Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
You can hire a private driver in Lagos through Travo for a few hours, a full day, an airport transfer or an intercity trip, either with a Travo-arranged car or to drive your own vehicle. Book online or on WhatsApp with your pickup address, times and car preference, and you get a quote before you pay. Prices depend on the hours, vehicle class, route and fuel, so always agree overtime and waiting rates upfront.
Lagos driving is tiring: long go-slows, confusing detours, parking stress and security worries after dark. A good private driver lets you work or rest on the move, arrive on time, and not worry about where to park. This guide explains when a private driver makes sense, what options you have, what affects the price and how to book safely.
Why hire a private driver in Lagos?
- Time back: take calls and answer emails instead of fighting traffic between Ikeja, Victoria Island and Lekki.
- Local knowledge: experienced drivers know the alternative routes, the bridges to avoid at rush hour and where to drop you safely.
- Parking handled: the driver waits with the car or circles while you are in a meeting or at an event.
- Visitors and diaspora trips: relatives or business guests who do not know the city get door-to-door service.
- Events: weddings, owambe parties and corporate functions where you do not want to drive home late.
- Your own car, someone else driving: useful after surgery, for elderly parents, or when you are new to Lagos roads.
Private driver services you can book on Travo
- Hourly city hire: a car and driver for a block of hours for errands or meetings.
- Full-day hire: a driver on standby for the day, ideal for busy schedules.
- Driver only: a professional driver for your own car, by the day or for a set trip.
- Airport pickup and drop-off: meet at arrivals and door-to-door transfer. See airport services.
- Corporate and executive chauffeur: for staff, visiting executives and events; see corporate travel.
- Intercity trips: Lagos to Ibadan, Abeokuta, Benin and beyond, with the driver staying or returning.
Vehicle options
| Vehicle class | Good for |
|---|---|
| Standard sedan | Errands, one or two passengers, city meetings |
| Executive sedan | Business meetings, client pickups |
| SUV | Families, extra luggage, rougher roads, intercity trips |
| Bus or van | Groups, wedding guests, staff shuttles |
| Your own car | Driver-only bookings |
For groups, see our luxury shuttle bus rental guide.
What affects the price
There is no single public rate for private drivers in Lagos. Your quote depends on:
- Duration: hours booked, and whether you need the driver past the agreed time.
- Vehicle: driver-only is cheapest; executive cars and SUVs cost more.
- Route: island and mainland crossings, airport runs and intercity trips add time and fuel.
- Fuel: petrol and diesel prices feed straight into car-and-driver rates.
- Timing: early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays may cost more.
- Extras: tolls, parking fees, and the driver’s feeding or accommodation on out-of-town trips.
Ask for the quote in writing, including overtime, waiting time and what happens if your flight is delayed.
How to book a private driver in Lagos
- Open the driver booking page on travo.ng or message us on WhatsApp.
- Give the pickup address, date, start time and how long you need the driver.
- Choose car and driver, or driver only for your own vehicle.
- List your stops or destination, and any special needs such as child seats or extra luggage.
- Review and accept the quote, then pay.
- Receive the driver’s name, phone number and car details before pickup.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is the price for car and driver, or driver only, and does it include fuel?
- How many hours are included, and what is the overtime rate per hour?
- Who pays tolls, parking and the driver’s meals on a long day?
- What happens if my flight is delayed or my meeting overruns?
- Can I change the driver if I am not comfortable?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Safety checklist
- Confirm the driver’s name, photo and car plate before you get in.
- For driver-only bookings, check that the driver holds a valid driver’s licence and that your car’s papers and insurance are current. Under the Joint Tax Board schedule effective 8 June 2025, a three-year licence costs ₦15,000 and a five-year licence ₦21,000 (see the fee schedule), so there is no reason for a professional driver to carry an expired one.
- Share your itinerary with a family member or colleague.
- Agree the route and stops at the start; avoid unplanned detours late at night.
- Keep valuables out of sight in traffic, and lock doors.
- Pay through the booking platform or official account, not cash to strangers.
For higher-risk trips, read our guide on VIP protection with transport.
Private driver versus ride-hailing
Ride-hailing apps are fine for quick point-to-point trips. A private driver is better when you have several stops, a tight schedule, guests to collect, or a long day. You keep the same driver and car all day, so there is no rebooking or waiting for a new car between appointments. If you are comparing, see Uber Black alternatives in Nigeria and how to order Uber in Lagos.
Book a private driver in Lagos
By the hour, the day or the trip. Quote before you pay, and support on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private driver cost in Lagos?
It depends on the hours, vehicle, route and fuel prices at the time. Travo gives a quote before you pay; ask for overtime and waiting charges in the same quote.
Can I hire a driver to drive my own car?
Yes. Choose driver only when booking. Make sure your car’s papers and insurance are up to date.
Can I book a driver for a full day?
Yes. Full-day hire keeps the driver with you for the agreed hours, which suits meetings, events and visitors.
Do you offer airport pickup with a private driver?
Yes. Book an airport pickup with your flight details and the driver meets you on arrival. See our guide on getting picked up at Lagos airport.
Can a private driver take me outside Lagos?
Yes, intercity trips can be booked. Tell us the destination and whether the driver waits, returns the same day or stays overnight, so the quote covers it.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can, especially for airport runs, weekends, weddings and festive periods. Same-day requests are possible when drivers are available.
Related guides
- Book a car or driver on demand
- Car hire service in Lagos
- How to get picked up at Lagos airport
- Uber Black Nigeria: luxury ride alternatives
Sources: Travo service information (services.travo.ng, viewed September 2026); PensionNigeria, 23 May 2025 (JTB licence fees). No hire prices are quoted on this page. Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
