Best Way to Get to Ikeja From Surulere By Bus

Being able to move from one place to another takes a proper understanding of the route of where you are going.

In order not to get lost and to make the most out of your journey, this article covers how to get to the capital of Lagos state, Ikeja, if you are coming from the center of the state, Surulere, by road transportation (bus).

For residents or visitors needing to travel from Surulere to Ikeja, one of the most common and cost-effective modes of transport is by bus and this write-up will provide you with everything you need to know about getting from Surulere to Ikeja by bus, understanding the costs of transportation and navigating Lagos public transportation system.

Understanding the Journey

Surulere and Ikeja are two important areas in Lagos. Surulere, often referred to as the “Sports City,” is home to the National Stadium and popular entertainment spots, while Ikeja serves as the capital of Lagos State and is a commercial hub known for landmarks like the Ikeja City Mall, Computer Village, and the Lagos State Secretariat.

The distance between Surulere and Ikeja is roughly 14 to 17 kilometers, depending on the specific locations within these areas.

Without traffic, the journey takes about 30 minutes by car but going by bus would mean that you will have to wait for buses to load and make regular stops at every bus stop like Mushin, and Mosalashi amongst others, within the area of Surulere and Ikeja.

Also, traffic in Lagos can increase travel time, and buses, which share roads with other vehicles, are not exempt from these delays.

Bus Transportation in Lagos

An average Lagosian opts for the bus every now and then if there’s no personal car to substitute. For the sake of this article, there is a need to highlight the types of buses in Lagos so as to get a clearer picture of which bus would be more convenient and fast.

1. Danfo Buses – Yellow minibusses are the most common and affordable mode of transport.
2. BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) – Blue buses that operate on designated lanes for a smoother and quicker ride.
3. MOLUE – Larger yellow buses, although they are less common now.

For the journey from Surulere to Ikeja, you are more likely to rely on Danfo buses or a combination of Danfo and BRT buses, depending on your preference.

You can get to Ikeja through Ojuelegba and Maryland

Start at Ojuelegba

Surulere is known for its easy access to Ojuelegba, one of Lagos’ major bus stops. From Surulere, you can take a KeKe NAPEP (tricycle) or a short danfo ride to Ojuelegba which cost

• Fare: ₦200-₦300 (depending on traffic and time of day).
• Travel Time: 20–30 minutes.

Take a Bus to Maryland

At Ojuelegba, look for a danfo heading toward Maryland. Common bus stops for this route include Fadeyi and Anthony, so you’ll likely hear conductors shouting, “Maryland! Anthony!”

• Fare: ₦500–₦800  (depending on traffic and time of day).
• Travel Time: 20–40 minutes.

Switch to a Bus Heading to Ikeja

Once you get to Maryland, find another danfo or shared taxi heading toward Ikeja. You might hear conductors shouting “Ikeja Along!” or “Underbridge!”

• Fare: ₦300–₦500.
• Travel Time: 15–30 minutes.

Final Stop in Ikeja

Depending on where you’re headed in Ikeja (e.g., Allen Avenue, Computer Village, or Alausa), you might need to take a short keke or bike ride after alighting.

Please note that your ability to negotiate the prices of the bus fares with conductors determines how much you spend, if you are not someone who negotiates then you are likely to spend more on transporting yourself from Surulere to Ikeja.

Important Landmarks and Stops Along the Way

There are key and famous places that are within the road of Surulere to Ikeja, in case of learning new places and getting the pictorial knowledge of the popular places in Lagos state. Some of these important stops along the way are:

• Ojuelegba: A major transportation hub in Surulere that connects the city’s mainland and island and for various people to commute from Yaba, Mushin, and Surulere, it is also known for its iconic bridge and has been featured in several musical works.
• Maryland: A busy transit point on the way to Ikeja, it is located in Kosofe Local government and it is notable for the popular Maryland Mall and Onigbongbo market. Maryland is one of people’s top choices when it comes to purchasing or renting a property.
• Underbridge (Ikeja): Often called Fayil Monument underbridge, one of the main stops for travelers heading into Ikeja’s commercial (Computer Village) and administrative areas.
• Computer Village: Nigeria’s largest computer market, often bustling with tech vendors and buyers. It is never less busy at Computer Village as a lot of people come from far and near to make ICT purchases.

Costs Breakdown to getting to Ikeja from Surulere

Route	Fare Range (₦)	Estimated Time (mins)
Surulere to Ojuelegba	200–300	10-20
Ojuelegba to Maryland	500–800	20–40
Maryland to Ikeja	300–500	15–30
Total	1000–1,600	45–90

Note: Costs and times may vary depending on traffic, time of day, and other factors.

What are the Steps to take to have a Smooth Journey

Getting from Surulere to Ikeja is not a tedious task but Lagos is a state with a lot of busy roads and areas which include Surulere and Ikeja.

This is why you have to take smart steps that help you have a smooth journey i.e being able to avoid traffic delays, getting lost, and not being exploited by bus conductors.

Below are some of the steps to take to have a smooth journey from Surulere to Ikeja.

• Start Early: Traffic in Lagos can be intense and might slow down your movement and waste your precious time, especially during rush hours (7–10 AM and 4–8 PM). Leaving early gives you a head start since the road wouldn’t be as busy.
• Carry Change: Conductors often struggle to provide change, so carry smaller denominations of naira to avoid being delayed and reaped off your money.
• Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your belongings when you are at the bus stop, as public buses can sometimes be crowded.
• Ask Questions: If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the bus conductor or fellow passengers for directions, no one is an island of knowledge.
• Know Your Stops: Familiarize yourself with the key stops on your route to avoid missing your destination, you can go over this article again to fully get yourself familiar with the key stops along the road from Surulere to Ikeja.

Some Alternative Options For Transportation

Getting from Surulere to Ikeja by bus is the focus of this article. It would interest you to know other options of transportation that you might prefer for more convenience.

• Ride-hailing Apps: Apps like Bolt and Uber are available in Lagos and can take you directly to Ikeja from Surulere. Just so you know, they are more on the expensive side than buses but offer comfort.
• Keke Napep or Motorcycles: For short distances or as a last-mile option, kekes and okadas (motorcycles) are great alternatives. Okadas are faster as they can be used to beat traffic in Lagos.
• BRT: If you find a BRT route connecting Surulere and Ikeja, it can be a faster and more comfortable option. Although you will have to purchase a bus ticket, that can be done easily, choosing to go in a BRT also reduces the chances of being squeezed up by other passengers as it is more orderly.

In conclusion

Getting to Ikeja from Surulere by bus is a more practical and budget-friendly way to navigate the road of Lagos.

Comprehending the routes, costs, and logistics of the journey can make the most of your trip less stressful.

As mentioned earlier, you have to be good at negotiating to reduce the cost of transportation. If you also would like to explore other means of land transportation, you can do so, through this article, you have a background knowledge of some alternatives and how it works.

Whether you’re heading to Ikeja for business, shopping, or leisure, the vibrant Lagos bus system is ready to take you there – just remember to stay patient and alert.

Safe trip!