Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
You book Nigerian train tickets online through the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s route-specific portals: nrc.tps.ng for Abuja–Kaduna, nrc.gsds.ng for Lagos–Ibadan and nrc-fane.ng for Warri–Itakpe. NRC’s published fares for 2026 run from ₦3,600 (Regular) to ₦9,000 (First Class) on Abuja–Kaduna and up to ₦13,000 (First Class) on Lagos–Ibadan. Book early, because weekend and holiday trains sell out.
Train travel in Nigeria is cheaper and often faster than the road on the routes it covers, but each line has its own booking website. This guide sets out the official NRC fares, which portal to use for each route, how to buy a ticket step by step, and what to do on the day.
Which website to use for each NRC route
| Route | Service | Official booking portal |
|---|---|---|
| Abuja (Idu) – Kaduna (Rigasa) | AKTS | nrc.tps.ng |
| Lagos – Abeokuta – Ibadan | LITS | nrc.gsds.ng |
| Warri – Itakpe | WITS | nrc-fane.ng |
Source: Nigerian Railway Corporation booking page, nrc.gov.ng/booking (accessed September 2026).
Only book on these portals, at station ticket counters, or through the links on NRC’s official booking page. Fake train-ticket pages and social media ‘agents’ are common, especially before holidays.
NRC train ticket prices (2026)
Abuja–Kaduna Train Service
| Class | Adult fare | Minor fare |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | ₦9,000 | – |
| Business | ₦6,500 | – |
| Regular | ₦3,600 | ₦3,000 |
Source: NRC fares page, nrc.gov.ng/fares (accessed September 2026).
Lagos–Ibadan Train Service
| Journey | First Class | Business | Regular (adult / minor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos – Ibadan | ₦13,000 | ₦6,500 | ₦3,600 / ₦3,000 |
| Lagos – Abeokuta | ₦9,000 | ₦4,500 | ₦3,000 / ₦2,000 |
| Abeokuta – Ibadan | ₦6,000 | ₦3,000 | ₦2,000 / ₦1,000 |
Source: NRC fares page, nrc.gov.ng/fares (accessed September 2026).
Warri–Itakpe Train Service
NRC’s fares page does not list Warri–Itakpe prices. Fares, timetables and seat maps for this line appear when you search on nrc-fane.ng; its help desk is helpdesk@nrc-fane.ng or 0813 463 7664.
How to book a train ticket online: step by step
- Open the right portal for your route (see the table above).
- Log in or continue as a guest. Creating an account makes it easier to find your tickets later.
- Choose departure and arrival stations and your date.
- Pick the train and class — Regular, Business or First Class.
- Select your coach and seat where the portal allows it.
- Pay securely by card or the other options the portal shows.
- Save your e-ticket. It is issued instantly; keep it on your phone and take a screenshot in case the network is poor at the station.
The Warri–Itakpe portal describes exactly this six-step flow, from search to boarding. The Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna portals work in a similar way.
Buying at the station
You can still buy tickets at station counters if seats remain. Main terminals include Mobolaji Johnson Station in Ebute-Metta (Lagos), Idu (Abuja) and Rigasa (Kaduna). Counter sales are first come, first served, so online booking is safer for busy days.
Train times: what to expect
A January 2026 guide listed two daily Ibadan to Lagos departures at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, and two daily Lagos to Abeokuta departures at the same times. Abuja–Kaduna runs several trains a day from early morning to late afternoon. Timetables change, so always check the live schedule on the booking portal before you set out.
Need to get to the station or finish the trip by road?
Book an airport or station pickup, an intercity bus or a private driver on Travo to connect with your train.
Tips for a smooth train trip
- Book several days ahead for Fridays, Sundays and public holidays.
- Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your ticket.
- Arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour early for security screening.
- Travel light; large loads are better sent separately — see our interstate package delivery guide.
- Plan the last mile: Ebute-Metta, Moniya (Ibadan), Idu and Rigasa are away from many city centres, so arrange onward transport in advance.
- If a portal fails at payment, check your bank alert and the portal’s ticket history before paying again.
Train or bus?
On Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna the train is usually far cheaper than a private car and avoids road traffic. Buses remain the only choice for most other routes. Compare with our Abuja to Kaduna road guide and Lagos to Ibadan train guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a train ticket in Nigeria online?
Use the NRC portal for your route: nrc.tps.ng (Abuja–Kaduna), nrc.gsds.ng (Lagos–Ibadan) or nrc-fane.ng (Warri–Itakpe). Choose stations, date, class and seat, pay, and download your e-ticket.
How much is the Lagos to Ibadan train in 2026?
NRC lists ₦3,600 Regular (₦3,000 for minors), ₦6,500 Business and ₦13,000 First Class.
How much is the Abuja to Kaduna train ticket?
NRC lists ₦3,600 Regular (₦3,000 for minors), ₦6,500 Business and ₦9,000 First Class.
Is there an official NRC mobile app?
NRC’s booking page points to the three web portals rather than a single app. Be careful with unofficial apps and social media sellers.
Can I buy a train ticket at the station?
Yes, if seats are still available. Busy trains often sell out online first, so booking ahead is safer.
How early should I get to the station?
Aim for 45 minutes to an hour before departure to allow time for security screening and boarding.
Does Travo sell NRC train tickets?
No. Travo is not an NRC agent. Book train tickets on NRC’s portals, and use Travo for connecting road trips, pickups and parcels.
Related guides
- Book a bus or train ticket in Nigeria
- Buy bus tickets online in Nigeria
- Ibadan to Abeokuta travel guide
- Travo city guides
Sources: NRC fares; NRC booking page; NRC Warri–Itakpe portal; Wakanow, book train tickets in Nigeria (January 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
