Moving from Pako (around Isolo/Cele axis) to Mushin is a busy daily commute in mainland Lagos. Because of recent fuel price increases, transport fares change often depending on the time of day, the rain, or traffic jams. This guide breaks down the easiest and cheapest ways to make this journey safely using commercial buses, connecting kekes, or private rides.
Hotspots
Best Time to Travel
The best time to travel to avoid heavy gridlock is during off-peak hours between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM. If you must travel in the morning, leave before 6:30 AM. For evening return trips, try to pass through the main junctions before 5:00 PM or wait until after 8:30 PM when the initial rush dies down.
Chance to get bus/car
Normal flow
Hold-up Delay Today
No hold-up
Time you will wait at park
-11 to -6 mins wait
Fare Price Level
Normal Fares
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 drop to Pako Bus Stop and look for conductors shouting 'Oshodi' or 'Mushin straight'. Board a yellow commercial Danfo bus heading towards Oshodi direction.
Stay on the bus as it drives along the Apapa Oshodi Expressway, passing through Ilasamaja. Drop at Oshodi Under-bridge or the main Oshodi Interchange bus park.
From Oshodi Interchange, walk over to the local park area and board a short-distance Danfo bus or a Keke going directly to Mushin Olosha or Isolo Road in Mushin.
Alight safely at your final destination at Mushin Olosha or Mushin Under-bridge bus stop.
Always hold your exact change (change is locally called 'wazo' or 'balance') in your hand before you enter the bus to avoid fights with the conductor.
Listen carefully to the conductor and confirm the final stop before you enter so you do not get dropped halfway because of sudden traffic changes.
Keep your eyes on the road and do not sleep so you do not miss your drop-off bus stop.
If you are carrying heavy market load, negotiate the baggage price with the driver before the load is put inside the boot.
Was this route guide helpful for your commute today?
Safety Rating
Medium - Be very alert at major junctions like Cele and Mushin Olosha. Pickpockets operate heavily in these crowded spaces. Keep your phone and wallet inside your deep pockets or bag, and hold your bag tightly to your chest. Avoid displaying money in public and stay away from dark corners if you are traveling early in the morning or late at night.
BRT / Rail / Water
There is no direct BRT lane or inner rail line that links Pako directly into the heart of Mushin markets. However, the Lagos Blue Line rail passes nearby at Mile 2, and the Red Line rail has a station at Oshodi. For this specific Pako to Mushin inner-city route, you will mostly rely on commercial yellow buses (Danfo) and tricycles (Keke Marwa).
Distance
11.0 km
Duration
45 mins
Total Cost
₦1,200 - ₦1,800
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 Pako → Mushin corridor. Reliable same-day delivery for fragile and essential items.
30-60 Min
Same-day
₦3,500
Available Riders Nearby
Book now for immediate pickup
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
Apapa Oshodi Expressway
Transport fares have increased greatly because of the high price of fuel (petrol) across Nigeria. Drivers have to pay much more to fill their tanks, and they pass this cost down to commuters. Fares also double during heavy rain or when traffic gridlock is severe because buses burn more fuel while standing still in traffic.
The fastest alternative is to avoid the Apapa Oshodi expressway completely. Instead, take the inner routes through Isolo, connect to Idi-Araba near LUTH, and emerge directly inside Mushin. Using Kekes for these inner links is faster than buses because tricycles can easily squeeze through narrow streets and bypass stagnant traffic.
It is not highly recommended to travel late at night, especially after 9:00 PM. Major stops along this route, like Cele under-bridge, Oshodi loop, and Mushin Olosha, become dangerous in the dark. Area boys and pickpockets use the darkness to harass commuters. If you must travel late, use a private ride-hailing car or move in a large group of people.
To avoid serious arguments, always ask the conductor if he has change before you board the bus. If you only have a large note like ₦1,000 or ₦2,000, tell the conductor immediately you enter. He may pair you up with another passenger ('marry' you together) to split the change at a front stop.