Moving from Ikorodu to Alaba International Market means crossing from the far east of Lagos to the far west. It is a long journey that connects two busy business areas, taking you through major highways like Third Mainland Bridge and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Depending on traffic and the transport option you choose, the trip can take anywhere from two and a half to over four hours.
Hotspots
Best Time to Travel
To beat the worst gridlock, leave Ikorodu extremely early between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM, or wait until the morning rush slows down and travel during off-peak hours between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Avoid starting this journey late in the afternoon, as evening rush hour traffic around Mile 2 and Badagry Expressway can leave you stranded for hours.
Chance to get bus/car
Normal flow
Hold-up Delay Today
No hold-up
Time you will wait at park
-15 to -10 mins wait
Fare Price Level
Normal Fares
How Road Be Now
Traffic is easing up as the day winds down.
Hold-up delay
+18 mins delay
* Based on regular route reports
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Board a big commercial bus or Danfo from Ikorodu Garage heading to Mile 12 or Ketu.
Drop at Mile 12 or Ketu, then board another Danfo directly heading to Mile 2 via the Third Mainland Bridge or Oshodi.
From Mile 2, look for the buses going down Badagry Expressway and enter one heading towards Alaba International Market, dropping at Volks or Alaba Under-bridge.
Take a short Keke Marwa (tricycle) or a direct internal Danfo from the bus stop straight into the main Alaba Market area.
Always carry smaller cash notes (change) to pay the conductors so you can avoid arguments over balance.
Keep your eyes on your pockets and bags while changing buses at Mile 12 and Mile 2, as these areas are notorious for pickpockets.
Ask the conductor clearly where the bus is stopping before you enter so you do not get dropped off at the wrong junction.
Dress comfortably because you will do some walking and squeezing into tight spaces when switching buses.
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Safety Rating
Medium - You must remain highly alert, especially at major connection points like Mile 2, Volks, and Alaba Under-bridge. Pickpockets operate heavily in these crowded spaces. Avoid flashing expensive phones or carrying large amounts of cash openly. Always hold your bags tightly in front of you and do not board any unmarked commercial vehicles (locally known as 'one-chance' buses) that look suspicious.
BRT / Rail / Water
Yes, BRT buses are available from Ikorodu Garage to major hubs like Mile 12, Ojota, or CMS. While the Blue Line Rail is fully operational from Marina to Mile 2, it does not stretch all the way to Alaba yet, but it can help you bypass heavy traffic on the first half of your journey.
Distance
65.0 km
Duration
3h 0m
Total Cost
₦2,800 - ₦4,300
Status
Verified Route
How Road Be Now
Traffic is easing up as the day winds down.
Hold-up delay
+18 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
Ikorodu Road
It is safest to hold at least ₦5,000 to ₦6,000 in physical cash for a round trip. Due to constant fuel price fluctuations, transport fares can change suddenly between morning and afternoon. Always have extra cash in smaller denominations to settle drivers and conductors quickly.
Yes, but you must take extra care. If you are buying or carrying expensive items, do not use standard open Danfo buses where passengers squeeze tightly against each other. It is better to use the BRT/Train combo or charter a private ride. If you must use regular buses, make sure your items are fully wrapped in plain, non-transparent bags so people don't see what is inside.
The fastest way is the BRT and Blue Line Rail combination. Taking a bus all through the roads during rush hour can expose you to heavy traffic locks at Ketu, Ojota, and Mile 2. The train from Marina to Mile 2 completely cuts out a massive chunk of that highway congestion.
No, you will rarely find a direct public Danfo bus going straight from Ikorodu to Alaba because the distance is too far across different local transport zones. You will almost always have to stop and change buses at intermediate hubs like Mile 12, Oshodi, or Mile 2.