Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
There is no fixed national price for moving a car in Nigeria: each job is quoted on distance, carrier type (tow truck, flatbed, open multi-car carrier or enclosed), vehicle size and timing. Diesel, the biggest running cost, rose to about ₦2,000 a litre in September 2026, and a 2025 guide put interstate flatbed hire at ₦200,000 to ₦300,000, so expect single-car interstate moves in the hundreds of thousands of naira. Send your route and car details to Travo for an exact quote.
Whether you bought a car in Lagos and live in Abuja, are relocating for work, or run a dealership moving stock from the ports, you need a safe way to get the vehicle there without adding hundreds of kilometres to the clock. This guide explains the vehicle transport options in Nigeria, what drives the price, the most recent benchmarks we could verify, and how to book.
Vehicle transport services offered
| Service | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tow truck or flatbed (single car) | Car is winched onto a flatbed and moved on its own | Short and medium distances, non-running cars, urgent moves |
| Open car carrier | Several cars share a multi-deck carrier | Dealers and cost-conscious owners on major routes |
| Enclosed carrier | Car travels inside a covered trailer | Luxury, classic or brand-new vehicles |
| Drive-away (professional driver) | A vetted driver drives your car to the destination | Running cars when you want speed and flexibility |
| Port and dealer logistics | Collection from ports or dealers to your address | Imported and newly purchased cars |
Availability of each option varies by route; confirm when you request a quote.
Drive-away is often the quickest option but adds mileage and wear; a carrier keeps the odometer unchanged. You can book a professional driver through Travo, or read about car delivery services in Nigeria and what a car transport company does.
Estimated car transport prices in Nigeria (2026)
We could not find a published 2026 car-carrier tariff from any Nigerian operator, and quotes vary widely. The figures below are the most recent verified benchmarks that feed into a car transport price:
| Cost driver | Latest verified figure | Date and source |
|---|---|---|
| Flatbed hire, interstate (10–30 tonnes) | ₦200,000 – ₦300,000 per trip | Sep 2025, VisCorner |
| Flatbed hire, within a city | ₦100,000 – ₦150,000 per trip | Sep 2025, VisCorner |
| Large truck, interstate (11–20 tonnes) | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 per trip | Sep 2025, VisCorner |
| Diesel, retail (Abuja) | ₦2,000 – ₦2,020 per litre | 5 Sep 2026, PM News |
| Diesel, previous level | ₦1,700 – ₦1,800 per litre | Before Sep 2026 rise, PM News |
Truck hire ranges are for hiring the whole vehicle and are not Travo prices. Diesel has risen since the 2025 truck figures, so current quotes are likely higher.
How to read this: a single car on its own flatbed pays for the whole truck, so the 2025 interstate flatbed range is a reasonable floor for a dedicated one-car move between states. A shared open carrier splits the truck's cost across several cars, so the price per car is usually lower but you wait for the carrier to fill. Enclosed transport costs more because fewer operators offer it and capacity is limited.
Earlier versions of this page listed fixed route prices (for example Lagos to Abuja). We have removed them because we could not verify them for 2026. For a real number, request a quote with your exact route.
Factors influencing transport costs
- Distance and route: Lagos to Abuja costs more than Lagos to Ibadan; poor roads and remote destinations add cost.
- Carrier type: dedicated flatbed and enclosed transport cost more than a shared open carrier.
- Vehicle size and weight: SUVs, pickups and buses take more space and weight than saloon cars.
- Running condition: non-running cars need winching and extra handling.
- Fuel prices: diesel moved from about ₦1,700–₦1,800 to ₦2,000+ a litre in September 2026; see our diesel price guide.
- Timing: urgent and festive-season moves cost more; flexible dates can save money.
- Insurance: ask what cover applies during transit and for how much.
Nationwide coverage
Travo can arrange vehicle moves between major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Enugu and Kano, and can help coordinate pickups from dealers and ports. Confirm your exact route when you request a quote. See our cities page for where Travo operates. If your car has broken down rather than needing a planned move, use our car towing service in Lagos instead.
How to book car transport with Travo
- Request a quote with the pickup and delivery addresses, the car make, model and year, and whether it runs.
- Choose the service: flatbed, shared carrier, enclosed or drive-away.
- Confirm price, date and insurance in writing before the truck is dispatched.
- Prepare the car (see the checklist below).
- Inspect at pickup: record condition with photos and the odometer reading, and sign a condition report.
- Inspect on delivery before signing, and report any damage immediately.
Get a car transport quote
Tell us the route and vehicle. We will confirm the carrier type, price and pickup date before dispatch.
Preparing your car for transport
- Wash the car so existing scratches and dents are visible in photos.
- Remove personal items, loose accessories and toll or parking tags.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel; a full tank adds weight.
- Check the battery, tyres and for leaks, and tell the transporter about any faults.
- Keep original documents with you; give the transporter copies where needed. Our guide to verifying vehicle documents in Nigeria explains what to check when buying.
- Hand over one key only and note what else is in the car.
Why choose Travo?
- One platform for car transport, haulage, drivers and towing.
- Price confirmed before dispatch, based on your route and vehicle.
- Help on WhatsApp throughout the move.
- Options for individuals, dealers and fleet owners; for general goods see book a van or truck anywhere in Nigeria.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transport a car from Lagos to Abuja?
It depends on the carrier type and date. We could not verify a published 2026 route price. As a benchmark, hiring a whole flatbed for an interstate trip cost ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 in September 2025, before diesel rose to about ₦2,000 a litre in September 2026. Request a quote for an exact figure.
Is it cheaper to ship a car or hire a driver?
A driver is often cheaper and faster for a running car on a good road, but it adds mileage and wear. A carrier is better for new, luxury or non-running cars.
What is the difference between open and enclosed car transport?
Open carriers move several cars on an uncovered trailer and cost less. Enclosed carriers protect the car from weather and road debris and cost more.
How long does interstate car transport take?
It depends on distance, road conditions and whether a shared carrier is waiting to fill. A dedicated flatbed usually leaves as soon as it is loaded, while a shared carrier may wait for other cars. Confirm the timeline in writing when booking.
Is my car insured during transport?
Ask the transporter what cover applies and get it in writing before pickup. Record the car's condition with photos at pickup and delivery.
Can you move a car that does not start?
Yes, with a flatbed or tow truck that can winch it on. Tell us when booking so the right equipment is sent.
Related guides
- Car transport cost in Nigeria: what to expect
- Car delivery service in Nigeria
- Car transport company in Nigeria
- Car towing service in Lagos
- Book a van or truck anywhere in Nigeria
Sources: VisCorner truck hire costs (3 Sep 2025); PM News diesel prices (5 Sep 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
