Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
A shuttle service in Lagos is a pre-booked bus or van that carries a group on a fixed route or schedule: staff to the office, guests to an event, travellers to and from the airport. Public LAMATA buses cost ₦430 to ₦1,710 per trip after the March 2026 fare review, while a private chauffeured van for a day costs from about ₦140,000 (Sienna) to ₦300,000 (Coaster) on one published Lagos rate card. The right choice depends on group size, schedule and how much control you need.
Lagos traffic makes getting a group anywhere on time hard work. A well-planned shuttle takes the guesswork out: one pickup time, one route, one driver who knows the roads. This guide explains the types of shuttle available in Lagos, compares the cost with public buses and ride-hailing, lists what to ask before you book, and shows how to arrange one through Travo.
Types of shuttle service in Lagos
| Shuttle type | Who uses it | Typical vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Staff / work shuttle | Companies moving employees between home clusters and the office every weekday | Hiace or Coaster bus |
| Airport shuttle | Travellers, families and business guests arriving at or leaving Murtala Muhammed Airport | Sienna, Hiace or saloon car |
| Event shuttle | Weddings, conferences, church programmes and concerts moving guests between hotel, venue and parking | Coaster or several Hiace buses |
| School run | Parents sharing a van for pupils on the same route | Hiace or Sienna |
| Private charter | Groups needing a van and driver for a day of errands or visits | Any, booked by the hour or day |
Vehicle choices are typical examples; the right one depends on passenger numbers and luggage.
How much do shuttle services cost in Lagos?
There are two very different price levels: public buses, where you pay per seat, and private hire, where you pay for the vehicle and driver.
Public buses (LAMATA BRT and standard routes)
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority raised fares on all its Bus Reform Initiative schemes by 13% from 2 March 2026. Examples from the new list:
| Route | Fare |
|---|---|
| Oshodi – Agege | ₦430 |
| Ikeja – Berger | ₦470 |
| Ikorodu – Maryland / Ojota / Ketu (BRT) | ₦570 |
| Oshodi – Obalende / Obalende – Ajah | ₦630 |
| Ikeja – Obalende | ₦720 |
| Marina – Ajah | ₦920 |
| Ikorodu – TBS (BRT) | ₦960 |
| Oshodi – Ajah | ₦1,320 |
| Berger – Ajah | ₦1,710 |
Source: Channels TV, new Lagos BRT bus fares effective 2 March 2026 (published 24 February 2026).
BRT is the cheapest way to cross Lagos, but you work to its routes and queues. For a group that must arrive together, or anyone carrying luggage, a private shuttle is usually worth the premium.
Private shuttle hire with driver
Private operators price by vehicle and by the day or trip. As one example, the Lagos and Abuja rate card published by Naija Car Hire (undated, viewed 28 September 2026) lists:
| Vehicle | Full day (with driver) | Airport run |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Sienna (older model) | ₦140,000 | ₦70,000 |
| Toyota Sienna (2014) | ₦160,000 | ₦100,000 |
| Toyota Hiace bus | ₦200,000 | ₦100,000 |
| Toyota Coaster bus | ₦300,000 | ₦200,000 |
| Mercedes Sprinter bus | ₦700,000 | not listed |
Source: naijacarhire.com rate card, viewed 28 September 2026. One operator’s published rates, shown for comparison only; other providers and Travo quotes will differ. Check what is included (fuel, waiting time, tolls).
Split across passengers, a full Hiace can compare well with individual ride-hailing trips, especially at peak times. For regular staff routes, operators usually quote a monthly contract rather than daily rates; our daily work shuttle guide covers how those contracts work.
What pushes the price up
- Fuel. Petrol was about ₦1,370 per litre at NNPC Lagos stations on 28 September 2026. Operators revise prices when fuel moves.
- Distance and traffic. An Ikorodu–Victoria Island run in rush hour ties up a vehicle far longer than the kilometres suggest.
- Waiting time and overtime. Events that overrun, or flights that land late, often attract extra charges.
- Vehicle size and age. Newer vans and air-conditioned coaches cost more.
- Tolls and parking, such as the Lekki toll gates or airport parking, may be billed on top.
Book a shuttle in Lagos
Tell us the pickup points, times and passenger numbers. Travo will match a suitable vehicle and confirm the price before the trip.
What to ask before you book
- Is the price for the vehicle or per passenger? Does it include fuel, tolls, parking and the driver’s meals?
- What happens if we run late? Get the overtime rate in writing.
- Can I see the vehicle details? Registration, age, working air conditioning and seat count.
- Who is the driver? Name and phone number before the day, and a back-up contact at the operator.
- Is there cover if the vehicle breaks down? Ask how quickly a replacement can arrive.
- How do I pay? Prefer traceable payment and a written booking confirmation.
Planning a staff or event shuttle that runs on time
- Cluster pickups. Group passengers by area (for example Ikeja, Surulere, Lekki) and use one or two meeting points per cluster rather than door-to-door stops.
- Build in traffic buffers. For a 9 a.m. start on the Island, a mainland pickup may need to leave before 6:30 a.m.
- Share a manifest with names and phone numbers so the driver can call no-shows instead of waiting.
- Set a waiting rule, for example five minutes at each stop, and tell passengers in advance.
- Review monthly. Adjust routes as staff move house or events change venue.
Airport shuttles
For arrivals at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, a pre-booked pickup avoids haggling at the kerb and makes it easier to travel with luggage. Share your flight number so the driver can track delays, and agree how long they will wait after landing. Our Lagos airport pickup guide walks through the options, or you can book an airport pickup directly.
Frequently asked questions
What is a shuttle service?
A shuttle is a pre-booked vehicle that moves a group on a set route or timetable, such as staff to an office or guests between a hotel and an event venue.
How much is a shuttle in Lagos per day?
One published Lagos rate card lists about ₦140,000 to ₦160,000 for a Sienna and ₦200,000 for a Hiace bus per day with a driver. Quotes vary by operator, route and what is included.
How much is BRT in Lagos now?
After the 13% increase from 2 March 2026, standard and BRT fares range from ₦430 (Oshodi–Agege) to ₦1,710 (Berger–Ajah).
Can I book a shuttle for a wedding or event in Lagos?
Yes. Give the number of guests, pickup and drop-off points and timings, and ask for coaches or several vans to run in rotation.
Is a staff shuttle cheaper than paying transport allowance?
It can be, especially where many staff live in the same areas. Compare the monthly contract price with the total allowance and factor in punctuality.
Do Lagos shuttles run at night?
Private shuttles can be booked for early-morning or late-night runs by arrangement. For BRT, check LAMATA’s current operating hours before planning a late journey.
Related guides
- Daily work shuttle service in Nigeria
- Luxury shuttle bus rental in Nigeria
- Lekki to VI daily transport service
- Private driver in Lagos
- Ajah to Ikeja by road
Travelling for work regularly? See Travo corporate travel.
Sources: Channels TV, new Lagos BRT fares (24 Feb 2026); Naija Car Hire rate card (viewed 28 Sep 2026); Legit.ng NNPC prices (28 Sep 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
