Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
To get a tow truck in Lagos, request breakdown response on Travo (or message us on WhatsApp) with your exact location, vehicle type and where the car needs to go, and agree the price before the truck is dispatched. In 2026 a short tow within a city typically costs from about ₦10,000 to ₦30,000, while Lagos towing ads on Jiji start from ₦70,000 per job; distance, vehicle size, time of day and accident damage all push the price up.
Breakdowns on Third Mainland Bridge, the Lekki–Epe Expressway or the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway are stressful, and the first tow truck that stops is not always the safest or cheapest option. This guide explains how towing works in Lagos, what it costs, which truck suits your vehicle and how to book one through Travo.
What Travo offers: car towing in Lagos
Travo is a booking and logistics platform. Through its breakdown response service you can request:
- Breakdown towing: moving a car that will not start or drive to a mechanic, workshop or your home.
- Accident recovery: moving a damaged vehicle from a crash scene once the police or FRSC have finished, if they are involved.
- Relocation towing: moving a non-running car between locations, for example after a purchase or to storage.
- Interstate recovery: towing or carrying a vehicle between Lagos and other states. For drivable cars going long distances, car delivery by carrier may be cheaper.
How much does towing cost in Lagos? (2026)
| Job | Typical price range | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Short tow within a city | ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 | Travo vehicle recovery guide, June 2026 |
| Medium distance | ₦30,000 – ₦80,000 | Travo vehicle recovery guide, June 2026 |
| Long distance or interstate | ₦80,000 – ₦250,000+ | Travo vehicle recovery guide, June 2026 |
| Heavy trucks and buses | ₦150,000 – ₦500,000+ | Travo vehicle recovery guide, June 2026 |
| Lagos towing ads (Jiji) | From ₦70,000 per job (Lekki listing); most ads say “contact for price” | Jiji.ng, checked 28 September 2026 |
| Average tow within Lagos (third-party estimate) | About ₦15,000 | Nigerian Informer, dated 24 September 2026 |
Prices are indicative. Most Lagos towing operators quote per job, so always confirm the full price, including any night or winching charge, before the truck moves.
The spread is wide because Lagos towing is priced job by job. The Nigerian Informer figure looks low for 2026 fuel prices and may reflect older data; the ₦70,000 Jiji ad is one operator’s advertised starting price. Use them as a sense-check, not a quote.
What affects the price
- Distance from the pickup point to the destination.
- Vehicle size and weight: saloon cars cost less than SUVs, buses or trucks.
- Time of day: late-night and public holiday call-outs usually cost more.
- Situation: a car in a ditch, with locked wheels or crash damage needs winching or a flatbed, which adds cost.
- Traffic and road conditions: a job that takes three hours in Lagos traffic costs more than the same distance at night.
Types of tow truck and which one you need
| Type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flatbed | Automatic cars, luxury cars, accident-damaged vehicles, all-wheel drive | The whole vehicle rides on the bed, so no wheels touch the road |
| Wheel-lift | Short tows of undamaged manual or front-wheel-drive cars | Lifts one axle; cheaper but not suitable for every car |
| Heavy-duty wrecker | Buses, trucks and tankers | Needed for commercial vehicles |
| Winch recovery | Cars in a ditch, gutter or flooded area | Pulls the vehicle out before towing |
| Accident recovery | Crash scenes | Often combined with flatbed transport |
Types as described in Travo’s 2026 vehicle recovery guide.
If you are unsure, ask for a flatbed. It costs more but avoids damage to the gearbox or bumper on automatic and low cars.
Vehicles we can arrange towing for
- Saloon cars and hatchbacks
- SUVs and pick-ups
- Buses and vans
- Motorcycles and tricycles (on a flatbed)
- Light trucks; heavy trucks by arrangement with a heavy-duty operator
How to book a tow truck in Lagos with Travo
- Get yourself and passengers to a safe spot away from moving traffic. Switch on hazard lights and place your warning triangle.
- Open the breakdown response booking or message Travo on WhatsApp (+234 916 335 2137).
- Share your exact location (a map pin is best), the vehicle make and model, what is wrong, and the destination.
- Confirm the truck type and the full price before dispatch.
- When the truck arrives, check that it matches the booking, take photos of your car, and remove valuables.
- Follow the car to the destination or share the driver’s details with someone you trust.
Stranded in Lagos?
Request a tow or breakdown response through Travo and confirm the price before the truck is dispatched.
Safety and scam tips for Lagos breakdowns
- Agree the price, destination and truck type before your car is hooked up. Avoid “we will talk later” arrangements.
- Be cautious if a truck turns up that you did not call. Ask who sent it and confirm with the company you booked.
- After a crash on a highway, call FRSC on its toll-free line, 122. If anyone is hurt or in danger, contact emergency services and the police first.
- Do not hand over your car keys and vehicle documents to someone you cannot identify.
- Take photos of the car on all sides before it is loaded, so any new damage is easy to show.
Once the car is fixed, make sure your papers are in order. See how to verify vehicle documents in Nigeria.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a tow truck in Lagos?
Short tows within a city are typically about ₦10,000 to ₦30,000 (Travo guide, June 2026), but some Lagos operators advertise from ₦70,000 per job. Distance, vehicle size, time and damage change the price, so get a full quote first.
Is there a 24-hour towing service near me in Lagos?
You can request breakdown response on Travo at any time. Availability of a truck late at night depends on your location, so share your exact pin to get the nearest option.
Which is better, flatbed or wheel-lift towing?
Flatbed is safer for automatic, all-wheel-drive, low or damaged cars. Wheel-lift is cheaper and fine for short tows of some undamaged cars.
Can I tow my car from Lagos to another state?
Yes. Interstate recovery is priced by distance; Travo’s 2026 guide puts long-distance jobs at about ₦80,000 to ₦250,000 or more. If the car can be driven, a car carrier may be cheaper.
What should I do right after a crash?
Get to safety, call FRSC on 122 on highways, and contact emergency services if anyone is hurt. Photograph the scene and arrange recovery once it is safe.
Can Travo tow buses and trucks?
Heavy vehicles need a heavy-duty wrecker. Request breakdown response with the vehicle details and Travo will tell you what is available.
Related guides
- Car transport cost in Nigeria
- Book a car or driver on demand
- Book a van or truck for haulage
- Live traffic news for Berger Junction
- Travo haulage services
Sources: Travo vehicle recovery guide, June 2026; Jiji.ng Lagos towing listings; Nigerian Informer, 24 Sep 2026; FRSC. Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
