Getting Around Nigeria: Ride-Hailing, Urban Rail, Trains and Flights

In Nigerian cities most Chinese residents get around by company car and driver, their own car or ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and inDrive (Uber left Nigeria on 2 September 2026). Lagos and Abuja both have Chinese-built urban rail lines. Between cities, domestic flights or standard-gauge trains are the better choice, and long road trips call for daylight-only travel.

Key points

• Uber stopped operating in Nigeria on 2 September 2026. Bolt and inDrive are now the main apps.
• CCECC built both the Lagos Blue and Red rail lines. The Blue Line carried about 3.5 million passengers in 2025.
• The CCECC-built Abuja metro relaunched commercial service on 29 May 2024 and runs to the airport.
• Abuja–Kaduna trains increased from 6 March 2026, and every service stops at Kubwa.
• Main airports: Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), Kano (KAN), Port Harcourt (PHC).

Getting around town

Company cars and drivers

Most Chinese companies give staff a vehicle and a local driver, which is also the safest arrangement. UK travel advice likewise says hotel- or employer-arranged drivers are safer than hailing taxis. Keep doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight.

Ride-hailing

Uber ended a 12-year run in Nigeria on 2 September 2026, leaving Bolt, inDrive and local operators. Check the plate and driver details, share your trip with a colleague and avoid riding alone late at night. You can pay by card or mobile wallet; see our guide to OPay, PalmPay and mobile money.

Lagos rail

Lagos Rail Mass Transit currently runs two lines:

• Blue Line: Phase I runs about 13 km from Marina to Mile 2 and opened commercially in September 2023. It carried about 3.5 million passengers in 2025, around 15,000 a day. Phase II to Okokomaiko is under construction.
• Red Line: Agbado to Oyingbo, with regular passenger service since 15 October 2024 on track shared with the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

Both lines were built by CCECC and can save time on congested stretches. To choose a neighbourhood with an easier commute, see our Lagos neighbourhoods guide and Lagos city guide.

Abuja metro

The Abuja light rail, also built by CCECC, has about 45 km of completed track and 12 stations, with a direct run from Abuja Metro station to the airport. It first opened in 2018 and relaunched commercial service on 29 May 2024. More on the capital in our Abuja city guide.

Travelling between cities

Domestic flights

Domestic flights link Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt and are faster and safer than long road journeys. For international routes to China, see our China–Nigeria flights guide.

Standard-gauge rail

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) runs standard-gauge lines including Abuja–Kaduna, Lagos–Ibadan and Warri–Itakpe, most of them built by Chinese contractors. The Abuja–Kaduna service was cut back after a bomb attack in March 2022 and a derailment in August 2025. From 6 March 2026 it added trips between Idu (Abuja) and Rigasa (Kaduna), with every train stopping at Kubwa. NRC sells tickets online; check its latest notices for timetables and fares.

Roads

Long-distance road travel carries the most risk. UK advice notes that criminal groups have stopped vehicles on major highways such as Abuja–Kaduna. Travel in daylight, consider a convoy outside cities and watch for short-notice curfews. Check the regional risk levels in our Nigeria security guide before you set off.

Driving yourself

Some Chinese residents drive themselves. We have not yet confirmed with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) whether foreigners can drive on an International Driving Permit or must convert to a Nigerian licence, so check FRSC’s current rules. Lagos traffic is heavy, so allow plenty of time.

Sources

• AllAfrica: Uber exits Nigeria (3 Sept 2026)
• AllAfrica: Lagos Blue Line 3.5 million passengers (May 2026)
• Lagos Rail Mass Transit (Wikipedia)
• Belt and Road Portal: Abuja metro
• Channels TV: NRC adds Abuja–Kaduna trips (Mar 2026)
• UK FCDO: Nigeria safety and security

Facts checked: 2026-10-22 · Niriliya Huaren Editorial Team · How we check facts