The closest major area to the airport, capital of Lagos State with hotels and shopping.

About Ikeja City Center

Ikeja is the administrative capital of Lagos State and the closest major district to the airport, making it a practical base for business travelers and those with early flights or short layovers. The district centers around Allen Avenue, a lively commercial strip with banks, restaurants, and businesses, and Opebi Road, another major commercial corridor.

Ikeja City Mall (the Shoprite Mall) and the Maryland Mall provide modern shopping experiences, while the Computer Village in Ikeja is West Africa's largest technology market — a sprawling area of thousands of shops selling electronics, mobile phones, and computer equipment at competitive prices. The National Arts Theatre in neighboring Iganmu is a notable brutalist landmark shaped like a military officer's hat.

The Ikeja GRA (Government Reserved Area) is a relatively quiet, tree-lined residential neighborhood with many of Lagos's established hotels including the Sheraton Lagos, Protea Hotel, and the Lagos Airport Hotel. The area offers a calmer atmosphere than the Island districts while still providing access to dining, banking, and business services.

Nearby Landmarks

Ikeja City Mall Computer Village Allen Avenue Ikeja GRA

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $5-10
Time 10-20 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $4-8
Time 10-20 min

Arrivals exit

Step-by-Step Directions

1. At the airport, take an official taxi or Bolt ride to Ikeja (₦3,000-5,000)
2. For Ikeja GRA hotels, specify your hotel name for direct drop-off
3. The drive takes 15-30 minutes via Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way
4. For Allen Avenue area, request the Allen Avenue junction as your destination
5. BRT buses run from the airport road to Oshodi, with connecting services to Ikeja
6. Most Ikeja hotels offer free airport pickup — contact your hotel before arrival

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $5-10 10-20 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $4-8 10-20 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Ikeja is well-served by taxis and Bolt/Uber at all hours due to its proximity to the airport. Late-night fares to Ikeja from the airport are typically ₦3,000-5,000. Allen Avenue has a strip of restaurants, bars, and lounges that stay open until midnight or later. The Ikeja GRA area is quiet and safe at night. Most Ikeja hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle services.

Luggage Tips

The short distance to Ikeja makes luggage handling straightforward. Taxis from the airport easily accommodate standard luggage. Ikeja hotels are the most practical for layovers with early morning departures. If visiting Computer Village, keep valuables secure and leave unnecessary bags at the hotel — the market is extremely crowded and chaotic. Ikeja City Mall has luggage-friendly entrances.

Accessibility

Ikeja's main roads and malls are reasonably accessible by Lagos standards. Ikeja City Mall has elevator access and accessible facilities. Hotels in Ikeja GRA generally have accessible rooms. Sidewalks in the commercial areas are inconsistent and often obstructed. Computer Village has no accessibility infrastructure. Private vehicle transport is recommended for mobility-impaired travelers.