The main business and commercial district of Lagos, including Victoria Island and Ikoyi.

About Lagos Island / Victoria Island

Lagos Island and the connected Victoria Island form the commercial and high-end social hub of Nigeria's largest city. Lagos Island houses the original heart of the city, including the bustling Balogun Market (one of West Africa's largest open-air markets), the CMS area around Christ Church Cathedral, and the landmark Independence House. TBS (Tafawa Balewa Square) hosts major events and Independence Day celebrations.

Victoria Island (VI), connected by bridges, is where most international visitors base themselves. The district hosts the majority of Lagos's luxury hotels (Eko Hotels, Radisson Blu, Four Points by Sheraton), international restaurants, upscale nightclubs along Ahmadu Bello Way, and the vibrant Bar Beach waterfront (now partially reclaimed for the Eko Atlantic City development).

Eko Atlantic, a massive land-reclamation project built on Bar Beach, is an emerging city-within-a-city designed as a modern financial and residential hub. Adjacent Lekki, accessible via the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, has become a dining and nightlife destination with beach clubs, art galleries including the Nike Art Gallery, and the Lekki Conservation Centre with its famous canopy walkway.

Nearby Landmarks

Eko Atlantic City Nike Art Gallery Tafawa Balewa Square Lekki Conservation Centre

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $15-30
Time 45-90 min

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

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $10-20
Time 45-90 min

Arrivals hall exit, designated pickup zone

Step-by-Step Directions

1. At Murtala Muhammed Airport, use the airport taxi service or pre-book via Bolt app
2. Official airport taxis cost ₦15,000-25,000 to Victoria Island ($10-17)
3. The route goes via Oshodi-Apapa Expressway to Third Mainland Bridge (60-90 min)
4. Bolt/Uber rides cost ₦8,000-15,000 depending on traffic and surge
5. For Lagos Island (TBS area), request the Eko Bridge route instead
6. BRT buses run from Oshodi (near airport) to CMS on Lagos Island but are very crowded

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $15-30 45-90 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $10-20 45-90 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Lagos taxis and ride-hailing (Bolt is the dominant platform, Uber also operates) work 24 hours, though late-night services may have limited driver availability. Victoria Island is safe and active at night with restaurants and clubs open until early morning. After midnight, the roads are clearer and the airport-to-Island drive drops to 30-40 minutes. Avoid unofficial taxis; always use ride-hailing apps or hotel-arranged transport.

Luggage Tips

Lagos traffic and road conditions mean you'll spend significant time in your vehicle with your luggage. Use only ride-hailing or hotel-arranged transport for security. Victoria Island hotels have secure parking and bellman service. If visiting Balogun Market on Lagos Island, leave valuables and extra luggage at your hotel. The markets are extremely crowded with no space for bags.

Accessibility

Lagos has very limited infrastructure for wheelchair users. Sidewalks are often nonexistent, uneven, or obstructed. Traffic crossings are chaotic. Victoria Island's major hotels are the most accessible venues in the city. The new BRT buses have some accessibility features but stations are basic. For mobility-impaired travelers, private vehicle with driver is essentially the only practical option.