Lagos Murtala Muhammed Layover Guide (LOS)

What are you looking for in LOS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Lagos Airport (LOS) is an international airport located in Ikeja, Lagos State. It’s situated about 22 km (14 miles) from downtown Lagos. The airport officially opened in 1979. Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. It is a major financial hub and is known for its vibrant culture, bustling nightlife, and proximity to beautiful beaches and historic landmarks.

Can you leave Lagos Airport (LOS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers with valid tickets can exit Murtala Muhammed International Airport during long layovers but must obtain a transit or visitor visa in advance. Nigeria does not offer visa-free airport transfers. Most travelers require an entry visa before departure. Plan and apply online or at a Nigerian mission easily today. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Nike Art Gallery Explore one of Africa’s largest private art galleries showcasing diverse contemporary paintings, sculptures, textiles, and installations by over 500 artists across Nigeria. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours / Airport to here: ~30 min by taxi or ~1 hr via public bus)
• Lekki Conservation Centre Walk along a 401-metre canopy walkway above a protected mangrove forest, spot monkeys, birds, butterflies, and reptiles, relax on picnic lawns, and learn about conservation efforts in this serene nature reserve. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: ~45 min by taxi or BRT + danfo)
• Tarkwa Bay Beach Enjoy a sheltered bay accessible only by boat, swim in calm waters, sunbathe on sandy shores, indulge in jet skiing and kayaking, and sample fresh seafood sold by local vendors. (Time required: 3–4 hours / Airport to here: ~15 min taxi to Marina + ~20 min boat)
• National Museum Lagos Browse Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, Nok terracotta sculptures, Ife terracottas, Benin bronzes, traditional masks, and ethnographic exhibits dating back centuries. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: ~30 min by taxi or BRT)
• Freedom Park Relax at a former colonial prison transformed into a vibrant cultural venue hosting art exhibitions, live music, festivals, cafés, and open-air performances amid lush gardens and historic architecture. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: ~35 min by taxi or local bus)
• Terra Kulture Immerse yourself in Nigerian art and culture through contemporary gallery exhibits, live theatre productions, literary events, an artisan gift shop, and a café serving traditional dishes and drinks. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: ~25 min by taxi or BRT)
• Kalakuta Republic Museum Discover the life and legacy of Fela Kuti at his former communal compound, featuring personal artifacts, revolutionary art, vintage records, and immersive multimedia installations celebrating Afrobeat history. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: ~30 min by taxi or BRT)
• Oniru Beach Unwind at a private white-sand beach club offering sun loungers, swimming, beach volleyball, cocktails, and live DJ sessions in an exclusive coastal setting within Victoria Island. (Time required: 3–4 hours / Airport to here: ~25 min by taxi)

Things to Do in Lagos Airport (LOS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Lagos Airport offers multiple pay-per-use and membership lounges across Terminals 1 and 2. Highlights include the Oasis Lounge, Gabfol Lounge, Skyway Premium and Air France-KLM Lounge, each with comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, reliable Wi-Fi, shower facilities, workstations and spa treatment options for a serene pre-flight experience. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Adjacent to the international terminal, the Legend Hotel Lagos Airport (Curio Collection by Hilton) provides 77 rooms, in-house immigration, pool, gym, steam room, steakhouse and lounges. Within two kilometres, Solap Airport Hotel, Organico House and Joygate Hotel offer budget-friendly day-use rooms, shuttle service, free Wi-Fi and relaxed dining options for varying traveller needs. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Murtala Muhammed International Airport is open 24/7 with a designated Relaxation Centre above the food court, but seating is often hard and terminals can get warm. There are no sleeping pods or cots, and overnight stays in public areas are not recommended. For uninterrupted rest, nearby airport hotels are the safer choice.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals via FAAN/NCC networks. Passengers connect to the “FREE AIRPORT WIFI NAMA/NCC” or “LOS free Wi-Fi” portal, complete a brief registration and receive 20-minute sessions. Network quality may fluctuate outside lounges, where premium Wi-Fi access is offered without time limits.

SIM/eSIM Card: Immediately after customs in the arrivals hall, independent kiosks sell SIM cards from MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile, though activation may require a Nigerian ID or passport and NIN registration. For hassle-free connectivity, consider a travel eSIM purchased pre-arrival, offering instant data without physical registration. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official prepaid taxis are stationed landside at both terminals with fixed-rate fares based on distance (approximately ₦5,000 to the city centre). Fares can be negotiated, but booking in advance through reputable providers (Uber, Bolt or Sixt Ride) ensures fixed pricing, flight-tracking and airport pickup inside the arrivals zone.

Train: There is currently no direct train service to LOS. The Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line Airport branch, once complete, will link Ikeja station with both terminals. Until then, travellers disembark at Ikeja railway station and continue by taxi or bus. more info

Bus: The Mafoluku Bus Terminal, located near the domestic wing, is served by LAMATA and FAAN buses connecting MMIA to Oshodi, Ikeja, Mile 2 and other Lagos districts. Services run daily from early morning to late evening, offering an affordable alternative to taxis. more info

Shuttle: A free inter-terminal shuttle operates 24 hours between terminals 1 and 2, departing every 10–15 minutes landside. Signs guide passengers to pickup points outside customs. Numerous airport hotels also provide complimentary shuttle services to and from the terminals for registered guests, typically scheduled to align with flight arrivals.

Car rentals: Onsite rental desks by Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt and others are available landside in the arrivals areas. Options include self-drive and chauffeur-driven vehicles. Requirements generally include an international driving licence, passport and credit card. Pre-booking secures preferred vehicle class and can include delivery directly to the terminal. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: MMA2’s four-floor multi-storey car park sits adjacent to the international terminal, with CCTV, disabled bays and a covered bridge. Rates start at ₦1,000 for the first hour, ₦500 per additional hour up to 24 hours, and ₦5,000 overnight. Long-term, corporate and protocol parking plans are available on annual subscription.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no dedicated luggage storage facilities or lockers within the public terminals. Travellers must keep belongings with them at all times or store bags in private lounges (where available) or at nearby airport hotels, which may offer secure luggage holding for guests. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Lagos Airport (LOS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks