Arriving in Nigeria without a permanent home ready can make the first few days of a relocation or extended visit challenging. A practical solution is to arrange transportation from the airport directly to a hotel, serviced apartment or other temporary accommodation before you travel.
An airport pickup and temporary accommodation transfer in Nigeria is useful for expatriates, returning Nigerians, business travellers, families, tourists and people relocating to the country.
Travo.ng can help coordinate private airport pickups and transfers to temporary accommodation based on your flight details, destination, passenger count and luggage requirements.
How Does the Transfer Work?
Before your flight, provide:
- Flight number
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Airport
- Temporary accommodation
- Full accommodation address
- Number of passengers
- Number of bags
- Preferred vehicle
- Contact number
The driver can meet you after your airport arrival formalities and take you directly to your temporary accommodation.
Airport Protocol Services in Nigeria also provide arrival assistance and car arrangements for passengers who want additional support after landing. (Airport Protocol Service)
Why Arrange Your Transfer Before Landing?
Temporary accommodation is often the first stop when your permanent residence isn’t ready.
Pre-arranging your airport transfer means you don’t have to search for transportation while carrying luggage after a long flight.
It can be particularly useful if:
- You’re relocating to Nigeria
- You’re arriving from abroad
- Your permanent home isn’t ready
- You’re staying in a serviced apartment
- You’re travelling with family
- You’re carrying several suitcases
- You’re arriving late at night
- You’re unfamiliar with the city
Lagos Airport to Temporary Accommodation
If you’re arriving at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, you can arrange transportation to temporary accommodation in areas such as:
- Ikeja
- Victoria Island
- Ikoyi
- Lekki
- Lekki Phase 1
- Ajah
- Maryland
- Yaba
- Surulere
For example:
Lagos Airport → Serviced apartment in Victoria Island
or:
Lagos Airport → Temporary accommodation in Lekki
Provide the complete address rather than just the general neighbourhood.
Abuja Airport to Temporary Accommodation
Visitors arriving at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport can arrange transfers to temporary accommodation in areas such as:
- Maitama
- Asokoro
- Wuse
- Wuse 2
- Garki
- Jabi
- Guzape
- Life Camp
- Gwarinpa
- Katampe
For example:
Abuja Airport → Serviced apartment in Wuse 2
The exact property address should be provided when arranging the transfer.
Airport Pickup for Relocating Expatriates
Expatriates relocating to Nigeria may spend their first few weeks in temporary accommodation while searching for a permanent residence.
A typical transportation plan could be:
Airport → Serviced apartment
Serviced apartment → Property viewing
Property viewing → Serviced apartment
Serviced apartment → New residence
This makes it possible to arrange transportation around the relocation process instead of organising every trip separately.
Airport Transfer for Returning Nigerians
Nigerians returning from abroad may also need temporary accommodation while preparing their permanent residence.
For example:
London → Lagos
Lagos Airport → Hotel
After the permanent home is ready:
Hotel → New residence
Arranging the first airport transfer before leaving your current country can make the arrival considerably easier.
Airport Pickup for Families
Families should provide their full passenger and luggage requirements.
For example:
2 adults + 2 children + 6 suitcases
may require an SUV or larger vehicle.
If you’re travelling with boxes, children’s equipment or other bulky items, mention these before the vehicle is arranged.
What If Your Temporary Accommodation Is a Serviced Apartment?
Serviced apartments can have different access arrangements from traditional hotels.
Provide:
- Property name
- Building name
- Full address
- Apartment number, if available
- Estate or compound details
- Gate information
- Nearby landmark
- Contact person’s number
This can help the driver locate the correct property.
What If You’re Staying at a Hotel?
For a hotel transfer, provide the hotel’s full name and location.
For example:
Lagos Airport → Hotel in Ikeja
or:
Abuja Airport → Hotel in Maitama
If the hotel has multiple properties, providing the exact location helps prevent confusion.
What If Your Flight Arrives After Midnight?
Late-night arrivals are one reason to arrange the transfer before travelling.
For example:
1:30 a.m. — Lagos Airport arrival
Airport → Serviced apartment
You can proceed directly to your temporary accommodation after completing your airport formalities instead of searching for transportation after landing.
What If Your Flight Is Delayed?
Provide your flight number when arranging the transfer.
If your airline changes your arrival time, communicate the update to the transportation provider as soon as possible.
Some airport transfer services also use flight information to coordinate pickup timing when schedules change. (airportev.ng)
What Vehicle Should You Choose?
Your vehicle should match the number of passengers and luggage.
Standard Car
Suitable for one or two passengers with moderate luggage.
SUV
Useful for families, expatriates and passengers carrying several suitcases.
Executive Vehicle
Suitable for business travellers and guests who prefer additional comfort.
Van
Useful for families or groups with substantial luggage.
Bus
Suitable for larger groups travelling to temporary accommodation together.
Can Someone Abroad Arrange the Transfer?
Yes.
An expatriate, family member, employer or relocation coordinator can arrange the airport pickup before the traveller arrives in Nigeria.
For example:
United Kingdom → Lagos
Lagos Airport → Temporary accommodation
The passenger can receive the driver’s information and meeting instructions before departure.
Can Someone in Nigeria Arrange It for You?
Yes.
A family member, employer, friend or company can organise the transfer on behalf of an arriving guest.
This can be particularly useful when an employer is relocating an employee and their family to Nigeria.
Transportation After Reaching Temporary Accommodation
Your transportation needs may continue after the initial airport transfer.
For someone relocating, the first few days could involve:
Day 1: Airport → Serviced apartment
Day 2: Serviced apartment → Property viewing → Apartment
Day 3: Apartment → School visit → Shopping → Apartment
Day 4: Apartment → Office → Apartment
Day 5: Apartment → Permanent residence
A chauffeur or dedicated vehicle arrangement can make this settling-in period easier.
Can You Arrange the Transfer to Your Permanent Residence Later?
Yes.
Once your permanent accommodation is ready, a separate transfer can be arranged.
For example:
Temporary accommodation → New residence
If you’re moving several suitcases or belongings, mention the luggage requirements again so the appropriate vehicle can be arranged.
Can You Arrange the Return Airport Transfer?
If your temporary stay is for a short visit rather than a relocation, you can arrange both directions:
Arrival: Airport → Temporary accommodation
Departure: Temporary accommodation → Airport
This can be useful for business travellers, tourists and visitors staying in Nigeria for a limited period.
What Should You Confirm Before Flying?
Before travelling, confirm:
- Flight number
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Airport
- Accommodation name
- Full address
- Estate or building details
- Passenger count
- Number of bags
- Vehicle type
- Driver information
- Airport meeting instructions
- Accommodation check-in time
- Contact person’s number
- Agreed price
Having these details ready gives you a clear plan from the airport to your temporary accommodation.
Arrange Your Nigeria Airport and Temporary Accommodation Transfer With Travo.ng
If your permanent residence isn’t ready when you arrive in Nigeria, arranging your airport pickup to temporary accommodation before your flight can make the transition much easier.
Provide Travo.ng with your flight details, temporary accommodation address, passenger count, luggage requirements and preferred vehicle so a suitable transfer can be arranged according to availability.
Travo.ng can help coordinate Nigeria airport pickups, hotel transfers, serviced apartment transfers, relocation transportation, chauffeur services and private vehicle hire.
Whether you’re relocating to Nigeria, returning from abroad, arriving for work or staying temporarily while arranging your permanent accommodation, having your airport transfer organised in advance gives you a straightforward journey from the airport to your first destination.
