How much does it cost to travel to Lagos (Nigeria)? Flights, accommodation, etc.

Lagos, Nigeria's largest city and economic hub, is a vibrant metropolis known for its bustling markets, lively culture, and rich history. As with many major cities in Africa, Lagos offers a range of experiences and accommodations to suit different budgets. However, traveling to Lagos can be costly, especially for international flights and upscale accommodation. Below is a comprehensive guide to the costs of traveling to Lagos, Nigeria, covering flights, accommodation, food, and activities.

Where to Stay

Lagos offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Prices vary depending on the area, type of accommodation, and the time of booking.

Budget accommodations: In areas like Yaba or Surulere, you can find budget hotels and guesthouses, with prices ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 ($10 to $30) per night for a basic room.
Mid-range accommodations: Hotels in more central areas like Victoria Island or Lekki cost between ₦25,000 and ₦70,000 ($50 to $140) per night for a double room in a mid-range hotel or boutique guesthouse.
Luxury accommodations: High-end hotels in Lagos, such as the Eko Hotel & Suites or the Radisson Blu, typically cost between ₦80,000 and ₦200,000 ($150 to $400) per night for a luxury room or suite.

When to Go

The best time to visit Lagos depends on the weather and events, as well as your budget preferences.

Low season: The rainy season (April to October) sees lower prices on accommodation, but the weather can be humid and wet. This is a good time to visit if you're looking for cheaper travel options.
Peak season: The dry season (November to March) is the peak season for tourism. The weather is warm and sunny, but hotel prices can be significantly higher, especially during the Christmas and New Year period.
Shoulder season: The months just before and after the peak season (October and April) offer a balance of pleasant weather and lower accommodation rates.

Airfare

The cost of flights to Lagos varies depending on your departure city, time of year, and when you book.

From New York: Round-trip flights from New York to Lagos generally cost between $600 and $1,200, depending on the season and the airline.
From London: Flights from London to Lagos are often more affordable, with round-trip fares ranging from $400 to $800.
From other cities: Flights from major cities like Dubai, Paris, or Johannesburg can range from $300 to $1,000 for a round-trip ticket, depending on booking time and season.

Food

Lagos offers a wide range of dining options, from street food to upscale restaurants. Eating out in Lagos can be inexpensive or pricey depending on where you choose to dine.

Street food: Popular Nigerian street foods such as puff-puff, suya (grilled meat), or akara (bean cakes) can cost as little as ₦200 to ₦1,500 ($0.50 to $3) per serving.
Casual dining: In local restaurants or fast food chains, meals generally range from ₦1,500 to ₦5,000 ($3 to $10) per person for dishes like jollof rice, pounded yam, or fried rice with chicken.
Fine dining: Upscale restaurants in Lagos, such as Terra Kulture or Bungalow Restaurant, may cost ₦7,000 to ₦20,000 ($15 to $40) per person for a multi-course meal or specialty dishes.

Attractions and Tourist Spots

Lagos offers a variety of attractions, including museums, beaches, and historical sites. The cost of visiting these spots can vary.

National Museum Lagos: Entry to the National Museum, which houses Nigerian artifacts and history, costs around ₦1,000 to ₦2,000 ($2 to $5) for adults.
Lekki Conservation Centre: A visit to the Lekki Conservation Centre, where you can walk on a canopy bridge and explore nature, costs around ₦1,500 to ₦3,000 ($3 to $6).
Elegushi Beach: Beach clubs and resorts at Elegushi Beach charge an entrance fee of ₦1,000 to ₦2,000 ($2 to $5), with additional charges for food and activities.
Nike Art Gallery: The Nike Art Gallery is free to visit, but you may want to purchase souvenirs. It’s one of the largest art galleries in Africa, showcasing Nigerian crafts.

Excursions and Tours

To fully experience Lagos, you may want to join an organized tour or excursion. Tour prices vary depending on the duration and the activities involved.

City tours: Guided city tours, covering attractions like the National Theatre, Lekki Conservation Centre, and markets, generally cost between ₦10,000 and ₦25,000 ($20 to $50) per person.
Boat tours: A boat tour around Lagos Lagoon or a day trip to nearby islands can cost between ₦10,000 and ₦50,000 ($20 to $100) depending on the tour type and group size.
Private tours: Private tours, such as personalized city excursions or trips to cultural sites, can range from ₦30,000 to ₦100,000 ($60 to $200) depending on the service provider and duration.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is recommended for trips to Lagos, covering unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or loss of luggage.

Basic travel insurance: Basic coverage typically costs between ₦5,000 and ₦15,000 ($10 to $30) for short trips, covering health emergencies and cancellations.
Comprehensive travel insurance: Comprehensive coverage, including protection for high-risk activities and baggage loss, ranges from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 ($40 to $100).

General Tips for Saving Money

Traveling to Lagos can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money while still enjoying the best of the city.

Use public transportation: Lagos offers affordable public transportation, including buses and the Lagos Blue Line Light Rail, with fares ranging from ₦100 to ₦500 ($0.25 to $1). Avoid using taxis unless necessary, as they can be more expensive.
Negotiate prices: In local markets or when hiring drivers, always negotiate prices. Many vendors expect bargaining, and you can save money by being assertive.
Stay in budget areas: To reduce accommodation costs, consider staying in local neighborhoods like Ikeja or Surulere, which offer affordable options while being well-connected to main attractions.

Car Rental

If you're planning to explore beyond Lagos or prefer to have more flexibility, renting a car might be a good option, though it's generally not necessary for city exploration.

Car rental prices: Renting a car in Lagos typically costs between ₦15,000 and ₦50,000 ($30 to $100) per day, depending on the car type and rental agency.
Alternative transportation: Consider using ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt, which are widely available in Lagos and can be more affordable than renting a car, with rides ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 ($2 to $10) depending on distance.

Internet and Communication Chip

Staying connected while in Lagos is easy with various options for internet access and local SIM cards.

SIM cards: Prepaid SIM cards for tourists are available at airports or local shops, with prices ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 ($2 to $10) for data and calls packages.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants. However, coverage might not be as reliable or fast as in other countries.

Conclusion

Visiting Lagos can be an exciting and enriching experience. While the city can be expensive, there are ways to travel on a budget, especially with careful planning and an understanding of local costs. From affordable food and public transportation to exciting cultural experiences and vibrant nightlife, Lagos offers a dynamic range of activities for all types of travelers.