If you live in Lagos, you’ve probably found yourself stuck in traffic, wondering if you’ll ever make it to your destination. What should be a 20-minute drive to a meeting can turn into a two-hour odyssey that will have you questioning all your life choices.
Lagos traffic isn’t just a transportation issue; it’s a lifestyle adjustment. But don’t worry, I’ve collected some sanity-saving tips that might just help you reclaim your time and maintain your peace of mind.
PS: These are just my ideas and tips. Don’t come for me if they do not work.
Understanding Lagos Traffic Patterns
First of all you have to understand that Lagos traffic isn’t random—it has patterns, personalities, and even predictable moods. Understanding these patterns is your first step toward sanity.
Forget what you know or what you think you know about “rush hour” from other cities. In Lagos, peak traffic times are essentially:
- Morning: 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
And yes, that’s practically the entire day. The worst corridors during these times include Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ikorodu Road, and the infamous Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
Essential Apps for Lagos Road Warriors
Before we dive into alternative routes, let’s talk tech solutions. Your phone can be your most powerful ally in the battle against Lagos traffic.
Google Maps has improved dramatically in Lagos over recent years, but the real MVPs among Lagosians are:
- Gokada Traffic – Purpose-built for Lagos conditions
- Lara.ng – Great for public transportation planning
- Uber – The ETA predictions have become surprisingly accurate for Lagos
The Art of Alternative Routes
Mainland to Island Commutes
If you’re doing the classic mainland-to-island commute, you have options beyond Third Mainland Bridge:
Option 1: Carter Bridge
While older and narrower, it can be significantly faster when Third Mainland is congested. Access it through Oyingbo or Iddo.
Option 2: Eko Bridge
Works well if you’re coming from Surulere or Yaba. The trick is timing—between 7:30 AM and 8:15 AM, it’s often moving well while others are standstill.
Option 3: Water Transportation
This is Lagos’ best-kept secret! The Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) now operates routes from Ikorodu, Mile 2, and Badagry to various island locations. A journey from Ikorodu to Victoria Island that might take 3 hours by road takes just 30 minutes by water.
The Lekki Corridor Survival Guide
The Lekki-Epe Expressway deserves its own section. With the enormous growth in this area, traffic has become legendary.
Morning Hack: If you’re heading to Victoria Island from Ajah or beyond, consider using the alternative Admiralty Way through Lekki Phase 1 residential area instead of staying on the main expressway. Yes, it has speed bumps, but it moves!
Evening Strategy: When heading back to Lekki from Victoria Island, many drivers instinctively take Admiralty Way. Try staying on the main expressway until Chisco Bus Stop before cutting through—you’ll often save 20-30 minutes.
Time-Shifting Your Life
Sometimes the best way to beat traffic isn’t finding alternative routes but alternative times:
- Early Bird Special: Leaving home before 5:30 AM can cut your commute time by more than half. I started doing this last year, and despite the ungodly hour, arriving at work by 6:30 AM gives me quiet productivity time and lets me leave earlier.
- Late Departure: If early mornings aren’t your thing, consider going to work later (around 10:00 AM) and staying later. Many companies now offer flexible hours specifically because of Lagos traffic.
Public Transportation Hacks
Let’s talk about the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system:
- The blue BRT lanes can cut through standstill traffic like magic
- The BRT from Ikorodu to TBS is particularly efficient with its dedicated lane
- The new red BRT line from Abule Egba to Oshodi is a game-changer for mainland commutes
The pandemic changed work patterns globally, but in Lagos, the shift to remote work wasn’t just convenient—it was revolutionary. If your job allows remote work even part-time, it’s worth negotiating for those arrangements. Many co-working spaces have sprung up across Lagos neighborhoods specifically to reduce commutes. Why drive across town when you can walk to a professional workspace?
And there you have it, my top ideas on how to beat Lagos Traffic at its own game. Try any of these hacks and come back to let us know if it worked. In the meantime, have a great day in Lagos.
