Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
In 2026, hiring a car with a driver in Lagos usually costs ₦60,000–₦130,000 a day for a saloon such as a Toyota Camry. A Prado-class SUV costs about ₦150,000–₦350,000, and a 14–30 seater bus about ₦200,000–₦500,000 or more. A “day” is often 10 hours. Some operators include fuel, but many do not. Self-drive hire needs a valid driver’s licence, ID, a guarantor and a refundable deposit. You can book a car with a driver through Travo.
Lagos traffic, long distances between the Island and Mainland, and unreliable ride-hailing at peak times make car hire a practical choice. It suits visitors, business travellers, wedding guests and anyone who needs a car for the day. Prices are now much higher than the ₦20,000-a-day rates in older guides, including our own 2025 version, so many price lists online are badly out of date. This guide gives you current 2026 figures, explains what is and is not included, and shows how to book safely.
Why choose car hire in Lagos?
- One driver for the whole day. You avoid booking and waiting for a new ride for every stop.
- Local knowledge. A Lagos driver knows the traffic patterns, alternative routes and where to park.
- Comfort and image. Useful for client meetings, events and airport pickups.
- Groups and luggage. SUVs, minivans and buses take more people and bags than a standard ride-hailing car.
- Interstate trips. The same car can take you out of Lagos, for example to Ibadan, Abeokuta or Ilorin.
Travo car hire services in Lagos
Travo is a booking and logistics platform. Through it you can request:
- Chauffeur-driven car hire by the hour, half-day, full day or several days
- Airport pickups and drop-offs at Murtala Muhammed International and the domestic terminals. See how to get picked up at Lagos airport.
- A private driver for your own car. See our private driver in Lagos guide.
- Buses and vans for events, staff movement and moving house. See luxury shuttle bus rental and hire a van and driver in Lagos.
- Corporate and executive travel, including repeat bookings for staff and visitors.
Tell us the date, pickup point, hours needed and destination, and we will confirm the vehicle and price before you pay.
Vehicle options
| Class | Typical models | Seats | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy saloon | Toyota Corolla, older Toyota Camry | 4 | Errands, solo business trips |
| Executive saloon | Newer Toyota Camry, Lexus ES | 4 | Client meetings, events |
| SUV | Toyota Prado, Highlander, Lexus GX | 5–7 | Families, bad roads, interstate |
| Luxury SUV | Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX | 5–7 | VIP guests, weddings |
| Minivan | Toyota Sienna | 7 | Airport runs with luggage |
| Bus | Toyota Hiace, Coaster, Mercedes Sprinter | 14–30 | Events, staff and group travel |
Pricing guide (daily rates, 2026)
There is no official price list for car hire in Lagos. The table below brings together an industry estimate published in July 2026 and the rate cards two Lagos operators showed on their websites on 28 September 2026. Use it to judge whether a quote is reasonable.
| Vehicle type | Lagos estimate, July 2026 | Published operator rates, Sept 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Economy saloon | ₦60,000 – ₦120,000 | Toyota Camry 2010: ₦100,000. Camry 2014: ₦100,000 – ₦130,000. |
| Executive saloon | ₦100,000 – ₦180,000 | Toyota Camry 2016: from ₦120,000 |
| Premium SUV (Prado or Highlander) | ₦180,000 – ₦350,000 | Prado 2016: from ₦150,000. Prado 2022: ₦170,000. Lexus GX460: ₦200,000. |
| Luxury SUV | Not given | Land Cruiser: ₦400,000 – ₦650,000. Lexus LX570: ₦450,000. |
| Minivan (Sienna) | Not given | Sienna 2014: ₦160,000 |
| Bus or group hire | ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 | Hiace: ₦200,000. Coaster: ₦300,000. Sprinter: ₦700,000. |
| Airport transfer (one way) | Not given | Saloon: ₦50,000 – ₦70,000. SUV: ₦90,000 – ₦120,000. |
Sources: RideVendor, Ultimate Guide to Car Hire in Nigeria 2026 (published 5 July 2026); published rate cards on nairaxi.ng (full day of 10 hours, “from” prices) and naijacarhire.com (rates stated to include driver, fuel and insurance), both checked 28 September 2026. Travo quotes each booking individually.
