Moving from Awoyaya to Apapa takes you from the far edge of the Lekki corridor right into the heart of Lagos' oldest port district. It is a long journey that crosses from the Island to the Mainland, meaning you will face heavy traffic, especially at major chokepoints like Ajah, Lekki Toll Gate, and the chaotic gridlock heading into Apapa. Because of recent fuel price increases, transport costs are much higher now, so you must budget properly and prepare for a stressful trip if you travel during peak hours.
Hotspots
Best Time to Travel
To beat the worst traffic, leave Awoyaya very early between 4:30 AM and 5:30 AM. If you miss this morning window, wait until the off-peak period between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. For evening travel, try to avoid moving between 4:30 PM and 8:30 PM when workers are returning from the Island.
Chance to get bus/car
Normal / Easy to get bus
Hold-up Delay Today
No hold-up
Time you will wait at park
6 to 11 mins wait
Fare Price Level
Fares are slightly higher (1.24x)
How Road Be Now
Severe evening congestion. Major routes are currently at high capacity.
Hold-up delay
+324 mins delay
* Based on regular route reports
Toggle to view the alternative travel plan for this search.
Stand at Awoyaya bus stop along the Lekki-Epe expressway and board a direct Danfo bus heading to Ajah.
Drop at Ajah, walk under the bridge, and board a larger commercial bus or a Danfo going directly to CMS or Obalende.
From CMS or Obalende bus stop, look for the Danfo buses heading straight to Apapa Wharf or Costain/Ijora.
If your bus drops you at Costain or Ijora Under-bridge, enter a final short-trip Danfo or a Keke directly into Apapa.
Always enter the bus with 'change' (small naira notes) to avoid fighting with conductors over balance.
Hold your bags tightly in front of you when walking through Ajah Under-bridge and CMS.
Ask the conductor clearly if the bus is going to 'Apapa Wharf' or 'Balu' before you step inside.
Keep an eye on the person sitting next to you; do not let anyone distract you with strange stories or packages.
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Safety Rating
Medium - You must remain highly alert, especially when changing buses at night or during heavy traffic. Pickpockets are very common at Ajah Under-bridge and Costain. Keep your phone and wallet safe. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and do not display cash openly at the bus stops. If you get stuck in traffic around Ijora or Apapa at night, wind up your car windows and lock your doors to avoid 'one-chance' or traffic robbers.
BRT / Rail / Water
There is no direct BRT lane or train service connecting Awoyaya to Apapa. However, you can use the standard blue BRT buses from Ajah down to CMS, or use the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) from CMS/Marina over to Apapa to bypass the worst road traffic completely.
Distance
62.0 km
Duration
3h 0m
Total Cost
₦3,500 - ₦5,000
Status
Verified Route
How Road Be Now
Severe evening congestion. Major routes are currently at high capacity.
Hold-up delay
+324 mins delay
* Based on regular route reports
Bypass the Ikeja Under-Bridge corridor from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM. Traffic builds rapidly due to commercial buses loading along the main road lanes.
Areas Affected
75% confidence based on 12 commuter reports
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Bypass the Ikeja Under-Bridge corridor from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM. Traffic builds rapidly due to commercial buses loading along the main road lanes.
Areas Affected
Lekki-Epe Expressway
Because of high fuel prices and inflation, you should hold at least ₦5,000 to ₦6,000 for a round trip if you are using standard Danfo buses. It is always wise to keep an extra ₦2,000 in your pocket or your bank app in case fares increase suddenly due to unexpected evening traffic or rain.
It is not very safe. The roads leading into Apapa, like Ijora and the port access roads, become dark and lonely at night, and they are notorious for traffic robbers who attack slow-moving vehicles. If it is past 8:00 PM and you are still far away, consider using the boat if available, or find a safe place to sleep on the Island and move the next morning.
No, you cannot. There are no direct commercial buses from Awoyaya to Apapa. You must break the journey into sections. The standard way is to go from Awoyaya to Ajah, then Ajah to CMS or Obalende, and finally from CMS or Obalende into Apapa.
The absolute best alternative is to take a bus from Awoyaya to CMS, and then enter a commercial ferry or speedboat from the Marina Jetty straight to Apapa. The boat ride takes less than 15 minutes and completely skips all the tanker traffic on the road.