Murtala Muhammed Airport serves Lagos, Nigeria's main commercial hub and most populous city, approximately 22 km from the financial center of Victoria Island.
It is the country's primary air hub, with traffic among the most intense in West Africa.
How to get to Murtala Muhammed International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to LOS
Parking near Murtala Muhammed International Airport
A multi-story parking structure is adjacent to the terminal building.
Rates align with the standards of a major West African hub.
How to get to Lagos from LOS
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Major international car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, although driving in Lagos is generally discouraged given the complexity of traffic.
You will need license, passport, and credit card.
Hotels near Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Ikeja - next to the airport
The Legend Hotel is a few steps from the international terminal, inside the airport perimeter (Quits Aviation Free Trade Zone); the Airport GoldenTulip is a few minutes' drive along Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road, with a free shuttle running 24 hours a day.
Best for: One-night layovers, night arrivals or dawn flights, when you don't want to depend on Lagos traffic.
- No dependence on Lagos traffic to reach check-in
- Ideal for short layovers or night/dawn flights
- Only airport facilities and industrial areas of Ikeja around, no evening life within walking distance
- Visiting Lagos Island still means facing Third Mainland Bridge traffic
Recommended hotels
- Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection By Hilton The only hotel with direct access a few steps from the international terminal, inside the Quits Aviation Free Trade Zone; 164 rooms across 5 floors, indoor pool with bar terrace and a dedicated immigration desk for private flights. View availability
- Airport GoldenTulip Hotel A few minutes from the terminal along Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road, with a free airport shuttle running 24 hours a day; 73 rooms, an outdoor pool and two bars. View availability
Ikeja GRA
About 7 km from the airport; 15-20 minutes by car outside rush hour, but Lagos traffic can stretch the trip by as much as an hour at peak times.
Best for: Those with business meetings in Ikeja or who want to stay close to the airport without lodging inside the airport perimeter.
- A few minutes from restaurants, the Ikeja City Mall and the Lagos State Government Secretariat
- More choice of international hotels than the tight airport area
- Traffic on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way and Oba Akran Avenue is unpredictable at rush hour
- An office district, with little nightlife outside the hotels themselves
Recommended hotels
- Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja In the heart of Ikeja GRA (122 Joel Ogunnaike Street), about 7 km from the airport; several restaurants, a gym and mostly business clientele. View availability
- Sheraton Lagos Hotel Historic hotel on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, a few minutes from Ikeja GRA; outdoor pool, tennis courts and gym, though the building shows its age. View availability
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Ikeja Select A few minutes' walk from the Ikeja City Mall and the centre of Ikeja (Plot 2 Assibifi Road); international-cuisine restaurant and gym, a more affordable tier than the two nearby international hotels. View availability
Victoria Island and Ikoyi
About 22 km from the airport via the Third Mainland Bridge: 40-60 minutes outside rush hour, which can exceed 2 hours at peak times or if there's an accident on the bridge.
Best for: Meetings in Lagos Island's financial district or holiday stays, accepting a long and unpredictable transfer from the airport.
- Lagos's financial and diplomatic district, with embassies, offices and international restaurants
- Close to Eko Atlantic, Kuramo Beach and Victoria Island's nightlife
- Long transfer from the airport, subject to queues on the Third Mainland Bridge, one of the few major arteries linking the mainland to the island
- Hotel rates generally higher than in Ikeja
Recommended hotels
- Four Points by Sheraton Lagos In the Oniru Chieftaincy Estate, on the border between Victoria Island and Lekki; 231 rooms, gym and pool, handy for those working on the island without staying in the core of VI. View availability
- Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel On the lagoon-front Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, in the heart of Victoria Island's business district, with views over the Lagos lagoon and mostly corporate clientele. View availability
- Park Inn by Radisson, Lagos Victoria Island Serviced apartments under the Park Inn by Radisson brand in the heart of Victoria Island's business district, with two outdoor pools; the historic 'Protea' name still survives in some portals' URL slugs, but the current brand confirmed by Radisson is Park Inn. View availability
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Lagos Kuramo Waters Near Kuramo beach and Eko Atlantic (Kuramo Waters Close), with 57 rooms and an outdoor pool; a more residential setting than the hotels along the Ozumba Mbadiwe waterfront. View availability
- Mövenpick Hotel Ikoyi Lagos On the very central Alfred Rewane Road in Ikoyi, a residential and diplomatic district next to Victoria Island; 182 rooms, pool and fitness centre. View availability
Lekki
About 33 km from the airport; the trip takes at least 45 minutes with no traffic, but can exceed 2 hours at peak times, crossing both the Third Mainland Bridge and Ozumba Mbadiwe Road.
Best for: Those staying in the Lekki Phase 1 area for work or nightlife, far from both the airport and the central core of Victoria Island.
- A fast-growing district with restaurants, bars and private beaches
- Quieter than the office core of Victoria Island
- The district furthest from the airport among those in this guide
- International hotel offerings still limited compared with VI and Ikoyi
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The airport has multiple terminals, serving long-haul international flights and connections throughout Nigeria.
For international flights, arrive at least 3-3.5 hours in advance, with extra time to account for traffic to the airport.
Map of Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is Lagos traffic so unpredictable?
The city, among the most populous in Africa, suffers from very heavy congestion during rush hours (7-10am and 4-8pm): a trip that would normally take 45 minutes can take over 2 hours.
Q. Uber/Bolt or a traditional taxi - which is better?
The apps are generally cheaper and more transparent, showing the price before the ride; traditional taxis always require agreeing on the price in advance.
Q. Ikeja or Victoria Island as a base?
Ikeja is closer to the airport and cheaper; Victoria Island offers the city's financial heart and nightlife, but requires a longer, more variable transfer.
Q. Is a yellow fever certificate required to enter Nigeria?
Yes, it is mandatory for all visitors, with vaccination given at least 10 days before arrival.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights