Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
A Lagos interstate taxi is a private car with a driver that takes you from your door in Lagos straight to your destination in another state, with no bus terminal and no waiting for passengers. It costs far more than a bus seat: published 2026 daily hire rates in Lagos start at about ₦100,000 to ₦130,000 for a Toyota Camry and ₦160,000 to ₦200,000 for SUVs and minivans, while a Lagos to Abuja bus seat was about ₦30,000 to ₦49,000 in January 2026. The most reliable service is one with a vetted driver, a well-maintained car, a written price and clear rules on fuel, tolls and the driver’s return trip.
Buses are the cheapest way to travel between states, but they run on fixed schedules, stop often and cannot take you door to door. An interstate taxi or private car hire gives you control over departure time, route and stops, and it suits families, business travellers, people with lots of luggage and anyone who wants privacy. This guide explains how interstate taxis from Lagos work, what they cost compared with buses, how to judge reliability and how to book safely.
Who uses an interstate taxi?
- Families travelling with children, elderly relatives or lots of luggage.
- Business travellers who need to arrive on time and work on the way.
- Groups heading to weddings, burials or events who want to travel together.
- Travellers arriving at Lagos airport who want to go straight on to another state.
- People moving small household items that will not fit in a bus luggage allowance.
Interstate taxi versus bus: which suits you?
| Factor | Private interstate taxi | Interstate bus |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | When you choose | Fixed schedules, often early morning |
| Pick-up and drop-off | Your door to your destination | Terminal to terminal |
| Privacy and comfort | Your group only | Shared with other passengers |
| Luggage | Limited only by the car’s boot | Allowance set by the operator |
| Cost | Whole-car price, so best value when shared by a group | Per seat; cheapest for solo travellers |
| Stops | Where you ask | Scheduled stops only |
Travo.ng comparison.
How much does an interstate taxi from Lagos cost?
Private car hire is priced per car, per day or per trip, not per seat. Few companies publish interstate prices, because the quote depends on distance, days away and who pays for fuel, tolls and the driver’s feeding and accommodation. These published Lagos and Abuja daily rates from one hire company give a sense of the range:
| Vehicle | Daily rate (₦) | Airport transfer (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry 2010 | 100,000 | 60,000 |
| Toyota Camry 2014 | 130,000 | 70,000 |
| Toyota Sienna 2014 | 160,000 | 100,000 |
| Toyota Prado 2022 | 170,000 | 100,000 |
| Lexus GX460 | 200,000 | 120,000 |
| Toyota Hiace (bus) | 200,000 | 100,000 |
| Coaster bus | 300,000 | 200,000 |
Source: NaijaCarHire rates (accessed 29 September 2026). Rates include insurance and maintenance; interstate trips are quoted separately. Not Travo prices.
For comparison, bus fares on the busiest routes from Lagos in January 2026:
| Route | Distance and time | Bus fare range (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Lagos to Abuja | About 760 km, 10–14 hours | 30,000 – 49,000 (GIGM, ABC, GUO, Chisco, Peace Mass Transit and others) |
| Lagos to Benin City | About 300–330 km, 5–8 hours | 21,000 – 38,000 (ABC, Iyare, GUO, God Is Good Motors and others) |
Sources: Smartransport, Lagos to Abuja by road and Lagos to Benin by road (both 31 January 2026).
So for a family of four on Lagos to Benin, four bus seats can cost roughly ₦84,000 to ₦152,000 at those fares, which brings a private car closer to the same price once you add door-to-door convenience. For a solo traveller, the bus is almost always cheaper.
What drives the price of an interstate taxi
- Distance and number of days. A same-day drop-off costs less than a trip where the car waits for your return.
- Fuel. Check whether fuel is included; if not, estimate it with our fuel calculator.
- Tolls and the driver’s allowance for meals and overnight stays.
- Vehicle class. Saloon, SUV, minivan or bus.
- Return empty leg. One-way trips often include the cost of the car returning to Lagos.
- Season. Festive periods push prices up and cars get booked early.
What makes an interstate taxi service reliable
- Vetted drivers with valid licences, experience on long routes and good local knowledge.
- Well-maintained vehicles with working AC, good tyres, a spare, and a first aid kit.
- Complete vehicle papers so checkpoints do not delay you (see how to verify vehicle documents).
- A written price that states exactly what is included.
- Daytime travel planning so most driving is done in daylight.
- A way to reach support during the trip if anything goes wrong.
How to book an interstate taxi from Lagos with Travo
- Tell us your route and date: pick-up address, destination, number of passengers and luggage.
- Choose a vehicle: saloon, SUV, minivan or bus for groups.
- Confirm what is included: fuel, tolls, driver allowance and waiting time.
- Receive driver and vehicle details before the trip, including the plate number.
- Travel with stops agreed in advance, and share your trip with family.
Book a private car for your interstate trip
Door-to-door travel from Lagos to any state with a professional driver. Tell us your route and date and we will arrange the car.
Safety tips for long-distance road travel
- Start early so most of the drive is in daylight.
- Share the driver’s name, phone number and plate number with someone at home.
- Keep valuables out of sight and carry some cash for emergencies.
- Check traffic and road news before you set off.
- Agree rest stops at busy, well-lit locations.
- Save the national emergency number, 112, and the FRSC line, 122.
If you would rather travel by coach, our guides to Lagos to Abuja by road, Lagos to Port Harcourt by bus and Lagos to Benin transport compare operators and fares.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Lagos to Abuja?
A private car for the roughly 760 km trip is priced per car, not per seat, and depends on the vehicle, fuel, tolls and whether the car waits for you. Published Lagos daily hire rates in September 2026 started at about ₦100,000 for a saloon, before interstate extras. A bus seat was about ₦30,000 to ₦49,000 in January 2026.
Is an interstate taxi cheaper than flying?
For a group sharing one car, sometimes. For one person, flying or taking a bus is usually cheaper on long routes such as Lagos to Abuja. Compare total costs including fuel and tolls.
Can I book a one-way interstate taxi?
Yes, but the price often includes the car’s return journey to Lagos. Ask for the one-way and return prices.
Does the price include fuel and tolls?
It depends on the provider. Always confirm in writing whether fuel, tolls, the driver’s feeding and overnight stays are included.
Is it safe to travel by road at night?
It is safer to plan long journeys so most driving is in daylight. Discuss departure times with your driver.
Can I hire a bus for a group trip?
Yes. Minibuses and coaster buses are available for groups, weddings and corporate trips. See our shuttle bus rental guide.
Related guides
- Car hire service in Lagos
- Private driver in Lagos
- Luxury shuttle bus rental
- How much is Lagos to Abuja by road?
- Fuel calculator for Nigeria
Sources: NaijaCarHire rates (accessed 29 September 2026); Smartransport, Lagos to Abuja by road and Lagos to Benin by road (31 January 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
