This guide helps you move from the Island (Lekki) to the mainland wholesale market area (Trade Fair, Badagry Expressway). It is a long journey that crosses the lagoon and passes through major commercial hubs like Orile and Mile 2. Because of the long distance and heavy vehicle traffic, you need to plan your movement well to avoid spending all day on the road.
Hotspots
Best Time to Travel
To beat the worst traffic, leave Lekki very early between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM if you are heading out for morning business. For off-peak travel, the best time is between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Avoid starting this journey between 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM because workers returning home will block the major corridors, especially around CMS and Mile 2.
Chance to get bus/car
Plenty crowd / long queue
Hold-up Delay Today
11 mins delay
Time you will wait at park
14 to 19 mins wait
Fare Price Level
Fares are slightly higher (1.21x)
How Road Be Now
Standard daytime traffic. Some slow-moving vehicles near commercial hubs.
Hold-up delay
+90 mins delay
* Based on regular route reports
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Board a big commercial bus or Danfo from Lekki (Jakande or Chevron) heading towards CMS or Obalende.
Drop at CMS Under-bridge, walk towards the Marina park or the Blue Line Rail station, and enter a bus going to Mile 2.
Drop at Mile 2 bus stop, cross the pedestrian bridge to the Badagry expressway side, and enter a direct Danfo or yellow LT bus going to Trade Fair or Agbara.
Stay in the bus through Alakija and drop at the main Trade Fair bus stop or Under-bridge, close to the market gates.
Always hold small change ('wazo' and 'hundred naira' notes) to pay the conductors so you do not get stuck sharing 'change' with other passengers.
Keep your bags locked and hold them in front of your chest when walking through the crowd at Mile 2.
If you want to save time and stress, use the Blue Line Train from Marina to Mile 2 instead of taking a bus for that section.
Ask the conductor clearly if the bus is passing through the expressway or the inner routing before you enter.
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Safety Rating
Medium - You must remain highly alert, especially at major bus stops like CMS, Mile 2, and Maza Maza. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in these crowded areas. Avoid showing expensive phones or carrying large amounts of cash openly. If you are travelling late in the evening, look out for 'One-Chance' buses (fake commercial vehicles used by criminals) and always board from organized garages rather than roadside pick-up points.
BRT / Rail / Water
Yes, there is partial rail and BRT availability. You can use the Lagos Blue Line Rail from Marina (near CMS) to Mile 2, which helps you bypass the heavy traffic on the road completely. From Mile 2, you will find BRT buses and standard commercial buses going down to Trade Fair along the dedicated transit lanes.
Distance
42.0 km
Duration
2h 30m
Total Cost
₦2,300 - ₦3,500
Status
Verified Route
How Road Be Now
Standard daytime traffic. Some slow-moving vehicles near commercial hubs.
Hold-up delay
+90 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
It is best to have at least ₦4,000 to ₦6,000 in cash if you are using public buses to cover any sudden increase in fares due to traffic or weather changes. If you are using ride-hailing apps, have about ₦15,000 to ₦20,000 ready on your card or for cash transfer.
Yes! You can take a bus from Lekki to CMS/Marina, then enter the Blue Line Rail from Marina station straight to Mile 2. This is highly recommended because it cuts out the worst traffic on the main roads. From Mile 2, you will only need a short bus ride to reach Trade Fair.
Avoid leaving Trade Fair between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM. This is when the markets close and thousands of traders and shoppers are heading back to the mainland and island, causing terrible traffic blockages at Alakija, Mile 2, and all the way back to the CMS axis.
Trade Fair is very busy and crowded. While it is generally safe for business, you must be careful with your money. Do not carry large amounts of physical cash in nylon bags. Use mobile bank transfers where possible, or keep your cash deeply hidden inside a zipped body bag worn across your front.