Over time, I have collated several questions people have asked about a Nigeria Ghana road trip. Articles in my Ghana Archives already answer most of these questions but I guess it’s not a bad idea to have them all on one single page. Therefore, without further ado, let’s jump right to the FAQs.
Thinking about taking a road trip to Ghana from Lagos, Nigeria? Here's everything you need to know! Share on XNigeria Ghana Road Trip: How do I travel from Lagos to Accra?
There are several options available to you. One option is to go with standard transport services. Most of the buses that ply this route have bus parks in Ajah, Yaba, Festac, etc. Another is to rent a car and a driver to take you down. You can find cars driving to Accra at Mile 2.
The last option is to rough it up and travel with regular public transport. I have a detailed breakdown of how to do that in this article.
Which bus service should I use to travel from Nigeria to Ghana?
This is entirely up to you. I’m not recommending anyone who isn’t paying me. hehe… Just kidding. I have tried out ABC and wrote a review about them here. I also attempted to travel with GUO transport but it did not end well. So I can’t recommend them in good faith. You just have to choose the lesser of two evils and pray for luck!
Nigeria Ghana Road Trip: Can I travel to Ghana in my personal vehicle?
Technically, yes. I reached out to the good people on Twitter for more information on how to do this and got several responses. I have collated them in this post.
Nigeria Ghana Road Trip: What documents do I need to travel from Nigeria to Ghana?
You need a valid International Passport and a Yellow Card to travel from Nigeria to Ghana. On rare occasions, immigration officers may ask for your accommodation details. It’s good to have that handy as well. Lastly, based on my personal experience, an extra ID may be useful. This could include your work or student ID or something that has your company credential on it (like a business card).
Can I travel to Ghana with an ECOWAS passport?
Yes, you can either travel with an ECOWAS passport or your international passport. This can be gotten from the immigration office closest to you.
Can I travel from Nigeria to Ghana without my International Passport?
You shouldn’t but I have seen people who constantly travel without one. I don’t think it’s worth the hassle. It’s just better to have the right documents. Also, getting stamps on your passport is a good way to start building your travel history.
Where can I get a Yellow Card in Nigeria?
Yellow Fever Cards can be gotten from the Port Health office close to the International Airport. At the time of this writing, this costs N2,000. This card is as important as your International Passport and like the latter, you can travel without it. But is it worth it? No. Sometimes, you end up paying even more than what this card costs apart from other extortion charges at the borders.
You can find out to get the new Yellow Card required for travel in this post.
How much does a Nigeria Ghana Road Trip Cost?
I have written a comprehensive breakdown of what it would cost you to travel from Lagos to Ghana in this article. A few things may differ and since this trip was taken in 2017, there are bound to be some changes. The article would give you a general idea of what to budget for and what to expect when crossing different borders.
Should I do a Nigeria Ghana Road Trip with Naira or USD?
Travelling with USD is always a good idea. It is universally accepted and you can easily find a BDC to get local currency. Some hotels would also accept payments in USD. Most won’t accept Naira. However, if you choose to travel with Naira, you can change money at the Aflao border. (Border between Togo and Ghana)
Will my Nigerian Naira Card work in Ghana?
Sadly, this isn’t guaranteed. If you must travel with your cards alone, make sure you have a dollar MasterCard as well. Card policies in Nigeria change like the weather. You could even get caught up in a policy change while abroad.
Road Trip to Ghana: Where can I change my money?
You can change Naira at any of the borders between Seme and Aflao.
How long is the journey from Lagos to Accra?
Prepare for an entire day’s trip. Most buses make stops in the Benin Republic and Togo. If you’re lucky, these stops will be short and won’t prolong your trip. My return journey from Accra to Lagos took about 17 hours. I broke down my onward journey, so the trip was bearable. I would recommend that you do the same if you have a bit more time. It’s just less stressful that way.
PS: Aflao border to Accra is another 4 hours – just thought to add this because I was so excited about getting into Ghana and I thought Accra would be 30 minutes away. Imagine my disappointment! If you’re travelling on your own, there’s an STC park close to the border gate. You can get a bus to Accra from there.
Nigeria Ghana Road Trip: What should I expect?
