Navigating Lekki: A practical guide to moving around without losing your day

Lekki rewards travellers who plan their movements—here is how to get between its neighbourhoods, markets and beaches without spending half your day in traffic.

Understand the geography before you book

Lekki is a long, narrow corridor that stretches from the Lekki Toll Gate at its western edge eastwards towards Awoyaya and Ibeju-Lekki. The Lekki-Epe Expressway is the main artery, and almost every journey funnels onto it. If you are staying in Lekki Phase 1, you are close to the toll gate and the Link Bridge to Victoria Island—convenient for business travellers. But if your plans centre on the beach resorts around Elegushi or Okunda, a hotel in Lekki Phase 1 means a 20–40 minute drive east just to reach the sand. Choose your base according to your main reason for visiting: Phase 1 for access to Ikoyi and VI, the Lekki Conservation Centre area for families, and the eastern stretches for beach time.

The second thing to grasp is that 'Lekki' covers a huge area. From the toll gate to Awoyaya is roughly 20 kilometres, and in peak traffic that can take over an hour. The Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge toll is cashless, and the Lekki Toll Gate charges apply. If you are arriving from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the drive to Lekki Phase 1 is typically 45–90 minutes depending on traffic. A hotel in Lekki Phase 1 puts you within walking distance of the Admiralty Way roundabout, where you will find banks, restaurants and supermarkets. For a first visit, I would book in Lekki Phase 1 unless your itinerary is beach-focused.

Choose your transport mode wisely

Private car hire with a driver is the most comfortable option for visitors. Expect to pay per day or per trip; rates vary, so agree on the price before you set off. Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Uber operate widely in Lekki, but availability can dip during heavy rain or late at night. For short hops within Lekki Phase 1, a keke napep (tricycle) is fine for 1–2 kilometres, but they are not allowed on the expressway. Keke fares are negotiable and typically cash-only. Avoid taking a keke for longer journeys—the ride is bumpy and slow. If you are heading to Victoria Island, the Link Bridge is faster than the toll gate route outside rush hour.

For beach trips east of the toll gate, arrange a car and driver for the day. The drive to Elegushi Beach from Lekki Phase 1 is about 15–25 minutes; to Okunda Beach, allow 30–45 minutes. Public buses (danfo) run along the expressway, but they are crowded and stop frequently; they are not ideal for travellers with luggage. If you are staying in the eastern part of Lekki, a hotel near the Lekki Conservation Centre puts you within a short drive of the beaches and the Lekki Market. Book your hotel with parking if you plan to hire a car—many Lekki hotels offer secure parking, but confirm in advance.

Time your movements to avoid the worst congestion

Traffic in Lekki is heaviest on weekday mornings (7–10am) heading towards Victoria Island and on evenings (4–8pm) heading back east. Fridays are particularly busy as people travel for the weekend. If you need to cross the toll gate, aim to do so before 6:30am or after 9pm. The rainy season (June–September) brings sudden downpours that flood parts of the expressway, especially around Ikota and the Lekki Conservation Centre. During these months, allow extra time and avoid low-lying roads if possible. The dry months (November–March) are generally easier for road travel, though December brings its own festive traffic.

For beach outings, leave early—by 8am—to secure a spot and avoid the afternoon rush. Return by 3pm if you want a smooth drive back. If you are visiting the Lekki Conservation Centre, go on a weekday morning when the canopy walkway is less crowded. The centre is about a 10-minute drive from Lekki Phase 1. For shopping, the Lekki Market on the expressway is busiest on weekends; go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning for a calmer experience. I would skip trying to combine a beach trip and a visit to Victoria Island in one day—the back-and-forth will eat your time.

Where to stay to minimise travel time

For a balanced trip that includes both business and leisure, Lekki Phase 1 is the best base. Hotels around Admiralty Way and Fola Osibo Road put you close to restaurants, banks and the Link Bridge. If your priority is beaches, look at hotels along the Lekki-Epe Expressway near Elegushi or Okunda. These tend to be quieter and offer beach access, but you will need a car for everything else. For families, the area around the Lekki Conservation Centre has a few hotels with green space and pools. Budget travellers might consider guesthouses in Ikota, but check reviews carefully—quality varies.

When booking, confirm that the hotel has reliable power and water, as these can be intermittent in some parts of Lekki. Also ask about parking and security. I would book a hotel in Lekki Phase 1 for a first visit, then move to a beach hotel for a night or two if you want a resort experience. Avoid booking a hotel far east if you have early meetings in Victoria Island—the commute will be stressful. Use the hotel's address to estimate drive times on Google Maps during your intended travel hours before you commit.

Questions, answered

How do I get from Murtala Muhammed Airport to Lekki?

The drive is 45–90 minutes depending on traffic. Use a ride-hailing app or pre-booked airport transfer. Avoid arrival during weekday evening rush hour if possible. The route goes through Victoria Island and over the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge or via the Lekki Toll Gate.

Is it easy to get around Lekki without a car?

Ride-hailing apps work well for short trips, but for beach visits or crossing the toll gate, a car with driver is more practical. Kekes are only for very short hops. Public buses are crowded and not recommended for travellers with luggage.

What should I avoid when planning movements in Lekki?

Avoid weekday evening rush hour (4–8pm) on the expressway, and skip trying to combine a beach trip with a Victoria Island visit in one day. During rainy season, avoid low-lying roads after heavy downpours. Also, don't rely on keke napep for long journeys.

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