Trips to Lagos
What to know about Lagos
Known by locals as the "Giant of Africa", there's never a dull moment in Lagos, the vibrant metropolis and capital city of Nigeria. This is the city where hundreds of languages and native traditions blend together to form a colourful culture. Historically, holidays to Lagos and Nigeria may have been considered 'wild card' options, but these days, the destination is conveniently accessible from most major airports.
As the commercial and entertainment heart of Nigeria, there's lots to see and do in Lagos. It's a coastal city with an abundance of places to relax or party, depending on your mood. Also, if you're an avid sun worshipper, you've got to check out Lagos' picture-perfect beaches, including the likes of Eleko Beach and Tarkwa Bay, which offer beautiful blue oceans and white sand beaches. Oh, and if it floats your boat, Tarkwa Bay is renowned as a surfer's paradise, so you can strap on your wetsuit and hit the waves.
Terra Kulture is the cultural hub of Lagos, showcasing hundreds of art exhibitions, plays and book readings in the heart of the capital. Hundreds of productions and musicals have been staged here since opening its doors in 2003. Take it from us: there's no better way of experiencing the rich diversity of Nigerian languages and arts.
The city's culinary delights are also guaranteed to tempt your taste buds. Ask any globetrotting digital nomad and they'll be able to verify that Lagos' street food scene is up there with the best in Africa. On almost every street corner there'll be hawker stalls selling fried yam, plantain and potatoes, all with zingy sauces to enjoy on the go. Our hot pick would be a grilled beef dish, known as Suya, which is a staple meal across most neighbourhoods in the city. If you're looking for something a little more boujee, there's no shortage of fine dining choices, with mouthwatering dishes that ooze character.
If you're wondering how big Lagos is in Nigeria, think about it this way: the capital has twice the number of people than London! So essentially, there's always something to see or do in this bustling city with a vibrant culture. You're spoilt for choice with local pubs, trendy wine bars and hipster clubs on your doorstep.
Here is a tip for you: booking your flight and hotel at the same time and not separately can make you save up to 40%. Take advantage of a flight + hotel package in Lagos to your destination and save time searching for hotels separately. If you have already purchased your flight and you're only looking for a hotel, you can find it here.
What to do in Lagos, Nigeria, in 3 days
Don't know where to start with planning a long weekend in the Nigerian capital? We've got you covered. Use our 3-day itinerary as a starting point for your stay. This'll help you experience Lagos life as it's meant to be enjoyed.
Day 1: Enjoy the sun on Landmark Beach
- From the moment you touch down in Lagos, get set to mingle with the locals. Hop on a yellow bus or taxi to downtown Lagos and you’ll get there in under half an hour.
- Drop off your bags at the hotel and unwind after your flight by enjoying a couple of hours at Landmark Beach on Victoria Island. This pristine beach is one of the best family-friendly atmospheres, with its trendy bars, cafes and restaurants lining the strip.
- After a quiet afternoon on the beach, head into the city to dine like the locals. One of their favourite dishes is jollof rice, the complex, spicy dish cooked in tomato sauce.
Day 2: Visit the Terra Kulture Centre
- Pack as much into your first full day in Lagos as possible. Soak up the culture by heading to the Nike Art Gallery, boasting diverse artwork from creatives across Nigeria.
- The Terra Kulture Centre also showcases the best in Nigerian arts. Check out their website as it’s possible they’ll have a play or musical production scheduled for the weekend you’re there.
- The Kalakuta Republic Museum is a celebration of AfroBeats icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who passed away in 1997. The museum showcases Fela’s upbringing, his musical career and his political activism.
Day 3: Canoe in the Epe Mangroves
- Soak up some scenery for your final day. Head to the Lekki Conservation Centre and tackle the canopy walkway if you have a head for heights. Alternatively, an early morning walk across the mangroves is a perfectly chill way to start your day.
- Speaking of the mangroves, you can canoe through the Epe Mangroves to get up close and personal with rural life on the outskirts of Lagos.
- Head to Balogun Market and do some bartering for fabrics and handmade accessories in its helter-skelter atmosphere. They’re the ideal souvenirs before heading back to the airport for your return flight home.
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in Lagos and travel the open road.
Frequently asked questions about flights to Lagos
What’s the name of the Lagos airport(s)?
The name of the airport in Lagos is the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS). The airport was constructed during World War II and modelled on Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS).
Which airlines offer direct flights to Lagos?
If you’re wondering how to go to Lagos in Nigeria for a holiday, there are two major airlines which serve the route from the UK to Lagos – British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Both carriers fly direct from London Heathrow (LHR) to Lagos, with an average flight time of six hours and 35 minutes each way.
How can I request assistance for children travelling alone?
If you have a minor that needs to fly alone to Lagos, most airline operators will allow this so long as they’re aged five and above. Travel assistance is available with most carriers but, as with most passenger requests, it’s best to submit your enquiry well in advance of their flight.
How can I travel with the assistance dog?