Expect to see gazillion checkpoints from Badagry to Seme. Expect the worst from the Seme border. You might be lucky (or skilled) to get a stress-free pass but prepare mentally, physically and financially for the worst. (Read about my latest border crossing experience here.)
At the time of this writing, roads are not optimal. The border crossing seems better with the opening of the new border control office. There isn’t much to write home about regarding views. Therefore, if you plan to travel by road solely because you want to enjoy the views, you might as well just fly. You won’t be missing anything.
I hope this article answers all the questions you might have regarding taking a Nigeria Ghana road trip. If you have any more questions for me, please leave them in the comment section below. You can also search through my Ghana Archives. You’ll probably find answers there as well.
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I’ve been dreaming to travel by road to Ghana…..I hope I’ll have a great experience like urs. I’ll make it a reality by February this year.
Wow let’s go together then
Wow! Very impressive,highly instructive and clearly writen article.thanks.
Nice write-up. Yes,u can travel to Ghana without a passport. Even when u have it,it’s easier to go without it. I’ve been there a couple of times but will share from latest. February 2018.
I didn’t have my yellow card. I almost had issues at seme bother with some nigerian immigration officers but was freed after introducing myself (with idcard) as a Nigerian merchant navy officer. They told me I could pay heavily at the border post without the yellow card and that if I needed an easy and stressless passage,I should just use the bikes across the border.
True to their word,I got a bike and it was express across the border for N600. Thru the other borders,I just paid small border fee and walked thru.
At aflao border,I was going to encounter another issue but again, I was advised to use the bike. It was another smooth passage,for Ghc20 (N2k).
Same on my way back with my fiancee until I got to seme bother. It was a bit late. The bike refused to sort some persons after crossing over to the Nigerian side. After introducing myself (with my idcard),they stood down but waylaid my fiancee who was on another bike behind. These were not immigration officers. They said they were drug law and meant to search my fiancee’s bag. I asked if we looked like drug pple. We didn’t have any incriminating stuff,so that gave me strength. They wanted money. I told them off and dragged my woman’s bag from them. I’m sure they felt I was bad meat,so they left us.
That’s my experience. By the way,my fiancee is Ghanaian. I’m original Bayelsa bloke.
It’s an interesting trip. Always is,by road.
Direct fare was N21K with the luxurious buses, although slight adjustment in price depending on where u intend to sit on the bus. The small cars at mile 2 were also doing N21K. But breaking the trip cost just N11k and faster too. Left mile 2 around 7am. Made aflao border by 1:30pm. The annoying route is aflao to Accra. They should find a short cut for that journey. When u think u are home and dry…
Thanks for reading.
Have a beautiful day!
Ivan Lendl
Thanks for sharing your experience, Ivan. This was a really great breakdown. I agree the border crossing can be easier with the bikes, I like to see the stamps on my passport, so I always go through the normal immigration process. Having the right documents also helps when you’re stopped by the numerous immigration officers on the road (especially on the Nigerian side). It’s just easier overall.
Pls I am a student and will love to school there how do I go about it
Hello, I’m not sure about this. This post is tailored for those who want to visit for the purpose of tourism.
I will travel to Ghana I will like to see there someday, thanks for your information ma
Can’t I travel with my National Identification Number Slip Alone? Cos the only means of identification that I have.
It’s better to get your passport or the ECOWAS passport. It may be possible to travel without these documents but I certainly do not recommend that you do.
Good day. Please do you possibly have the contact of any driver there at mile 2 lagos, I’d like to reach any of them. thanks and God bless…
Hi Nono, unfortunately, I don’t have the contact information of any driver in that area.
@Nono.
Ask for black Moses when u get to mile 2. If u reach me privately,I could send u his number.
Hi, I’d like to know… what will i need and how much it will cost me to travel to Ghana by air. I’m not sure I’m prepared for the road hassle.
Hi Lyly.. You’ll need pretty much the same documents as you would travelling by road (passport + yellow card). Having a hotel reservation or address of where you’ll be staying is recommended too – better to have and not need it. As for flight costs, this will change depending on when you choose to travel.
Fantastic wirte up.
Will my passport be stamp on Accra exit port back to Nigeria because I went by air and it was stamped at the entry?
Hi.. are you travelling back by road? It should get stamped anyway.. regardless of the port of entry. If you travel by road, you’ll have to get it stamped across all borders.