Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
A courier within Lagos usually costs up to about ₦3,000 for a short same-area run and roughly ₦3,000–₦7,000 between the Island and the Mainland for small parcels. Most jobs are delivered the same day. For other states, expect about ₦6,000–₦12,000 for a small parcel to Abuja. For international shipments, DHL, UPS and FedEx (through Red Star Express) quote per shipment. You can book a Lagos courier on Travo and get the price before pickup.
“Courier service” covers very different jobs in Lagos: a contract that must reach Victoria Island by noon, a customer order going to Ikorodu, a carton to Port Harcourt, or samples to London. This guide explains which kind of courier suits each job, what it costs in 2026 and how to book a pickup without wasting time.
Types of courier service in Lagos
| Service | Typical speed | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same-day bike courier | 1–few hours | Documents, food, small parcels in Lagos | Kwik, Bolt Send, Uber Courier, Travo riders |
| Same-day van | Same day | Bulky or multiple items in Lagos | Kwik vans, Travo vans |
| Interstate courier | 24–48 h express; 2–4 business days standard | Parcels to other states | GIG Logistics, Red Star Express, CourierPlus |
| Bus park waybill | On the next bus | Cheap small parcels to cities with terminals | Interstate bus companies |
| International express | Next possible day to several days | Documents and parcels abroad | DHL, UPS, Red Star (FedEx licensee) |
Sources: Kwik, Bolt, BusinessPost, GIG Logistics, Brands.ng, Red Star, DHL Nigeria; checked September 2026.
Courier prices in Lagos (2026)
| Delivery | Typical price range | Source date |
|---|---|---|
| Same area within Lagos (bike) | Up to about ₦3,000 | Sep 2025 |
| Island to Mainland, 5 kg or less (bike) | ₦3,000 – ₦7,000 | Sep 2025 |
| Lagos average (bike) | ₦3,500 – ₦12,000 | Sep 2025 |
| GIG Logistics intra-city, 0–2 kg | ₦3,000 – ₦5,000 | Jun 2026 |
| Lagos to Abuja, small to medium parcel (waybill) | ₦6,000 – ₦12,000 | Sep 2026 |
| GIG Logistics Lagos to Abuja, 0–2 kg | ₦6,000 – ₦9,000 | Jun 2026 |
| International express | Quote per shipment | Use the carrier’s quote tool |
Sources: Viscorner (3 Sep 2025); Brands.ng GIG price list (June 2026); Travo waybill price list (6 Sep 2026).
What makes a good courier in Lagos?
- A clear price before pickup, with no surprise charges at the door.
- A named rider or driver with a phone number and plate number.
- Tracking: a live link or a waybill number. See our tracking guide.
- Proof of delivery: a signature, photo or PIN, as used by Uber Courier.
- Cover for valuables. Kwik and Red Star both mention goods-in-transit insurance.
- Realistic timing. Lagos traffic and rain can turn a short trip into hours; a good courier tells you this upfront.
Who uses courier services in Lagos?
- Online sellers shipping daily orders, often with payment on delivery.
- Law firms, banks and agencies sending signed documents across the city.
- Restaurants and home cooks delivering meals.
- Pharmacies and labs moving prescriptions and samples.
- Individuals sending gifts, keys, phones or documents to family.
- Diaspora families sending items abroad; see sending a parcel from Nigeria to the UK.
International courier from Lagos
For shipments abroad, the main express carriers in Lagos are DHL, UPS and FedEx, which operates in Nigeria through its licensee Red Star Express. DHL’s Nigeria site lists time-definite services (Express 9:00, 10:30 and 12:00, next possible day), Express Worldwide and Economy Select. Its walk-in Express Easy service accepts single pieces from 500 g to 25 kg, paid by cash or card. UPS lists its Lagos office at Plot 16, Oworonshoki Expressway, Gbagada. See our FedEx in Nigeria guide for how FedEx deliveries work.
Courier, dispatch rider or ride-hailing app?
For a one-off small item across town, a ride-hailing delivery option such as Bolt Send or Uber Courier is quick to book if you already use the app. For regular deliveries, a courier or platform account is usually better value: you get consistent pricing, receipts, and someone to call when something goes wrong. For anything going outside Lagos, use an interstate courier or a bus waybill. For bulky items, book a van rather than squeezing them onto a bike.
Common courier problems and how to avoid them
- Failed delivery because nobody answered the phone: give a second contact number and a clear landmark.
- Price changed at pickup: agree the full price in writing (message or app) before the rider sets off.
- Damaged items: pack for potholes, and photograph the item before handover.
- Late delivery: allow for traffic and rain, and avoid booking city runs at peak hours when timing matters.
- Impostors: only hand items to the rider whose name and plate you were given. Lagos reports have described criminals using fake dispatch uniforms.
Book a courier in Lagos
Tell us what you’re sending, the pickup and drop-off, and how fast it needs to arrive. We’ll match you with a rider or van and confirm the price first.
How to book a courier in Lagos with Travo
- Open the Travo send-parcel form or message us on WhatsApp (+234 916 335 2137).
- Add the pickup and drop-off addresses with landmarks and phone numbers.
- Describe the item and choose the speed: same-day, next-day or interstate.
- Confirm the price and payment method.
- Get the rider’s or driver’s details, and share them with the recipient.
For regular business shipments, see business delivery. For urgent city drops, see same-day delivery.
Tips for faster, safer deliveries
- Book early in the day to beat rush-hour traffic and make same-day cut-offs.
- Give full addresses with a landmark and a reachable phone number at both ends.
- Pack firmly, especially electronics and liquids.
- Don’t send cash; declare the value of high-value items.
- Allow extra time in the rainy season and around public holidays.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a courier service in Lagos?
Short same-area runs usually cost up to about ₦3,000, and Island–Mainland runs about ₦3,000–₦7,000 for small parcels (2025 guide figures). GIG Logistics’ intra-city rates were about ₦3,000–₦5,000 for 0–2 kg in mid-2026.
Can I get same-day courier delivery in Lagos?
Yes. Bike couriers such as Kwik (which says it delivers within two hours in its service areas), Bolt Send and Travo riders handle same-day jobs.
Which courier is best for sending parcels abroad from Lagos?
DHL, UPS and FedEx (through Red Star Express) are the main international express options. Get quotes from each; prices depend on weight, size, destination and fuel surcharges.
How do I track my courier parcel?
Use the tracking or waybill number on the carrier’s website or app. Same-day apps usually give a live tracking link.
Can a Lagos courier deliver to other states?
Yes. Interstate couriers such as GIG Logistics, Red Star Express and CourierPlus deliver nationwide, and bus park waybills are a cheaper option for small parcels.
Is payment on delivery available?
Red Star Express and GIG Logistics both list payment on delivery for e-commerce shipments. Ask your provider how and when the money is remitted.
Related guides
- Bike delivery services in Lagos
- Need a dispatch rider in Lagos?
- Pickup and delivery services in Lagos
- Best delivery services in Lagos
Sources: Viscorner (Sep 2025); Brands.ng (Jun 2026); Travo waybill price list (Sep 2026); Kwik; DHL Nigeria; UPS Nigeria; Red Star Express; BusinessPost (Dec 2024). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
