Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
Moving a car between Nigerian cities in 2026 typically costs from about ₦60,000–₦120,000 for a short hop such as Lagos to Ibadan. Longer routes cost ₦180,000–₦350,000+ for Lagos to Abuja and ₦200,000–₦400,000 for Lagos to Port Harcourt, according to Travo’s May 2026 estimates. A professional driver is usually the cheapest option. A flatbed or car carrier costs more but is safer for high-value or non-running vehicles. Book on Travo for an exact quote.
Whether you have bought a car in Lagos and live in Abuja, are relocating for work, or run a dealership shipping stock across the country, getting the vehicle there safely is the hard part. Driving it yourself means days off work, fuel, tolls and the risks of long highways. Nationwide car transport removes most of that. This guide explains the options, what they cost in 2026, how long they take and how to prepare your car.
Car transport options in Nigeria
| Method | How it works | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional driver (driven delivery) | A vetted driver drives your car to the destination | Running cars, short and medium routes, lower budgets | Adds kilometres and some wear; the car is exposed to road risk |
| Flatbed or tow truck (single car) | Your car is loaded onto a flatbed and carried | Luxury, new, damaged or non-running cars | Costs more; you pay for the truck’s return trip |
| Multi-car carrier | Several cars share one carrier truck | Dealers and fleet moves | Needs scheduling; waits until the load is full |
| Container or RORO (international) | Shipped by sea to or from Lagos ports | Imports and exports | Port charges, clearing and haulage are extra |
Method descriptions based on Travo car transport guidance (May 2026) and Ace Recovery’s Lagos–Abuja car transport guide (June 2025).
Car transport prices in Nigeria (2026 guide)
The estimates below are from Travo’s car transport cost guide, published in May 2026. They cover the whole journey, and the final quote depends on the vehicle, the method and the timing.
| Route | Estimated cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Lagos to Ibadan | 60,000 – 120,000 |
| Lagos to Benin | 120,000 – 220,000 |
| Abuja to Kano | 150,000 – 300,000 |
| Lagos to Abuja | 180,000 – 350,000+ |
| Lagos to Port Harcourt | 200,000 – 400,000 |
| Lagos to Enugu | 220,000 – 420,000 |
Source: Travo, Car transport cost in Nigeria and what affects your price (18 May 2026). Estimates only; your exact price is confirmed at booking.
For comparison, a Nigerian truck-hire price guide from September 2025 listed flatbed trucks at about ₦100,000–₦150,000 a day within a city and ₦200,000–₦300,000 a day for interstate jobs. Diesel has become more expensive since then. PM News reported diesel in Abuja at ₦2,000–₦2,020 a litre on 5 September 2026, up from ₦1,700–₦1,800. Carrier and flatbed rates rise with it.
What affects the price
- Distance and route. Longer routes and roads with poor surfaces or security concerns cost more.
- Method. A driven delivery is usually the cheapest. A dedicated flatbed or enclosed carrier costs the most.
- Vehicle type and value. SUVs, buses and luxury cars need more space or extra care, and high-value cars may need insurance cover.
- Running condition. A car that cannot be driven must be winched on and off, which rules out a driven delivery.
- Pickup and drop-off access. Narrow estates, ports and far-off pickup points add time and cost.
- Season and urgency. Festive periods and same-day or rush jobs cost more.
How long does car transport take?
On the Lagos to Abuja route (700+ km), Ace Recovery’s June 2025 guide estimates 12–18 hours from dispatch to drop-off: 1–2 hours to dispatch, about 15–25 minutes to load, 10–14 hours on the road and 10–20 minutes to drop off. Shorter routes such as Lagos to Ibadan can usually be done the same day. Multi-car carriers may take longer, because they wait for a full load and make several stops.
Move your car anywhere in Nigeria
Tell us the pickup and drop-off cities, the car and whether it runs. We’ll match a driver, flatbed or carrier and confirm your price before pickup.
Where we can move your car
Travo’s network covers the main intercity corridors. These include Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Enugu and Ibadan, and Abuja to Kano and the North. Cars can also be collected from Lagos ports after clearing. See the cities Travo serves. For port pickups, our guide to container transport from Apapa and Tin Can explains the process.
How to book car transport with Travo
- Request a quote. Open the booking page (haulage) or message us on WhatsApp with the route, make and model, and whether the car runs.
- Choose the method. A driver for running cars on a budget, or a flatbed or carrier for valuable, new or non-running vehicles.
- Confirm the price and date. Your price is confirmed before pickup. Ask about insurance for high-value vehicles.
- Prepare the car (see the checklist below).
- Hand over and inspect. Record the condition with dated photos at pickup, and check it again at delivery before you sign.
Checklist: preparing your car for transport
- Remove personal items, cash, documents you don’t need and loose accessories.
- Photograph every side, the interior, the odometer and any existing scratches.
- For a driven delivery, check tyres, brakes and fluids, and leave enough fuel for the trip as agreed.
- Carry copies of the vehicle papers: proof of ownership, vehicle licence and roadworthiness certificate, insurance and, for imported cars, customs papers. Our guide on how to verify vehicle documents explains each one.
- Disable any car alarm that could go off during loading, and hand over a spare key if agreed.
- Tell the transporter about any fault: leaks, electrical issues or a car that is hard to start.
Shipping a car into Nigeria
If the car is coming from abroad, sea freight is separate from the local leg. For example, Cargo Naija’s price list (February 2026) quotes roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping to Tin Can Island, Lagos, at £840 for a saloon and £1,130 for a 4×4. That is port to port only, and loading, haulage and clearing are extra. After the car is cleared, we can carry it from the port to your city. See international shipping.
Why choose Travo for car transport?
- One booking, several options: drivers, flatbeds and carriers from one platform.
- Confirmed prices before pickup, based on your actual route and vehicle.
- Nationwide reach for private owners, dealers and fleets.
- Related services such as on-demand drivers and haulage for bigger moves.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transport a car from Lagos to Abuja?
Travo’s May 2026 estimate is ₦180,000–₦350,000+, depending on the method (driver or flatbed/carrier), the vehicle and the timing.
Is it cheaper to use a driver or a car carrier?
A professional driver is usually cheaper. A flatbed or carrier costs more but keeps kilometres off the car and suits luxury, new or non-running vehicles.
How long does it take to move a car from Lagos to Abuja?
About 12–18 hours from dispatch to drop-off by tow or flatbed, according to a June 2025 guide. Shared carriers may take longer.
Can you move a car that doesn’t start?
Yes, by flatbed or tow truck with winching. Tell us when you book so the right equipment is sent.
Is my car insured during transport?
Cover depends on the provider and method. Ask for goods-in-transit or transport insurance when you book, especially for high-value vehicles, and record the car’s condition with photos.
What documents do I need?
Keep copies of proof of ownership, vehicle licence, roadworthiness and insurance, plus customs papers for imported cars, in case of checkpoints.
Related guides
- Car transport cost in Nigeria: what to expect
- Car delivery service in Nigeria
- Vehicle transport services in Nigeria
- Car towing service in Lagos
Sources: Travo car transport cost guide (18 May 2026); Viscorner truck hire prices (3 Sep 2025); PM News diesel report (5 Sep 2026); Ace Recovery Lagos–Abuja car transport guide (18 Jun 2025); Cargo Naija vehicle shipping price list (26 Feb 2026). Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
