Moving from Onikan on Lagos Island to Shomolu on the Mainland is a common everyday commute. The trip takes you across the lagoon via the Third Mainland Bridge, moving from the quiet museum and stadium zone of Onikan into the busy, tightly packed residential and printing hubs of Shomolu. While the distance is not too long, your travel time and total cost will depend heavily on the time of day, current fuel prices, and the specific route you choose to bypass heavy traffic.
Hotspots
Best Time to Travel
For a smooth trip, travel during the off-peak hours between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM, or late in the evening after 8:30 PM. If you must travel during morning peak hours (6:30 AM to 9:00 AM), prepare for heavy delays around Obalende and the approach to the Third Mainland Bridge.
Chance to get bus/car
Normal flow
Hold-up Delay Today
No hold-up
Time you will wait at park
0 to 5 mins wait
Fare Price Level
Normal Fares
How Road Be Now
Traffic is easing up as the day winds down.
Hold-up delay
+6 mins delay
* Based on regular route reports
Toggle to view the alternative travel plan for this search.
Walk or take a short Keke from your starting point in Onikan (near the National Museum or TBS) to the major Obalende Bus Terminus.
At Obalende Motor Park, board a big commercial bus (Danfo) going directly to Yaba Bus Stop.
From Yaba Under-Bridge, cross over and board another short Danfo or enter a shared Keke heading straight into Shomolu (via Fola Agoro or Pedro).
Always hold 'change' (smaller naira notes like ₦200 and ₦500) to avoid fights with drivers and conductors.
Listen carefully to the conductor when they shout the destination so you do not enter the wrong bus at Obalende.
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Safety Rating
Medium - The route is generally safe during the day, but you must stay alert at major bus stops like Obalende and Yaba. Keep your phone and wallet inside your bag to avoid pickpockets. Avoid walking alone in dark corners of Shomolu or under the bridges late at night.
BRT / Rail / Water
There is no direct BRT or train line from Onikan to Shomolu. However, you can access the BRT corridor along Ikorodu Road (dropping at Palmgrove or Onipanu) or use the Lagos Ride-Hailing scheme. The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (Red Line) runs near the Mainland but does not directly connect this specific Island-to-Shomolu path.
Distance
15.0 km
Duration
55 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
+6 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 → Shomolu corridor. Reliable same-day delivery for fragile and essential items.
30-60 Min
Same-day
₦4,200
Available Riders Nearby
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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
The cheapest way is to use public transport. Take a walk or Keke to Obalende, enter a Danfo to Yaba, and then take a final Keke or small bus into Shomolu. This keeps your total fare within the ₦1,300 to ₦2,000 range.
During the evening peak period (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM), severe bottlenecks build up at the Obalende exit and the climb onto the Third Mainland Bridge. The trip can easily stretch from 35 minutes to 1.5 hours or more.
No, you will rarely find a direct Danfo bus moving from Onikan straight to Shomolu. You will almost always need to stop and change buses or Kekes at Obalende, Yaba, or Palmgrove.
It is moderately safe, but you must be very cautious after 9:00 PM. Major transit points like Yaba Under-Bridge and Obalende can have street boys ('area boys') looking for easy targets. If you must travel late, using a registered ride-hailing car is highly recommended.