Book flights to Lagos

Lagos is the primary entry point for travellers visiting West Africa, and is a major maritime and economic hub on the Gulf of Guinea. This sprawling metropolis spans from the mainland to several islands, creating a complex landscape of lagoons and Atlantic coastline. It is a central destination for those beginning a journey through the region's diverse commercial and cultural sectors.

The city has a rich artistic identity found in districts like Ikoyi and Victoria Island, which house many galleries and creative spaces. Historical depth is visible at the Freedom Park site on Lagos Island or within the walls of the National Museum Lagos. For a glimpse into the local ecosystem, the Lekki Conservation Centre has a famous canopy walkway that provides a different perspective of the coastal terrain.

A discovery of this city reveals a high-energy atmosphere that has a globally influential music scene and a deep appreciation for local cuisine. The character of the streets is shaped by a mix of colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers. Visitors often revel in the city's relentless pace, with a sharp focus on modern urban life and historical preservation.

High season in Lagos

Lagos enters its busiest period during the dry season, which runs from November to February. The humidity drops as the Harmattan trade winds arrive from the Sahara, which brings cooler mornings and a hazy, dust-filtered light. Visitors landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport during this window find a city energized by the return of the global diaspora and a festive atmosphere.

The social calendar is packed with outdoor concerts, beach parties at Tarkwa Bay, and the renowned Lagos Theatre Festival. The pace of life accelerates as the streets fill with people attending "Owambes" and cultural celebrations. This period defines the city as a centre for African music and fashion, where the lack of rain allows for non-stop nightlife and open-air events that continue until dawn.

Low season in Lagos

Lagos experiences its low season during the peak of the tropical rains, primarily between May and July. Intense afternoon downpours cool the air but often lead to significant traffic delays on the Third Mainland Bridge. The landscape turns a lush, deep green, and the city adopts a more internal, reflective rhythm. Those arriving by air see a coastline defined by grey Atlantic swells and clouds that hang low over the Lekki Peninsula.

Daily life shifts indoors as residents seek out the city’s thriving gallery scene and local eateries. While the beaches are quieter, the cultural pulse remains strong in venues like the Terra Kulture arts centre or the Nike Art Gallery. This season offers a more intimate perspective of the city, where the sensory intensity of the dry months is replaced by the steady, rhythmic sound of rain on corrugated roofs and a noticeably slower social pace.

As the primary aviation gateway to West Africa, the air infrastructure here manages a vast flow of international and domestic passengers heading into the commercial heart of the region. Travellers booking a flight to Lagos will arrive at a sprawling complex that is the country's most significant transport node.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS)

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is situated in Ikeja, approximately 22 km northwest of the central business districts. The facility consists of an international terminal and a separate domestic terminal, known as MMA2, which are located a short distance from one another. As the main hub for Air Peace and Arik Air, it handles the vast majority of long-haul flights to Lagos alongside a dense network of regional routes across the continent.

Upon exiting the arrivals hall, the most practical way to reach the city is by using official yellow airport taxis or ride-hailing services, which typically take 30 to 60 minutes to reach Lagos Island or Victoria Island depending on traffic. While the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line and Red Line projects are transforming urban mobility, the primary connection from the airport remains road-based. Travellers heading to the mainland districts, such as Surulere or Yaba, can expect a shorter journey of roughly 20 to 40 minutes. Reliable shuttle services are also provided by many major hotels located in the Ikeja Gra area, providing a direct link for those staying near the airport perimeter.

Descending toward Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the sprawling landscape reveals a city defined by its relationship with the water and a restless, creative energy. Lagos greets arrivals with a humid breeze and a rhythmic intensity that signals the start of an unforgettable West African adventure.

Lekki Conservation Centre has a famous canopy walkway that is the longest in Africa, suspended 22.5 meters above the forest floor. It provides a peaceful escape from the urban rush where travellers can spot mona monkeys and colourful birds among the coastal mangroves.

Nike Art Gallery is a four-storey cultural hub that contains thousands of contemporary and traditional Nigerian artworks. The space is a brilliant celebration of textile design and sculpture, often managed by Nike Davies-Okundaye herself, who shares the stories behind the intricate adire patterns.

Freedom Park is a tranquil memorial and leisure site built on the ruins of a colonial-era prison. It now has open-air stages and fountains, and is a venue for live jazz and theatre that honours the city’s journey toward independence.

Kalakuta Republic Museum is the former home of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and preserves the revolutionary spirit of his music and activism. Visitors can see his personal belongings and instruments, and gain insight into the sound that defined a global movement.

Tarkwa Bay Beach is a sheltered beach accessible only by water, and provides a slower pace of life just a short boat ride from the commercial centre. The area has a popular surfing community and a relaxed atmosphere where the Atlantic waves meet the calm harbour.

Eko Market is the sensory heart of the city, where the narrow streets are filled with the scent of spices and the bright colours of local fabrics. Navigating this bustling trade hub has a direct connection to the entrepreneurial spirit and daily life of the local people.

Finding great flight deals to Lagos is easy when you use our flexible search filters to compare different airlines and travel dates. Frequent travellers can also benefit from eDreams Prime, which includes extra savings and member-only perks to make every journey to Murtala Muhammed International Airport even more rewarding.