Anyone registered blind can get mobility assistance from their departure airport to Lagos. Availability of guide dogs is limited, however, so it’s always best to call or email your airline in good time before your trip to the Nigerian capital.
How can I find cheap flights to Lagos with flexible change policies at Opodo?
Scroll to the top of this page where you’ll find our search function. Here, you can search for flights to Lagos from your preferred departure airport at a date and time that suits you best. To access the cheapest prices, become an Opodo Prime member. For the most flexibility when flying to Lagos, choose our Flex and Super Flex airfares, so you can freely alter your flight time or date of departure.
How can I book cheap hotels on Opodo in Lagos?
You can arrange your entire trip to Lagos with us. Enter your departure airport and Lagos as your destination airport. Select your preferred departure and return dates and hit the ‘Search Flight + Hotel’ tab. We check the price of millions of hotels and alternative accommodations daily, so you can be sure we’ll list the best value hotels for your stay in Lagos.
What baggage do I need to check on my flight?
Typically, you're allowed to carry one small bag onto the plane for flights to Lagos. This must be small enough to be stowed beneath your seat for take-off and landing. If you’ve paid an airfare that allows you to take on more hand luggage, this will probably be a small suitcase weighing no more than 10kg. All other luggage must be checked in at the relevant desk before departure.
How can I check in with Opodo?
Once you’ve purchased flights to Lagos through Opodo, you'll be free to check in online with your chosen airline. With British Airways, you can usually check in online 24 hours before your flight up to one hour before take-off. With Virgin Atlantic, it's a similar story, although online check-in may close two hours before take-off.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from my departure city to Lagos?
We offer free same-day cancellation when you buy flights to Lagos in error. If you decide to cancel at a later date, you’re likely to incur a cancellation fee. You may still be liable for the total cost of the airfare. Alternatively, you can pay for our Cancel for Any Reason Guarantee when booking. This allows you to cancel at any time for an excess fee of just 20% of the original airfare.
How do I know if my flight is eligible for compensation?
Flights two-to-three hours late are eligible for food and beverage vouchers or accommodation if the flight distance is less than 2,174 miles. Unfortunately, the average distance from the UK to Lagos is 3,119 miles, putting it outside of this window. Flights to Lagos delayed further than this may incur further compensation, so long as the delay is down to the airline. Delays of five hours or more require airlines to issue full refunds within a week of your departure date.
Flying to Lagos: All you need to know
Unlike some capital cities, there's only one international airport in Lagos. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) has been open since the 1940s. The current international terminal underwent a full refurbishment in 2013 and its domestic terminal remains the primary hub for the biggest Nigerian airline, Air Peace. You'll be chuffed to hear that the airport's safety record has improved by no end. Since 2010, the airport has achieved the top safety rating from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both fly direct to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) from London Heathrow (LHR) and on average, flights to Lagos from UK airports take around six-and-a-half hours. You might be fearing the dreaded jet lag, but what's great about flying to Lagos is its unproblematic (well, for British tourists...) time zone. The time in Lagos, Nigeria, is the same as in the UK, so you've nothing to worry about!
Once you’ve passed security and retrieved your luggage, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) has plenty of amenities. There are plenty of ATMs and currency exchange desks should you need them, as well as plenty of fast-food outlets serving everything from fried and grilled chicken to pastries and sandwiches.
Another bonus you'll benefit from is the straightforward nature of the trips to and from downtown Lagos from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS). The airport is near Lagos city centre so there are plenty of taxis and yellow buses to pick from outside arrivals.
This would be the opportune time to recommend that, if you're planning on taking yellow or blue taxis, you should agree on a fee for the ride into central Lagos in advance. For context, single journeys today should cost no more than ₦5,000, which is approximately £5.20.
When you fly home from Lagos, you can also check out one of two passenger lounges. Both the Platinum and VIP lounges are open 24/7, serving complimentary food and drink. Free unlimited Wi-Fi is also part of the deal, but it’s best to reserve a space ahead of your flight home.
The best time to visit Lagos
The most comfortable time of year to visit Lagos is during the winter months. It's way cooler between November and February, thanks to the Harmattan winds which stop the mercury from rising too high. It's not as humid in the winter either. So your action-packed itinerary is less likely to leave you flagging.
It's also the driest time of the year to experience Lagos. That's why you'll find most airline operators consider this period as the city's 'high season', with demand for flights peaking about now. As with most high seasons, you'll have to pay more for your flights. It's a small price to pay to get a true taste of Lagos culture, with its wealth of beach and street parties on the agenda.
If you find wet weather a bit of a buzzkill when exploring new cities, it's best not to visit Lagos in June and July as they are renowned for the highest monthly rainfall throughout the year. It's common for the city to suffer torrential downpours and flash flooding, which can leave central Lagos gridlocked.
Looking to make every penny count when arranging a trip to Lagos? The best value airfares can be found in August, October and early November. Temperatures are even cooler than the winter high season, although showers are still common. August is the school holiday season, which means downtown Lagos is often quieter, making it easier to explore on foot or public transport.
