The morning sun had barely begun to pierce through Lagos’ characteristic haze when I started preparing for my journey. A road trip from Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital to the more laid-back coastal city of Cotonou in Benin Republic had been on my wish list for months. Finally, the day had arrived. Let’s go on a ride from Lagos to Cotonou by road
Preparations and Documentation
Before setting out, I made sure my travel documents were in order. For this West African border crossing, I needed:
- A valid international passport with at least six months validity
- An ECOWAS Travel Certificate (an alternative to a passport for citizens of ECOWAS countries)
- Yellow fever vaccination card
- Vehicle particulars (driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance) if traveling with a private vehicle
- Temporary import permit for those bringing vehicles
- Currency in both Naira and CFA Francs
The immigration process between Nigeria and Benin can be unpredictable, so I made photocopies of all documents and stored digital versions on my phone as backup.
Booking Transportation with IntercityNG
I decided against driving my own vehicle and instead booked a seat on an air-conditioned bus through IntercityNG, one of Nigeria’s leading intercity transport companies. The booking process was straightforward:
- I downloaded the IntercityNG mobile app and created an account
- Selected the Lagos-Cotonou route, choosing a morning departure time (7:30 AM)
- Picked a window seat and paid the fare online with my bank card
- Received an e-ticket confirmation via email and SMS
I arrived an hour before departure as recommended for cross-border trips, presented my e-ticket and ID for verification, and checked in my luggage, receiving a baggage tag in return.
Other International Routes on IntercityNG:
Setting Out from Lagos
The bus departed the terminal precisely at 7:30 AM, helping us avoid the notorious Lagos morning traffic. The journey began on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, a historic route that has witnessed countless transits between these neighboring countries. Despite ongoing construction work, the early start helped minimize delays.
As Lagos’ skyscrapers faded behind us, the landscape gradually transformed. Urban density gave way to scattered settlements and then to patches of lush vegetation interspersed with lagoons and waterways.
The Border Experience
By mid-morning, our bus reached Seme Border, the main crossing point between Nigeria and Benin Republic. The border area was a flurry of activity with traders, travelers, and officials navigating a seemingly chaotic but ultimately functional system.
The immigration process involved:
- Disembarking from the bus with all personal belongings
- Checking out with Nigerian immigration
- Walking through the border control area
- Presenting my yellow fever certificate to health officials
- Entering Benin Republic and registering with their immigration
The IntercityNG driver was experienced with the border procedures and helped guide passengers through the process. Even with this assistance, the crossing took nearly two hours. Patience is an essential travel companion on this route.
Into Benin Republic
Once cleared through immigration, we reboarded our bus and continued the journey on Beninese soil. The difference in road quality was immediately noticeable—smoother surfaces and clearer signage welcomed us to Benin.
The landscape opened up into vast plains with occasional baobab trees standing sentinel against the horizon. The coastal route offered glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean, with fishermen casting nets from colorful pirogues.
Relaxation Centers Along the Way
Our journey included stops at several noteworthy places:
Fidjrossè Beach
Our first leisure stop was at Fidjrossè Beach, a stretch of golden sand lined with coconut trees. Local vendors offered fresh coconut water and grilled fish. I dipped my toes in the Atlantic while watching local youth playing beach soccer with impressive skill.
Artisanal Village of Cotonou
This cultural center showcases Benin’s rich artistic heritage. I wandered through stalls displaying intricate wood carvings, vibrant textiles, and bronze sculptures. The craftspeople were happy to explain their techniques, many of which have been passed down through generations.
Le Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature
This botanical garden offered a welcome respite from the journey. Walking paths wound through collections of indigenous plants, and I spent a peaceful hour identifying various species with the help of informational plaques in both French and English.
La Place du Souvenir
This historical monument honors Benin’s independence and cultural heritage. The open plaza features impressive sculptures and provides context for understanding the country’s journey from colonialism to sovereignty.
Arrival in Cotonou
By late afternoon, we arrived in downtown Cotonou. The city hummed with a different energy than Lagos—still vibrant but somehow more manageable, with wider streets and a more relaxed pace.
I checked into my hotel in the Haie Vive district, known for its restaurants and nightlife. After freshening up, I headed to Maquis La Calabash for dinner, where I enjoyed a delicious plate of grilled fish with attieke (fermented cassava) while listening to live zouglou music.
As night fell over Cotonou, I reflected on the day’s journey. Crossing this border had offered more than just a change in geography—it provided a glimpse into the cultural continuum that exists beyond political boundaries in West Africa. The blend of similarities and differences between these neighboring countries made for a fascinating introduction to Benin Republic.
The journey from Lagos to Cotonou may be short in distance—just about 150 kilometers—but it traverses worlds of experience that no airplane flight could capture.
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