Ferry travel tips Lagos can help commuters and visitors have a smoother experience when using water transportation. With ferry routes connecting areas such as Ikorodu, Badore, Ojo, Mile 2, Lekki, Falomo and Marina, travelling by water can be a practical alternative to congested roads. LAGFERRY currently operates more than 25 routes across Lagos.
Check Your Ferry Route Before Travelling
Before leaving home, confirm that your destination is served by a ferry route and identify the correct terminal.
Current LAGFERRY routes include:
- Ikorodu to Falomo
- Ikorodu to Marina
- Badore to Falomo
- Ojo to Marina
- Mile 2 to Marina
- Badore to Ijede
- Ibeshe through Lekki, Victoria Island and Falomo to Ebute Ero
Checking the route beforehand helps prevent arriving at the wrong terminal or expecting a ferry to take you directly to a destination that requires another connection.
Arrive Early at the Terminal
Arriving early gives you enough time to locate the terminal, complete any required passenger information and prepare for boarding.
Morning ferry services can operate quite early. For example, LAGFERRY’s published schedule includes departures from Ikorodu to Falomo from 6:30am, while services from Mile 2 to Marina begin from 6:30am on some vessels.
If you are using a ferry for work or school, allow extra time for getting from your home to the terminal.
Wear Your Life Jacket Properly
One of the most important ferry travel tips in Lagos is to wear your life jacket correctly.
LAGFERRY requires passengers to wear life jackets before boarding and advises passengers to check that the buckles and straps are properly secured.
Do not remove the life jacket simply because the journey appears calm.
Listen to the Crew
Passengers should follow instructions from the captain and deckhands throughout the journey.
Avoid unnecessary arguments, remain calm and ask the crew if you are unsure about where to sit, where to board or what to do during an emergency.
Avoid Overloaded Boats
Do not board a ferry that appears to be carrying more passengers than its approved capacity.
LAGFERRY states that its ferries are not loaded beyond their capacity and advises passengers to report cases of overloading.
Using an approved ferry service is an important part of safer water transportation.
Check the Ferry Schedule
Ferry schedules are important because services operate at specific times.
For example, LAGFERRY’s published Ikorodu–Falomo service has morning departures at 6:30am and 6:40am, with afternoon departures at 3:30pm and 3:40pm. The Badore–Falomo route has morning services from 6:30am and afternoon services from 3:30pm.
Check the current schedule before travelling because departure times and services can change.
Consider the Whole Journey
A ferry may not take you directly from your home to your final destination.
Your journey could look like:
Home → Bus or car → Ferry terminal → Ferry → Arrival terminal → Bus or car → Final destination
Consider the time and cost of every part of the journey before deciding which ferry route is most convenient.
Protect Your Phone and Valuables
Keep your phone, wallet and other important belongings secure during the journey.
If you are carrying electronics, documents or other valuables, use a waterproof bag or protective pouch where possible. This is particularly useful when travelling on open boats or during wet weather.
Avoid Unnecessary Movement
Remain seated where instructed and avoid moving around the vessel unnecessarily.
Use grab rails when necessary and follow the instructions of the crew, particularly when the ferry is departing, arriving or moving through areas with rougher water.
Avoid Alcohol Before and During the Journey
LAGFERRY advises passengers to avoid alcohol while onboard.
Being alert and able to follow instructions is particularly important during water transportation.
Avoid Night Travel
Passengers should pay attention to operating hours.
LAGFERRY states that its services do not operate at night or when visibility is poor and advises passengers to avoid night travel.
This makes it important to plan your return journey before travelling, especially if you are going somewhere unfamiliar.
Check the Weather
Weather and water conditions can affect ferry operations.
LAGFERRY states that its operators avoid travelling when visibility is poor and avoid turbulent or dangerous water conditions.
If conditions are unsuitable, passengers should follow the operator’s instructions rather than attempting to travel through unsafe conditions.
Keep Children Close
If you are travelling with children, keep them close to you throughout the journey.
Make sure their life jackets fit properly and follow all instructions from the ferry crew.
Don’t Throw Waste Into the Water
Keep Lagos waterways clean by keeping your rubbish with you until you reach an appropriate disposal point.
LAGFERRY specifically advises passengers not to throw waste into the water.
Know the Emergency Numbers
In an emergency on the waterways, LAGFERRY advises passengers to call 767 or 112.
Save the numbers on your phone before travelling, particularly if you regularly use ferry transportation.
Popular Ferry Terminals in Lagos
Some major LAGFERRY terminals and jetties include:
- Ipakodo Terminal, Ikorodu
- Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo
- Marina Terminal, CMS
- Badore Terminal, Ajah
- Mile 2 Ferry Terminal
- Ebute Ojo Jetty
These terminals provide connections between different parts of Lagos.
Ferry Travel Tips for Daily Commuters
If you use a ferry regularly for work or school, consider creating a consistent routine.
Arrive at the terminal early, keep your transportation fare ready, check the day’s schedule and allow additional time for the road journey to and from the ferry terminal.
For routes with multiple departures, knowing alternative departure times can also help if you miss your preferred ferry.
Ferry Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
First-time passengers may find the experience easier by travelling with someone who is already familiar with water transportation.
LAGFERRY specifically recommends that first-time passengers travel with a friend or someone familiar with the waterways where possible.
Ask the deckhands questions if you are uncertain about the route, boarding process or destination.
How Travo.ng Can Help
Travo.ng can help coordinate ferry transportation in Lagos, including route planning, passenger transfers and connections between water and road transportation where available.
Customers can provide their:
- Pickup location
- Destination
- Travel date
- Preferred departure time
- Number of passengers
- One-way or return requirement
This can help determine a suitable ferry or multimodal transportation option.
Why Choose Travo.ng?
Travo.ng can simplify ferry travel planning by helping customers coordinate different parts of their journey.
Whether you need a daily commute, business transfer, passenger transportation or a road-to-water connection, Travo.ng can help organise the journey according to your requirements.
Plan Your Ferry Journey in Lagos
Ferry transportation can be a convenient way to travel around Lagos while avoiding some of the city’s busiest roads. Good preparation makes the experience easier: check your route and schedule, arrive early, wear your life jacket correctly, follow crew instructions, avoid overloaded boats and plan your return journey.
With proper planning, ferry transportation can become a practical option for daily commuting, business travel and other journeys across Lagos waterways.
Travo.ng can help coordinate ferry travel in Lagos according to your route, schedule and passenger requirements.
