Discover how I traveled from Lagos to Accra with just ₦100,000. Learn about the best bus companies, required documents, border tips, and how to safely plan your West Africa road trip on a budget.

A Real Story of Road Travel, Cost-Saving, and Cross-Border Adventure
By Daniel O. | May 2025

Why I Chose the Road Over the Sky
The idea of traveling from Lagos, Nigeria, to Accra, Ghana, by road wasn’t one I initially entertained. Like many Nigerians, I preferred the speed and convenience of a one-hour flight. But when I saw that round-trip tickets were going for over ₦500,000, I paused. My friend Emeka had just completed the journey by road and encouraged me to try it. According to him, the road trip offered more than just affordability—it was an experience.

I’m Daniel, a 32-year-old business lady based in Lagos. While I frequently travel to Ghana for business—mostly to import goods from Accra’s bustling markets—this time, I wanted something more than transactions. I wanted a story.

Planning My ₦100,000 Journey: What You Need to Know
🚌 Choosing the Right Bus
There are several bus options available from Lagos to Accra:

ABC Transport, Chisco, and GIGM offer luxury buses with air conditioning and reclining seats.
→ Cost: ₦55,000–₦70,000

Minibuses at Jibowu, Maza-Maza, or Mile 2 also make the trip.
→ Cost: ₦70,000–₦100,000, but these are less comfortable and often overcrowded.

I went with ABC Transport for its safety record and better customer service. You can book tickets online or at their terminal ahead of time.

📋 Essential Travel Documents
If you’re traveling across multiple West African borders, you need these items:

International Passport or ECOWAS Travel Certificate

Yellow Fever Vaccination Card (Yellow Card) – This is a must. Border agents will ask.

Cash in Multiple Currencies

₦100,000 (for Nigeria leg)

CFA 50,000 (used in Benin and Togo)

1,000 Ghanaian Cedis (for Ghana leg)

Ghana Immigration Form – Some transport companies give this to you in advance.

Tip: Get your Yellow Card at any major port health office. It usually costs around ₦2,000–₦5,000.

Departure Day: Lagos to Accra Begins
I arrived at Jibowu Terminal in Yaba by 5:30 AM, early enough to secure a seat and prepare mentally. The terminal was alive—hawkers shouting, passengers scrambling, the usual Lagos morning chaos.

My bus was supposed to leave at 6:00 AM, but in typical fashion, we didn’t actually hit the road until almost 7:00 AM.

Meeting My Seatmate
I met Abigail, a Ghanaian woman heading home. She was friendly and full of advice.

“Be ready for some frustration at the borders,” she smiled.
“The officers can be difficult—especially if they think you’re new to this.”

She wasn’t wrong.

Crossing the Borders: Nigeria → Benin → Togo → Ghana
There are three major borders to cross on this trip:

Seme Border (Nigeria–Benin)

Hilacondji Border (Benin–Togo)

Aflao Border (Togo–Ghana)

Expect long waits, random luggage searches, and sometimes unofficial “processing fees.” Here’s how I handled it:

Be polite but firm.

Keep your documents handy and accessible.

Avoid giving bribes unless absolutely necessary. Some agents may hint at “something for the boys,” but it’s your choice how you respond.

Arrival in Accra
We finally reached Accra around 10:00 PM—after nearly 15 hours on the road. Tired but fulfilled, I stepped out with a sense of accomplishment.

I’d made it to Ghana with ₦100,000, had rich conversations, learned border dynamics, and saw West Africa from the ground up.

🛑 Travel Tips for 2025: Road Travel from Lagos to Ghana

If you’re planning this trip soon, here are key updates and red flags:

✅ Recommended Bus Companies (As of 2025):
ABC Transport – Still reliable and offers cross-border service with immigration support.

GIGM – Comfortable but may have fewer international routes.

Chisco Transport – Decent alternative if ABC is booked.

❗Red Flags to Watch Out For:
Fake Yellow Cards sold by roadside vendors – Always get yours from an official clinic.

Unregistered Buses promising “faster routes” – These often take illegal crossings or extort money mid-trip.

Overcharging at the Border – Stick with reputable buses to avoid unnecessary bribes and detours.

💡 Pro Tips:
Travel early in the day to reduce risk and arrive before nightfall.

Always carry snacks, water, and a power bank—there are few reliable stops along the way.

Download offline maps (like Maps.me) for border zones where there’s no network coverage.

Final Thoughts
Flying is fast and convenient, but traveling from Lagos to Accra by road gave me something deeper—connection, awareness, and appreciation for the journey itself. If you’re tight on budget and rich in curiosity, give the road a chance. Just prepare wisely.

Have questions or planning your own trip? Drop them in the comments. I’ll be glad to help.