Moving from Onikan on Lagos Island to Palmgrove on the Mainland requires crossing the lagoon. This route connects the cultural and office hub of Onikan to the busy Ikorodu Road corridor using a mix of local buses (Danfo), the high-speed Third Mainland Bridge, and dedicated bus lanes.
Hotspots
Best Time to Travel
Morning off-peak is between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Evening off-peak starts after 8:30 PM. If you must travel during morning peak hours (7:00 AM - 9:30 AM), expect heavy delays heading towards the Mainland, and severe gridlock when returning in the evening (4:30 PM - 8:00 PM).
Chance to get bus/car
Plenty crowd / long queue
Hold-up Delay Today
2 mins delay
Time you will wait at park
22 to 27 mins wait
Fare Price Level
Fares are slightly higher (1.17x)
How Road Be Now
Traffic is easing up as the day winds down.
Hold-up delay
+5 mins delay
* Based on regular route reports
Toggle to view the alternative travel plan for this search.
Walk or take a short Keke from Onikan (near National Museum) to Obalende park.
Board a direct Danfo going to Fadeyi or Ojota, and tell the conductor you will drop at Palmgrove.
The bus will cross Third Mainland Bridge and hit Ikorodu Road. Keep your eyes open and alert the conductor as you approach the Palmgrove pedestrian bridge.
Drop safely at the Palmgrove bus stop and use the pedestrian bridge to cross to your final destination side.
Always enter the bus terminal inside Obalende park instead of boarding buses on the roadside to avoid area boys and 'one-chance' vehicles.
Hold your exact change (change/wazo) in your hand before boarding to prevent arguments with the conductor.
Keep your phones and wallets deep inside your bag, not in your back pocket, when walking through Obalende.
If the bus is too packed, look for the Cowry-card regulated BRT buses at Obalende for a smoother ride.
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Safety Rating
Medium - The route is generally safe during the day, but you must stay alert at night, especially at major bus terminals like Obalende and Adeniji. Watch your pockets and phone to avoid pickpockets, and never board 'one-chance' unregistered commercial vehicles.
BRT / Rail / Water
Yes, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) is fully available along the Ikorodu Road axis starting from Fadeyi or direct from Obalende/CMS. The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (Blue or Red line) does not directly connect this specific origin and destination yet, though the Red Line runs through nearby Mushin/Yaba.
Distance
14.0 km
Duration
45 mins
Total Cost
₦1,300 - ₦2,000
Status
Verified Route
How Road Be Now
Traffic is easing up as the day winds down.
Hold-up delay
+5 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 Onikan → Palmgrove corridor. Reliable same-day delivery for fragile and essential items.
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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
Third Mainland Bridge
Because of current fuel prices and inflation, a standard Danfo trip will cost you between ₦1,300 and ₦2,000 total. If you choose a private ride-hailing app, expect to pay anywhere from ₦5,500 to ₦8,500 depending on traffic surge.
There is no direct Danfo from inside Onikan itself. You must take a very short walk or Keke ride to Obalende, which is right next to Onikan. From Obalende, you will easily find direct buses going down Ikorodu Road that pass through Palmgrove.
The safest and fastest time is mid-morning, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the road is clear and everywhere is bright. If you must travel late at night (after 9:00 PM), avoid commercial buses that look empty and use registered ride-hailing services instead.
Stay calm and keep your belongings close. Do not bring out expensive phones or laptops near the windows, as traffic hawkers or opportunistic street boys can sometimes reach in. Ensure the vehicle's windows are at a safe height.