Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
Lagos to Calabar by bus costs about ₦40,000–₦62,000 in 2026. The cheapest published fare is AKTC’s ₦40,500 (non-AC) or ₦45,500 (AC); GIGM charges ₦58,050, and ABC, GUO, Chisco, Cross Country, Young Shall Grow and Agofure mostly fall between ₦40,000 and ₦60,000. The trip takes about 10–14 hours, so most people leave Lagos early in the morning or take a night bus.
Lagos to Calabar is one of the longest road trips in southern Nigeria, running east via Benin City to Cross River State. Here are the latest fares by operator, where to board in Lagos, where you arrive in Calabar, and what else to budget for.
Lagos to Calabar bus fares by company (2026)
| Company | Lagos → Calabar fare | Source date |
|---|---|---|
| AKTC (Akwa Ibom Transport Company) | ₦40,500 non-AC · ₦45,500 AC | AKTC fare list, 2026 |
| Cross Country | ₦40,000 – ₦60,000 | August 2026 |
| GUO Transport | ₦40,000 – ₦60,000 | August 2026 |
| Chisco Transport | ₦40,000 – ₦58,000 | August 2026 |
| ABC Transport | ₦45,000 – ₦60,000 | August 2026 |
| Agofure Motors | ₦45,000 – ₦55,000 | August 2026 |
| Young Shall Grow | ₦48,000 – ₦55,000 | August 2026 |
| GIGM (God Is Good Motors) | ₦58,050 | 14 August 2026 |
Sources: AKTC official fare list; Agotravel (1 August 2026); Awajis GIGM price list (14 August 2026). Agotravel gives GIGM as ₦45,000–₦62,000.
Fares have risen through the year. In April 2026 Easymove listed ABC at ₦38,000–₦50,000, GUO at ₦39,500–₦55,000 and Peace Mass Transit at ₦35,000–₦45,000 on this route. Nationally, the NBS put the average intercity bus fare at ₦9,699.55 in May 2026, up 21.89% on a year earlier.
Distance, travel time and route
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 700–800 km by road |
| Travel time | 10–14 hours, depending on traffic, weather and road conditions |
| Route | East via Benin; some operators connect through Port Harcourt or Uyo |
| Departures | Early-morning buses, plus night buses on some operators |
Sources: Agotravel (August 2026); Easymove (April 2026).
Where to board in Lagos
- ABC Transport: Jibowu, 22 Lagos–Ikorodu Expressway.
- GUO Transport: 2 Jibowu Street, Jibowu.
- GIGM: Jibowu, 20 Lagos–Ikorodu Expressway.
- Cross Country: 345 Murtala Muhammed Way.
- Other parks: Amuwo Odofin, Mazamaza, Ojuelegba and Ajah also have Calabar-bound buses.
Addresses from Agotravel and Easymove (2026). Confirm your terminal when you book, since not every operator runs this route from every park. Getting to the park adds cost: the NBS average Lagos city bus fare was ₦1,741.43 per trip in May 2026, and a ride-hail usually costs more.
Where buses arrive in Calabar
- ABC Transport: 1 Mary Slessor Avenue, opposite UCTH.
- AKTC: MCC Road.
- Peace Mass Transit: Atimbo Road.
- GUO: Target Road.
- Cross Country: Marian Road.
Calabar terminal locations are from AbujaMove’s Calabar–Lagos guide (May 2026). If you are sending mail or goods to Calabar, our Calabar postal codes guide helps with addresses.
How much to budget for the trip
| Item | Guide |
|---|---|
| Bus ticket | ₦40,500 – ₦62,000 depending on operator and class |
| Getting to the Lagos park | From about ₦1,741 by city bus (NBS average); more by ride-hail |
| Food and water on the road | Allow for at least two meal stops on a 10–14 hour trip |
| Extra luggage | Varies by operator; ask when booking |
| Onward trip within Calabar | Short taxi or tricycle ride from the terminal |
Sources: AKTC, Agotravel, Awajis (fares); Legit.ng/NBS (Lagos city bus fare, May 2026).
Road or air?
Flying saves most of a day but costs far more: the NBS average single air fare across Nigeria was ₦157,355.87 in April 2026. See our Lagos to Calabar flight guide for airlines and flight times, and book a Travo airport pickup for the transfer at either end.
Book Lagos to Calabar
Tell us your date and preferred operator, and we’ll help you secure a seat and plan pickup at either end.
Safety and planning tips
- Book at least a few days ahead for December, Easter and school holidays, when fares climb and seats sell out.
- Leave Lagos early to clear city traffic before the day gets busy.
- Use a registered operator from a known terminal, not roadside vehicles.
- The UK FCDO advises against all travel to riverine areas of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa, and against all but essential travel to non-riverine Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers, plus Abia, Anambra and Imo. Road routes cross some of these states, so travel by day where you can.
- Keep ID, your ticket and a charged phone with you, and share your trip with someone at home.
Common mistakes on this route
- Checking fares only on the day you travel.
- Carrying extra luggage without confirming the charge.
- Going to the wrong Lagos park for your operator.
- Leaving the return trip until the last minute during festive periods.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Lagos to Calabar by bus in 2026?
About ₦40,000–₦62,000. AKTC charges ₦40,500 (non-AC) or ₦45,500 (AC), GIGM ₦58,050, and most other big operators ₦40,000–₦60,000.
How long is the journey from Lagos to Calabar by road?
About 10–14 hours, depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.
Which bus company is cheapest from Lagos to Calabar?
Among published 2026 fares, AKTC’s non-AC bus at ₦40,500 is the lowest. Cross Country, GUO and Chisco start from about ₦40,000.
Where do Calabar buses leave from in Lagos?
Mainly Jibowu (ABC, GUO, GIGM), plus Cross Country on Murtala Muhammed Way and parks at Amuwo Odofin, Mazamaza, Ojuelegba and Ajah.
Is there a night bus from Lagos to Calabar?
Yes. Easymove notes that night buses are common on this route. Daytime travel is generally the safer choice.
Can I stop in Uyo on the way to Calabar?
Some operators route through Uyo. AKTC’s Uyo to Calabar fare is ₦7,600 (non-AC) or ₦8,600 (AC). See our Lagos to Uyo bus fare guide.
Related guides
- Lagos to Uyo bus fare
- God Is Good Motors price list 2026
- Lagos to Port Harcourt by bus
- Lagos to Calabar flight guide
- Calabar postal codes
Sources: AKTC fare list; Agotravel (August 2026); Easymove (April 2026); Awajis (GIGM, August 2026); AbujaMove (Calabar terminals, May 2026); Legit.ng / NBS (May 2026 fares); Nairametrics / NBS (air fare, April 2026); GOV.UK FCDO travel advice (28 September 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
