Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
To get picked up at Lagos airport, first confirm your terminal: international flights use the new MMA1 terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, while domestic flights use MMA2 or the older GAT terminal, which are not connected airside. Then choose a pre-booked pickup, the official airport taxi desk or a ride-hailing app. In August 2026 FAAN cleared Bolt to resume pickups at its airports. Recent guides put rides to Victoria Island or Lekki at roughly ₦10,000 to ₦45,000 depending on the option and traffic.
Arriving in Lagos can be stressful: long queues, crowded arrival halls, touts offering rides and some of the heaviest traffic in Africa between the airport and the Island. A little planning makes pickup simple. This guide explains the terminals, the arrival process, your transport options and what they cost in 2026, and how to stay safe.
Know your terminal first
| Terminal | Used for | Pickup note |
|---|---|---|
| MMA1 (new international terminal, opened 2022) | International arrivals, e.g. British Airways, Delta, Qatar Airways | Meet your driver outside arrivals; allow 20–45 minutes for bags |
| MMA2 | Domestic flights (privately run by Bi-Courtney) | Separate building with its own car park |
| GAT (General Aviation Terminal) | Domestic flights (older government terminal) | Separate from MMA2; confirm which one with your airline |
Source: airports.ng, Lagos airport guide (updated 13 June 2026).
The international and domestic terminals are not connected airside. If you are connecting from an international to a domestic flight, the same guide advises allowing 3 to 4 hours. Tell your driver the exact terminal, not just “Lagos airport”.
What happens when you land
- Port Health: have your yellow fever card ready on international arrivals.
- Immigration: passport check and biometrics.
- Baggage claim: often 20 to 45 minutes.
- Customs screening, then exit into the arrivals area.
- Contact your pickup once you have your bags, not when you land, so your driver is not waiting in a paid zone.
Your pickup options and prices
| Option | Reported price range | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked pickup / meet and greet | ₦25,000 – ₦45,000 | Fixed price, driver waits with your name; least stress |
| Official airport taxi desk | ₦20,000 – ₦40,000 | Available on arrival; no meter, so agree the fare first |
| Bolt, Uber and other apps | ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 | Often cheapest; surge pricing and pickup-point rules apply |
| Friend or family collecting you | Parking fees | MMA2 parking about ₦500 per hour or ₦3,000 per day |
Sources: AiFly Lagos airport guide (updated July 2026) for taxi, app and pre-booked ranges to the Island; airports.ng (June 2026) for MMA2 parking. Prices are for Victoria Island or similar distances; Ikeja is cheaper.
Distance changes the price a lot. airports.ng reports negotiated taxi fares of about ₦5,000–₦8,000 to Ikeja or Maryland, compared with ₦15,000–₦25,000 to Victoria Island or Lekki. Some international transfer sites advise budgeting ₦30,000–₦40,000 for a comfortable ride to Victoria Island.
Ride-hailing at Lagos airport: the 2026 situation
In August 2026, a viral video showed an airport taxi desk quoting ₦30,000 for a ride to Ikeja GRA, close to the airport, while the traveller got an inDrive ride outside for ₦6,100. After the backlash, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it had not banned e-hailing and that its restrictions were about safety and security, including unverified drivers and touting. It uses the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) to verify airport car-hire operators.
FAAN then cleared Bolt to resume pickups at all FAAN airports under a unified security arrangement, and said talks with Uber were in their final stages. Check your app before you land, as pickup points and availability may still change.
Source: Channels Television, 27 August 2026.
Can you take the train from Lagos airport?
Not directly. The Lagos Red Line rail has no station inside the airport; the nearest station is Ikeja, so you still need a taxi through traffic to reach it. The line runs up the mainland, not to the Island hotels, so it suits few arriving visitors.
How long does the ride take?
Budget 45 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on where you are going and when you land. Weekday rush hours, roughly 7am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm, are the slowest and are when app prices surge. Late-night arrivals move faster but make a pre-booked, verified driver more important.
How to book a Lagos airport pickup, step by step
- Share your flight number, arrival terminal and time so the driver can track delays.
- Give your destination and the number of passengers and bags, so the right car is sent.
- Confirm the price and what it covers, including waiting time and tolls.
- Get the driver’s name, phone number, car model and plate before you fly.
- Agree a meeting point and a name board, then message the driver once you have your bags.
Book your Lagos airport pickup
A driver meets you at MMA1, MMA2 or GAT, tracks your flight and takes you anywhere in Lagos at a price agreed before you land.
Safety tips for arriving in Lagos
- Ignore touts. Do not accept rides from people who approach you inside or outside the terminal.
- Match the plate. Check the car and plate number against your booking or app before loading bags.
- Keep valuables close. Hold your phone, passport and cash securely in the arrivals area.
- Agree taxi fares before you set off, as airport taxis are not metered.
- Share your trip with a friend or family member.
- Have some naira for tolls or small payments, but avoid showing large amounts of cash.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get picked up at Lagos international airport?
Outside the arrivals exit of the MMA1 international terminal. Agree a meeting point with your driver in advance, and follow your app’s pickup instructions if you use ride-hailing.
Can Uber and Bolt pick up at Lagos airport?
FAAN cleared Bolt to resume pickups at its airports in August 2026 and said Uber talks were in their final stages. Check the app for current pickup points.
How much is a taxi from Lagos airport to Victoria Island?
2026 guides report ₦15,000–₦40,000 for an airport taxi depending on negotiation and time, and ₦10,000–₦25,000 on ride-hailing apps before surge.
How much is a taxi from Lagos airport to Ikeja?
About ₦5,000–₦8,000 negotiated, according to airports.ng. Some desks quote far more, so compare before you agree.
Are MMA1 and MMA2 the same terminal?
No. MMA1 handles international flights and MMA2 handles domestic flights. They are separate buildings and not connected airside.
How much is parking at Lagos airport?
At MMA2, about ₦500 per hour or ₦3,000 per day, according to a June 2026 guide. Rates at other car parks may differ.
Related guides
- Lagos airport taxi: MMIA and MMA2 transfers
- Private driver in Lagos
- How to order Uber in Lagos
- Uber support in Nigeria
- Car hire service in Lagos
More on our airport services page.
Sources: Channels Television (27 August 2026); airports.ng Lagos airport guide (13 June 2026); AiFly Lagos airport guide (July 2026); Airport Transfer Portal, Lagos airport to city cost (April 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
