LAGOS TO BENIN BY ROAD: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE

For the majority, road travel is the easiest and cheapest way of getting around the country and while in this case, air travel is more convenient, a trip by road is far cheaper and affords passengers a chance to take in the scenic route.

Lagos is the commercial hub of the entire country and one of the most densely populated cities in the country as a result while Benin is the capital of Edo state, centre of the Nigerian rubber industry and one of the oldest cities in the country located in the South-South region of the country.

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET A BENIN -BOUND VEHICLE IN LAGOS

Mile Two Park: Located in the bustling Mile Two area, from anywhere on the mainland take a BRT or Bus going to Mile Two and alight at the Park. In the park there is the usual range of vehicles, Buses mostly though. The vehicles all going to Edo (Benin) all operate in the 3,000 naira range.

Ojota Motor Park: Take any Bus or BRT going to Ojota and alight at the park, go in and you’ll easily find the buses going to Benin. Like at the Mile Two Park, Buses are predominant here and they go for around the same price range of 3,000 naira.

Yaba Motor Park: Located in the Yaba area of Lagos, as with the other parks, easily accessible by BRT or Bus. Taxis, Buses and Minivans are available in the park at the usual rate of 3,000, more for the taxis and minivans.

When going on such a journey, you can also consider using private transport companies. They may be more expensive, but they usually offer a better structure and more comfortable buses. Some of these road transport companies include God is Good Motors, ABC Transport Company, Chisco Transport, Cross Country Transport Limited and Guo Transport.

WHAT/HOW TO PACK

• Pack as few bags as possible for easy management and to save cost, Drivers tend to charge extra for really big bags (especially the taxi and minivan drivers) and extra bags.

• Make sure you get to the park on time so you can pick a seat of your choice.

• When you get to the park you’ll be set upon by different *alabarus (porters loitering around waiting for passengers with heavy luggage) who’ll flat out demand to carry your bags to the vehicle going to your destination, you have a choice of firmly indicating a “No” with your head and walking past them or surrendering your bag(s) to them if they’re heavy, however be sure to keep a close watch on the porter and your bag(s)

• Inform your driver of any fragile items in your bag. It also helps to watch as the bags are being arranged to ensure your belongings aren’t squashed in a corner or under other heavy luggage. Keep all valuables with you

• On no condition should you have any sort of camouflage material with you as they’re banned and if found on your person, will lead to you being extorted for money by the policemen along the route and the vehicle being delayed.

• Watch what you eat before travelling, it is better to err on the side of caution where public restrooms are concerned.

• Fill the personal information form that will be passed around beforehand. The transport company just might need to reach someone on your behalf.

TIME TAKEN

The trip from Lagos to Benin usually takes approximately 5hrs 30mins, taking into consideration road and weather conditions.

SNACK AND RESTROOM OPTIONS

There are a variety of snacks to pick from at the park and you can buy whatever you want beforehand. If you are hungry during the journey however, there is a rest stop at the popular Ore where the vehicle is going to stop for about a half hour for passengers who are thus inclined to eat, relieve themselves and stretch their legs for a bit.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO BENIN

• Evacuate your bowels before leaving the house.

• Make sure you fill the personal information form supplied to passengers and also take down the licence plate number of the vehicle and pass on to as many friends as possible (and make sure the driver sees you taking down the plate number)

• Make sure your most valuable possessions are kept close to hand in a carryon or a small bag, not just because of theft but also because of the way items are stacked carelessly in the trunk.

• I prefer sitting up front beside the driver, asides being the most comfortable seat in the vehicle, it’s also within easy reach of the charging port so you can listen to music, read, surf the internet (where coverage exists on the road) without running your battery flat. Barring that, leave the house with a full charge and a powerbank if you have one.

GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION

Getting to Benin, you’ll be dropped off at “Bypass” stop from which you can get a bus to your destination
Have a Safe Trip!

Related: Ilorin to Zaria By Road: A Traveler's Guide