Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
Ibadan to Lagos is about 130 km, usually 2–3 hours by road depending on traffic. In 2026, a bus seat typically costs about ₦3,500–₦7,000, with shared cars and Siennas at the top of that range. Buses leave from Iwo Road, Ojoo and Challenge in Ibadan, and many arrive at Jibowu in Lagos. The train is the other option: Regular class costs ₦3,600, Business ₦6,500 and First ₦13,000 on the NRC’s published fares.
The Ibadan–Lagos corridor is one of the busiest in Nigeria. People commute on it weekly, students travel home on it, traders move goods along it, and it is many travellers’ route to Murtala Muhammed Airport. You can make the trip cheaply by bus, in comfort by train, or privately with a car and driver. This guide compares the options, sets out where to board and how much to budget, and explains how to avoid the worst traffic on the Lagos end.
Ibadan to Lagos at a glance
| Option | Typical cost (₦) | Journey time | Where to board in Ibadan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (shared) | 3,500 – 4,000+ | About 2–3 hours | Iwo Road, Ojoo, Challenge |
| Shared car / Sienna | 5,500 – 7,000 | About 2–2.5 hours | Iwo Road, Ojoo, Challenge |
| Train, Regular class | 3,600 (minors 3,000) | About 2.5–3 hours | Moniya station |
| Train, Business class | 6,500 | About 2.5–3 hours | Moniya station |
| Train, First class | 13,000 | About 2.5–3 hours | Moniya station |
| Private car with driver | Quote on request | About 2–3 hours | Your door |
Sources: road fares from The Guardian (16 Feb 2026), Intercity.ng (Apr 2026) and Faster.ng (checked 27 Sep 2026); train fares from nrc.gov.ng/fares (checked 28 Sep 2026); train time from Intercity.ng. Fares change often, so confirm on the day.
Ibadan to Lagos by bus and shared car
Road transport is still the most flexible way to travel. Vehicles leave through the day once they are full. The Guardian reported in February 2026 that Lagos–Ibadan fares had risen from ₦1,300–₦1,500 before the fuel subsidy removal to ₦3,500–₦6,000. Buses were ₦3,500–₦4,000 and more, and cars ₦5,500–₦6,000. A route tracker checked on 27 September 2026 showed ₦5,100–₦7,000, so recent fares are sitting at the upper end.
Where to board in Ibadan
- Iwo Road: the busiest interstate hub, with frequent departures to Lagos.
- Ojoo: handy if you live in the north of the city, towards Moniya and the University of Ibadan side.
- Challenge: convenient for the south of the city and Ring Road.
Operators on the route include GIGM, Oyo State Pacesetters and many private Sienna charters. In Lagos, many services terminate at Jibowu (Yaba), and others drop at Ojota or along the expressway. Onward local trips by keke, danfo or ride-hailing typically cost ₦1,000–₦2,500.
What affects the fare
- Vehicle type: buses are cheapest; cars and Siennas cost more but fill and leave faster.
- Fuel prices: fares follow the pump price closely on this short route.
- Time and day: Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons and festive seasons push fares up.
- Drop-off point: going past Ojota to the Island or Lekki may cost extra, or need a second vehicle.
Ibadan to Lagos by train
The Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) runs between Moniya station in Ibadan and Mobolaji Johnson station at Ebute Metta in Lagos, stopping at Abeokuta. It avoids the road’s worst traffic and is a comfortable option at a similar price to the bus in Regular class.
| Class | Ibadan–Lagos (₦) | Ibadan–Abeokuta (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular (adult) | 3,600 | 2,000 |
| Regular (minor) | 3,000 | 1,000 |
| Business | 6,500 | 3,000 |
| First | 13,000 | 6,000 |
Source: Nigerian Railway Corporation, nrc.gov.ng/fares (checked 28 September 2026).
Timetable (from NRC): From Sunday to Thursday, trains leave Ibadan at 8:00 and 16:00. On Fridays and Saturdays, Ibadan departures are at 8:00, 10:50 and 16:30. Lagos departures are 8:00 and 16:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and 7:15, 13:40 and 16:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Book through the NRC’s official e-ticketing, carry valid ID and arrive 45–60 minutes early. Moniya is on the northern edge of Ibadan, so allow time to get there. Our Lagos–Ibadan train guide covers luggage rules and booking in detail.
Budgeting for the whole journey
The fare is only part of the cost. A realistic one-way budget for one person by bus is the seat (about ₦3,500–₦4,000 and up) plus the onward trip in Lagos (about ₦1,000–₦2,500). That makes roughly ₦4,500–₦6,500 door to door. By train, add the cost of getting to Moniya in Ibadan and from Ebute Metta to your final stop in Lagos on top of the ₦3,600 Regular fare. For two or more people with luggage, compare that total with a private car quote. The difference is often smaller than it looks, and you save the park wait and the transfer.
Book your Ibadan to Lagos trip
Reserve a bus seat, or book a private car and driver for a door-to-door trip, including airport drop-offs in Lagos.
Private car or driver: when it makes sense
If you are travelling as a family, carrying luggage, or catching a flight, a private car with a driver often beats the bus on total cost per head and on stress. You leave from your door, go straight to your Lagos address or the airport, and can stop when you need to. Travo can arrange a car or driver on demand. For flights, pair it with an airport pickup or drop-off.
Road trip tips for Ibadan to Lagos
- Leave early or after the rush. The Lagos end, from the Berger and Ojota axis into the city, is the slowest part of the trip on weekday mornings and Friday evenings.
- Board at recognised parks. Avoid unmarked cars picking up along the expressway, especially after dark.
- Confirm the drop-off before paying. Some vehicles end at Ojota or Berger rather than Jibowu.
- Keep valuables close and carry a charged phone and some cash for the onward leg.
- Check traffic before you set off. Our Berger junction traffic update helps on busy days.
- Sending goods, not travelling? Book a parcel instead. Dispatch riders in Ibadan can handle same-day Ibadan–Lagos deliveries.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Ibadan to Lagos by bus in 2026?
About ₦3,500–₦4,000 and more by bus, and ₦5,500–₦7,000 by shared car or Sienna, based on February–September 2026 reports. Fares change with fuel prices, so confirm at the park.
How much is the Ibadan to Lagos train fare?
NRC lists Regular at ₦3,600 (minors ₦3,000), Business at ₦6,500 and First at ₦13,000 for Ibadan–Lagos.
How long does it take from Ibadan to Lagos?
About 2–3 hours by road on a clear day (roughly 130 km), longer in Lagos traffic. The train takes about 2.5–3 hours.
Where do I get a bus to Lagos in Ibadan?
The main parks are Iwo Road, Ojoo and Challenge.
What time does the train leave Ibadan for Lagos?
Sunday–Thursday at 8:00 and 16:00; Friday–Saturday at 8:00, 10:50 and 16:30, per the NRC timetable. Check nrc.gov.ng for changes.
Where does the Ibadan bus stop in Lagos?
Many services end at Jibowu, Yaba; others drop at Ojota or Berger. Confirm before you pay.
Related guides
- Train from Lagos to Ibadan: complete guide
- Ibadan to Abeokuta: routes and tips
- How much is Ibadan to Abuja by road?
- Ibadan to Osogbo travel guide
- How to get picked up at Lagos airport
Sources: The Guardian (16 Feb 2026); Intercity.ng transport price index (Apr 2026) and Lagos–Ibadan train guide; Faster.ng Ibadan–Lagos route page (27 Sep 2026); NRC fares and schedules (28 Sep 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
