Moving from the University of Lagos (Unilag) in Akoka to CMS on Lagos Island is a very common daily journey for workers and students. The trip takes you from the quiet university environment into the busy heart of the mainland via Yaba, before crossing over the lagoon to the island. Depending on the cash in your pocket and how fast you want to get there, you can choose between public Danfo buses, the comfortable blue BRT buses, or private ride-hailing cars.
Hotspots
Best Time to Travel
To beat the heavy morning rush, try to leave Unilag between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM. If you miss that window, wait until the mid-day off-peak period between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. For evening travel back or to the island, note that CMS becomes heavily congested from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Chance to get bus/car
Plenty crowd / long queue
Hold-up Delay Today
11 mins delay
Time you will wait at park
5 to 10 mins wait
Fare Price Level
Fares are slightly higher (1.12x)
How Road Be Now
Severe evening congestion. Major routes are currently at high capacity.
Hold-up delay
+81 mins delay
* Based on regular route reports
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Exit the Unilag campus through the main gate and board a short shuttle bus or Keke Marwa heading directly to Yaba Bus Stop.
Drop at Yaba Under-bridge, walk toward the market side, and look for conductors shouting 'CMS! CMS! Direct!'. Board a commercial Danfo bus heading to the island.
The bus will pass through Adekunle and enter the Third Mainland Bridge or go through Oyingbo. It will bring you down into the main CMS park opposite the lagoon.
Always enter the Danfo bus with 'change' (small denomination notes like ₦100, ₦200, or ₦500) to avoid long arguments with conductors.
Listen to the conductor carefully when boarding to know if the bus is going through Third Mainland Bridge (faster) or Oyingbo/Idumota (slower with more traffic).
Secure your bags tightly before dropping at Yaba Under-bridge; it is a very rowdy area where pickpockets operate swiftly.
If you notice any strange behavior from passengers or the driver inside the Danfo, ask to drop at the next safe bus stop immediately.
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Safety Rating
Medium - The route is generally safe during the day, but you must stay alert. Pickpockets operate heavily around Yaba Under-bridge, Oyingbo market, and CMS terminal. Keep your phone and wallet inside your bag, carry your backpack across your chest, and do not hold cash openly in public. Avoid lonely spots at night.
BRT / Rail / Water
Yes, BRT and rail are available. You can board the standard blue BRT buses from the Yaba terminal directly to CMS. Additionally, the Lagos Mass Transit Red Line rail system connects to nearby Ebute Metta/Oyingbo, though the direct Blue Line rail runs from Mile 2 to CMS.
Distance
14.5 km
Duration
45 mins
Total Cost
₦1,100 - ₦1,700
Status
Verified Route
How Road Be Now
Severe evening congestion. Major routes are currently at high capacity.
Hold-up delay
+81 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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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
University Road
With the current fuel price situation, it is best to have at least ₦2,000 in cash if you are taking a Danfo or Keke. If you plan to use a ride-hailing car, make sure you have between ₦6,000 and ₦8,000 ready in your account or cash.
No, direct commercial Danfo buses are not allowed inside the Unilag campus. You must first take a campus shuttle or Keke to Yaba Bus Stop, and then board the CMS bus from there.
It is not recommended to travel late at night, especially after 9:00 PM. Areas like Yaba Under-bridge and CMS become very lonely and dark, making them hotspot zones for boys who snatch bags and phones. If you must travel late, use a verified ride-hailing car.
To avoid being paired or 'tied' with another passenger by the conductor (which can delay you at CMS), make sure you ask the conductor if they have change before you enter the bus.