24-Hour Layover in Lagos: What To Do
Murtala Muhammed Airport (LOS) · Nigeria
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Key Facts
- Airport: Murtala Muhammed Airport (LOS)
- Country: Nigeria
- Layover window: 24 hours
- Recommended time outside: 18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
- Visa & Entry: Nigeria requires a visa for most nationalities. e-Visa available at immigration.gov.ng. ECOWAS nationals visa-free. UK, US, AUS need advance visa.
Insider tip
Lagos traffic is legendary — a 20km journey can take 3 hours at peak times (7–9am, 4–8pm). Plan layover city visits for midday windows.
Getting to Lagos City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Uber | $15–30 | 30–90 min (traffic) |
| BRT Bus | $0.50 | 60 min |
Top Lagos: Where to Go
Victoria Island (VI)
40 min from city centreLagos's upscale business and entertainment district. Freedom Park and the Jazz Hole bookshop are highlights.
Nike Art Gallery
40 min from city centreFive floors of contemporary Nigerian art — one of Africa's largest private art collections. Free entry.
Lekki Arts & Crafts Market
45 min from city centreWest Africa's finest crafts market for Yoruba beadwork, Benin bronzes, and kente cloth. Haggle firmly.
Eat Like a Local in Lagos
Jollof rice with fried plantain (dodo) at a local buka (street canteen) — the definitive West African food experience, 1,000–1,500 NGN.
24-Hour Itinerary
Day 1 — Morning
Check into hotel near city centre
Book a hotel within 15 min of the main sights. Luggage storage available at most hotels even before check-in.
Day 1 — Midday
Lagos signature experience
Use your first afternoon for the city number 1 must-see. Tiredness catches up later.
Day 1 — Evening
Local dinner and evening market or rooftop bar
Evening markets, floating markets, and night bazaars are peak atmosphere. Do this on day 1.
Day 2 — Morning
Second neighbourhood exploration
Mornings offer better light for photos, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at popular sites.
Day 2 — Late Morning
Airport transfer — allow 3 hrs before flight
Build in buffer for morning traffic. International check-in closes 45–60 min before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 24-hour layover in Lagos?
It depends on your passport and the destination. Many countries (Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, Qatar, South Korea, Taiwan) offer free transit visas for 4-24 hour layovers. Schengen countries usually require a visa even for short stops. Check the visa note specific to this guide before you book.
Is 24 hours enough to leave Murtala Muhammed Airport?
For 3-hour layovers, leaving airside is risky. For 6+ hour layovers, you can comfortably see one neighbourhood. For 12-24 hour layovers, you can experience the city properly. Always factor in immigration queues (30-90 min) and security on return (60-90 min).
What is the best way to get from Murtala Muhammed to Lagos city centre?
Most major hub airports have an express train or metro link that is faster and cheaper than taxis. For short layovers, prioritise the train (no traffic risk). For overnight or late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is safer.
Is there luggage storage at Murtala Muhammed?
Most major airports have official luggage storage at USD 8-20 per bag per day. For cheaper rates, Radical Storage partner shops in the surrounding city charge USD 5-7 per bag per day — book on-app before you land.
Connect with other travellers at LOS
Getting out of Murtala Muhammed Airport
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Lagos
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Lagos and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse LagosJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Trains & buses from Lagos
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Flights from Lagos
Compare 400+ airlines departing Murtala Muhammed Airport
Hotels near Lagos Airport
With 24 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.
Other layover guides for Lagos
Planning a longer stay in Lagos?
Read our full destination guide — hotels, attractions, visa tips, and more.
Lagos Destination Guide →