Moving from the busy market hub of Ketu Mile 12 on the mainland to the high-brow, exclusive Banana Island in Ikoyi is a long journey. It cuts across major parts of Lagos. Because of high fuel prices, the cost of transport has gone up significantly. To survive this route without breaking the bank or getting stuck in traffic for hours, you need to understand the right connection points, the best time to move, and how to combine different public buses (Danfo), BRT buses, and kekes (tricycles).
Hotspots
Best Time to Travel
Chance to get bus/car
Small delay on the road
Hold-up Delay Today
3 mins delay
Time you will wait at park
11 to 16 mins wait
Fare Price Level
Fares are slightly higher (1.06x)
How Road Be Now
Traffic is easing up as the day winds down.
Hold-up delay
+14 mins delay
* Based on regular route reports
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Walk to the main garage at Mile 12 or Ketu Bus Stop and board a big Danfo bus going directly to Obalende.
Drop at Obalende Under-bridge or the final Obalende park. Walk over to the Keke Marwa park heading towards Ikoyi/Falomo.
Take the Keke from Obalende and drop at Falomo Bus Stop or close to the Ikoyi club axis where you can find the direct shuttles.
From the designated junction near Ikoyi Road or the Banana Island main gate area, enter the approved estate shuttle bus or a special Keke allowed to go inside the estate.
Pass through security screening at the gate and drop at your exact zone or block inside Banana Island.
Always enter the bus with 'change' (small naira notes) to avoid fights with Danfo conductors who might delay giving you your balance.
Keep your eyes open at Obalende park, especially if it is dark, as area boys operate quickly there.
Ensure your identity card is with you because the security at the Banana Island gate is very strict about who goes inside.
Download a map or ask the conductor clearly if the bus is passing through Third Mainland Bridge or taking the longer Western Avenue route.
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To beat the worst traffic, leave Mile 12 between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM for morning trips. If you travel during off-peak hours, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM is quite free. For evening return trips from Banana Island, try to leave either before 4:00 PM or delay your movement until after 8:30 PM to avoid getting stuck on Falomo Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge.
Safety Rating
Medium - The mainland parts like Mile 12 and Obalende are very rowdy and attract pickpockets, especially in the early mornings and late nights. Hold your phone and wallet tightly, and avoid counting money in the open. Once you cross into Ikoyi and approach the Banana Island gate, the safety rating becomes very High because of heavy private security guards and restricted entry.
BRT / Rail / Water
Yes, BRT is fully available from Mile 12 terminal down to Fadeyi or CMS, which helps you bypass some traffic on Ikorodu Road. There is no direct passenger rail line linking Mile 12 to Ikoyi yet.
Distance
32.5 km
Duration
2h 15m
Total Cost
₦2,400 - ₦3,500
Status
Verified Route
How Road Be Now
Traffic is easing up as the day winds down.
Hold-up delay
+14 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
Book a verified dispatch rider for the Ketu Mile 12 → Banana Island corridor. Reliable same-day delivery for fragile and essential items.
30-60 Min
Same-day
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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
No, walking inside from the main gate is usually discouraged or restricted by estate security due to the extreme distance and security protocols. It is highly recommended to take the approved estate shuttle or get a direct ride from your host.
Fares have increased significantly because of the rising cost of fuel (PMS) in Nigeria. Drivers now pay much more to fill their tanks, and they pass this cost down to commuters. Also, the long distance between mainland Mile 12 and island Ikoyi means more fuel consumption.
It is moderately risky on the mainland side. While Ikoyi and Banana Island are safe and well-lit at night, areas like Mile 12, Ketu under-bridge, and Obalende can be dangerous after dark due to boys looking for bags and phones. If you must travel late, using a registered ride-hailing car is safer than waiting for a Danfo.
No, BRT buses do not enter Banana Island. The BRT lanes only run on major mainland highways and stop around major terminals like CMS or Obalende. You must use local transport links like kekes or specific estate shuttles to finish your journey.