When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Lagos?
Cheap flights to Lagos can be found from February to June as well as in the autumn. However, keep in mind that the rainy season lasts from June to November. While it will be warm regardless of the time of year, it will be humid during those six months. Lagos flight prices increase at Christmas and during the summer holidays.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Lagos?
Plan your trip to Nigeria ahead of time. Flights to Lagos from the UK can get very busy, so book at least three months in advance to find the best deals. Bargains on last-minute flights to Lagos might be available in the rainy season, but in order to secure cheap return flights to Lagos, the key is to be flexible with your travel plans.
Flying to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS)
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is about 14.5 kilometres from Lagos and is located in the Lagos state capital, Ikeja. It is named after Murtala Muhammed, the military ruler of Nigeria from 1975–76. It is the main international gateway to Nigeria.
From the UK, you can get direct flights to Lagos with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, which both fly out of London Heathrow. Lagos flights are available from a number of other UK airports, such as London Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham if you choose an indirect route. If you book with Lufthansa, you will fly via Frankfurt. KLM flies through Amsterdam. Return flights to Lagos are also offered by Qatar Airways and Emirates, making stopovers in Doha and Dubai, respectively. Air France offers indirect Lagos flights that make a stopover in Paris. Some connections may require changing airline, but this is not always necessary.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
There are two terminals at LOS: one for domestic flights and one for international. They are situated around 800 m from each other. While this distance can be walked, taxi drivers often offer their services between the two. At the international terminal, there is a bank, post office and ATM. There is a tourist information desk in the arrivals hall for information on hotels and the general area. Food and drink shops are available, as well as duty-free shopping. There a number of business lounges in the international terminal.
Getting to the City from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS)
To get to the city centre from LOS, it is best to organise transportation with your accommodation, but you can also take a taxi. The journey can take up to an hour. Yellow taxis outside the international terminal are the most trusted providers, but always check your driver’s ID and agree on the price before entering the vehicle. You can also hire a car from the airport, but this is not a good idea if you are not used to the road conditions. There is a public bus terminal about 2.5 km from the airport, but bear in mind that this mode of transportation does not come as highly recommended.
Why Visit Lagos?
Lagos, the former capital and largest city in Nigeria, is an economic powerhouse in Africa. The port city is a bustling, densely populated metropolis that is famed for its nightlife, shopping and beaches. The city is a cacophony of noise; its streets rammed with cars, market stalls and a booming population. If you can take a step back from the culture shock, it’s a wondrous place to see all walks of life, from local market traders to big oil investors.
Soak up the sun along West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea at popular beaches, such as Bar Beach or head slightly out of the city for Tarkwa Beach and Eleko Beach. Don’t forget to practise your haggling skills as you work your way through markets and shops searching for bargains. Be sure to visit the Black Heritage Museum, which tells of the country’s slave trade history and more recent, turbulent past.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
You will need a visa prior to your arrival in Lagos. Check with the Nigerian High Commission for the most up-to-date information on how to apply. Your passport will need to be valid for a minimum of six months from your date of entry into Nigeria, keep this in mind when booking last-minute flights. The currency in Nigeria is the naira. In some larger establishments, you may be able to pay by card and ATMs are available in the city. You can exchange money in Lagos, but make sure to do so in reliable moneychangers.
