Travel & Tourism Travel Tips Nigeria Travel Cost 2025: The Real Prices Google Doesn’t Show You Confidence NwaobiNovember 28, 20250710 views If you’ve ever tried planning a trip by checking “estimated cost of travel in Nigeria” online, you already know Google is a sweet liar. Very sweet. Very intentional. According to those Google search snippets, travelling across Nigeria is “affordable”, “simple”, and “budget-friendly”. Meanwhile, in real life, you’re pricing transport and asking yourself, “Is it me that’s poor, or is it Nigeria that’s expensive?” So let’s break it down properly: the real cost of travelling across Nigeria in 2025. This is not the simplified version. Not the “according to blogs” version. This is the version that will prepare your mind. So grab a snack. You’ll need it. Nigeria Travel Cost 2025 1. Transport: Where Your Money Learns How to Fly Let’s start with the most painful part: transportation. A bus ride that was once ₦5k has now become “₦15k if you book early, ₦18k if you wait till evening, and ₦25k if the driver is angry.” And flights? Nigerian domestic flights now behave like they’re being powered by gold-plated jet fuel. You’ll check ticket prices and immediately start budgeting your life differently. But the funniest part? Even after paying, you’re not guaranteed anything: Your flight may be delayed. Your flight may be delayed again. Your flight may be delayed again because “we are waiting for the captain.” So, if you’re travelling across Nigeria in 2025, just budget generously. Don’t stress yourself. 2. Road Snacks: Because Your Body Will Betray You if You Don’t Buy Something You think you’ll just board the bus and go? Nah! Travelling across Nigeria isn’t complete without snacks, and these snacks add up. Plantain chips that used to be ₦50–₦100 is now ₦300–₦500 Gala that was ₦50 is now ₦200 (but you’ll buy three because the size was drastically reduced) Bottled drinks, from ₦200 to ₦500–₦800 Groundnuts: ₦300 Suya at night stop: ₦1,000 (unless you’re in Abuja, where suya has started doing luxury living) Before you reach your destination, you’ve blown ₦5k on “small small things.” But it’s fine. It’s part of the experience. ALSO READ: Inside the Nigerian Road Trip Menu: What We Truly Eat When We Travel 3. Hotel Prices: The Real Thief of Joy You will go online and see hotels for ₦8,000–₦12,000. And you’ll say, “Oh, thank God, something affordable.” Then you reach there and discover: The room looks like a 1993 NYSC corper lodge There is a fan, but no breeze. The AC works “only when NEPA brings light” The bathroom tap is singing its own national anthem. So you upgrade. Now your bill is ₦20k–₦40k per night. In Lagos and Abuja? Just prepare your soul. Anything under ₦45k may come with shocking surprises. YOU MAY LIKE: How to Plan a One-Week Trip Around Nigeria (2025 Guide) Cost of Living in Port Harcourt (2025): Rent, Food, Transport & More 4. Feeding: The One That Will Make You Start Thinking About Your Future Photo: Financial Times. When you’re travelling, you’ll tell yourself, “I’ll just eat small. I won’t spend too much.” Lies. Travel hunger is different. Travel hunger ignores your budget. Breakfast at your hotel: ₦3k–₦5k Lunch somewhere decent: ₦6k–₦10k Dinner: ₦6k–₦12k Water: ₦300 (because you’re now in a tourist zone) Before you know it, you’ve spent ₦20k on food in one day, and you’re still hungry. Travelling across Nigeria exposes your real appetite. 5. Ride Hailing & Local Transport: The Silent Budget Killer This is where your wallet starts crying. Bolt, Uber, and Rida all team up during trips to humble you. Surge pricing is their love language. A trip that usually costs ₦1,500 becomes ₦4,800 because “it’s a weekend.” Meanwhile, it’s Wednesday. But who are you to argue? Tricycles (keke) and bikes seem cheaper, but if you’re travelling with luggage, forget it. One individual from Keke will simply glance at your bag and remark, “Madam, you need to pay for two persons.” 6. “Unexpected Expenses”: Nigeria’s Official Travel Partner When travelling across Nigeria, always budget an emergency fund for nonsense. Why? Because anything can happen: Your slippers or shoes may go bad You may suddenly crave roasted corn. Someone may ask you for a Christmas gift in June. You may need “urgent ₦500” for the bathroom. You may dash someone’s money “just because” You may buy a souvenir you didn’t plan for You may find yourself buying fresh palm wine because your spirit said yes. Unexpected expenses always show up. No exception. 7. Entertainment & Fun: Where You Will Spend and Pretend You Didn’t Spend Photo: See Africa Today. You travelled to enjoy, right? So you’ll go out. Gate fees? ₦2k–₦10k Boat ride? ₦5k–₦15k Beach entry? ₦3k–₦5k Soft drinks? ₦2k per bottle, sometimes ₦4k Small chops? ₦2,500 One coconut drink at the beach? ₦5,000 (and somehow worth it) Nigeria offers enjoyable experiences, but they come at a cost to your finances. 8. The Real Cost: Your Money + Your Energy + Your Sanity Travelling across Nigeria in 2025 is beautiful. It’s chaotic, funny, unpredictable, and full of stories you’ll gist about for years. But it is NOT cheap. What is the actual cost of this experience? Whatever your budget… add extra money and extra patience. Because Nigeria is full of: friendly people hilarious experiences beautiful landscapes surprisingly good food stressful transport unpredictable prices The combination always gives you a memorable trip. See Nigeria through a traveller’s eyes — dive into our “Travel & Tourism” stories and experience adventure the Rex Clarke way. FAQs – Travelling Across Nigeria 1. Is travelling across Nigeria expensive? Yes, more expensive than Google suggests. But it’s still doable with proper planning. 2. What’s the highest cost when travelling? Transport and accommodation are the most expensive aspects of travel. They swallow the most significant chunk of your budget. 3. Is it safe to travel between states? Generally, yes, but stick to daytime travel and reputable transport companies. 4. How can I save money when travelling across Nigeria? Book early, avoid impulse food buys, stay in mid-range hotels, travel with friends, and use local transport where safe. 5. Are road trips worth it? Absolutely. The views, the stories, the food, and the chaos make it unforgettable.