What is usually included, and what costs extra
- Driver: included in chauffeur hire. Overtime beyond the agreed hours is usually charged per hour.
- Fuel: some operators include it and some do not. With petrol at about ₦1,350 per litre in late September 2026, this makes a big difference, so always ask.
- Tolls and parking: often extra.
- Out-of-town trips: expect a higher daily rate, and pay for the driver’s feeding and overnight lodging if you stay away.
- Insurance: check whether the car has comprehensive cover or only third-party. You can verify the car’s motor insurance on the NIID portal. See our guide to verifying vehicle documents.
Chauffeur or self-drive?
Most Lagos car hire is chauffeur-driven, and for most visitors it is the easier choice. Self-drive is available from some operators. According to a 2026 industry guide, you will usually need:
- a valid driver’s licence
- a National ID or international passport
- proof of address
- a guarantor
- a refundable caution deposit
- a signed rental agreement
You also take on the risk of accidents, towing and fines. Keep the number of a towing service in Lagos handy.
Why use Travo for car hire in Lagos?
- A clear quote before you pay. We confirm the vehicle, hours, fuel terms and extras in writing.
- One platform for everything. Car hire, airport pickups, parcels, haulage and bus tickets are all in one place.
- Help on WhatsApp. Message our team on +234 916 335 2137.
- Options for businesses. Staff movement, events and repeat bookings. If you own cars, see our vehicle investment programme.
How to book
- Choose your vehicle class and the number of passengers and bags.
- Give us the details: date, start time, pickup address, stops, and the number of hours or days.
- Confirm the quote. Check what it includes: fuel, tolls, overtime rate and any out-of-town charge.
- Pay through Travo’s official channels. Never pay to a driver’s personal account for a booking you made on the platform.
- Get your driver’s details. You receive the driver’s name, phone number and the car’s plate number before pickup.
Book a car with a driver in Lagos
Saloon cars, SUVs and buses by the hour, by the day or for interstate trips. Get a clear quote before you pay.
Safety tips when hiring a car in Lagos
- Book through a traceable platform or company. Avoid anonymous social media adverts that ask for full payment upfront.
- Check that the car’s plate number matches the one you were sent before you get in.
- Share your trip details with someone you trust.
- For self-drive, photograph the car’s condition before you take it and when you return it.
- Ask for a receipt or an invoice showing exactly what you paid for.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a car in Lagos per day?
In 2026, an economy or mid-range saloon with a driver usually costs ₦60,000–₦130,000 per day, and a Prado-class SUV about ₦150,000–₦350,000. Check whether fuel is included.
How many hours is a day of car hire in Lagos?
Many operators count a full day as 10 hours and charge overtime after that. Confirm this when you book.
Can I hire a car in Lagos without a driver?
Some operators offer self-drive. You will usually need a valid driver’s licence, ID, proof of address, a guarantor and a refundable deposit.
How much is an airport pickup in Lagos by hired car?
Published one-way airport rates in September 2026 were about ₦50,000–₦70,000 for a saloon and ₦90,000–₦120,000 for an SUV. The price depends on your destination.
Can I take a hired car outside Lagos?
Yes, with the operator’s agreement. Expect a higher rate, and pay the driver’s feeding and lodging if you stay overnight.
Is car hire cheaper than Uber for a full day?
For many stops across the day, a hired car is often simpler and can work out similar or cheaper. For one or two short trips, ride-hailing is usually cheaper. See Uber Black alternatives in Nigeria.
Related guides
Sources: RideVendor car hire guide (5 July 2026); nairaxi.ng and naijacarhire.com rate cards (checked 28 September 2026); Vanguard petrol price report (27 September 2026); NIID (askniid.org). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
