.
Getting to and from the stations
- In Lagos: Mobolaji Johnson Station is in Ebute Metta on the mainland. Allow extra time from Lekki, Ajah or the Island in the morning. Our Ajah to Ikeja guide covers cross-Lagos journey times.
- In Ibadan: pre-book a ride from Moniya, especially for evening arrivals.
- With heavy bags: send them ahead with a courier instead. Travo offers same-day and intercity delivery, and dispatch riders in Ibadan.
Going from Lagos to Ibadan?
Book your station transfer, a bus seat or a private car on Travo, or message us for help.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Lagos to Ibadan train leave?
NRC’s schedule has departures at 8:00am and 4:00pm from both Mobolaji Johnson Station in Lagos and Moniya in Ibadan, Sunday to Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays trains leave Lagos at 7:15am, 1:40pm and 4:00pm, and Ibadan at 8:00am, 10:50am and 4:30pm. NRC can change times, so confirm the day before.
How much is the Lagos to Ibadan train ticket in 2026?
NRC lists ₦3,600 regular (₦3,000 for minors), ₦6,500 business and ₦13,000 first class for Lagos–Ibadan.
How long is the train journey from Lagos to Ibadan?
About 2 hours 45 minutes between Mobolaji Johnson and Moniya stations.
Can I buy a ticket at the station?
Yes, if seats remain, but booking online through NRC’s e-ticketing portal is safer at busy times. Carry a valid ID either way.
Can I get a refund if I miss my train?
NRC’s passenger rules say tickets are non-refundable and valid for one journey only.
Does the train stop in Abeokuta?
Yes, at Wole Soyinka Station. NRC sells Lagos–Abeokuta and Abeokuta–Ibadan tickets separately.
Related guides
- Book a bus or train ticket in Nigeria
- Ibadan to Abeokuta travel guide
- Ibadan to Ilorin travel guide
- Abuja to Kaduna by road and rail
Sources: NRC fares and passenger services pages; NRC schedules; Nigerian Price Lagos–Ibadan train page; Intercity.ng Lagos–Ibadan train guide (2026); InIbadan (22 April 2026); Legit.ng NNPC prices (24 September 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
