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About your flight from London to Lagos

One of the best bits about flying to Lagos from London is there’s no change in the time difference between the UK and Nigeria. With no jet lag to worry about, you can focus on enjoying your stay in Lagos.

As your trip to Nigeria is classified as an international flight from London, it’s recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. This should give you enough time to check in and make it through security, accounting for any last-minute delays.

The flight time from London Heathrow to Lagos is typically around 6 hours and 35 minutes. This should give you enough time to kick back and relax on your flight, and maybe enjoy a film with a tipple before touching down.

Which airlines fly from London to Lagos?

Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are the only two airlines renowned for their regular direct flights from London Heathrow to Lagos. On average, there's at least one flight from Heathrow to Lagos per day. However, it's worth having a look in advance as there are sometimes a few options to choose from, which means you can tailor your departure and arrival times to suit your needs.

London Airport

As of June 2023, only one airport in London regularly flies to Lagos: London Heathrow.

Heathrow is one of the biggest airports in the world, with no less than five terminals and lots of on-site facilities to keep you entertained between check-in and boarding. British Airways flights to Lagos normally depart from Terminal 5 at Heathrow, while Virgin Atlantic flights to Lagos usually take off from Terminal 3.

Conveniently, there are plenty of ways to get to Heathrow Airport. For instance, you can drive via the M25, with the airport just 14 miles to the southwest of central London. However, rail links are plentiful too, with the brand-new Elizabeth Line now serving Heathrow from the heart of the capital. In terms of other public transport links, the Heathrow Express offers direct services from Paddington Station every 15 minutes. Additionally, the London Underground also serves all Heathrow terminals on the Piccadilly Line.

Within Heathrow’s terminals, you’ll discover plenty of shops and duty-free establishments, as well as bars, pubs and restaurants to eat, drink and relax in. There are several airport lounges to choose from too, not to mention the Be Relax Spa in Terminal 5 – ideal if you’re flying to Lagos with British Airways

Airports in Lagos

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport is the only international airport in Lagos. First built during World War II, the airport is named after the fourth military leader of Nigeria. It’s fair to say that the airport had a questionable reputation in terms of its safety and security in the 1980s and 1990s, but in 2010, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finally awarded it its highest safety rating.

There are two terminals at Murtala Muhammed International Airport – a domestic terminal and an international terminal. Unsurprisingly, you’ll land in the international terminal, which opened back in 1979. The terminal was fully refurbished in 2013 and presently handles upwards of 1,000 passengers an hour.

Travelling to and from Murtala Muhammed International Airport is a breeze in Lagos. Murtala Muhammed International Airport is considered Nigeria’s most influential transport hub and it’s easy to see why. With over ten million passengers served each year, Lagos’ international airport is a gateway to the world for many Nigerians and visitors to the ‘Giant of Africa’.

Due to its proximity to the city Centre, taxis and yellow bus services are plentiful. If you’re travelling via yellow or blue taxi, it’s best to agree on a fee before you head off. A standard one-way journey to central Lagos should cost you around approximately £8.50.

On-site facilities at Lagos Airport

There are plenty of amenities for passengers arriving and departing at Lagos, including ATMs and a currency exchange service in the Arrivals areas. There’s also a wide range of on-site restaurants, including grilled and fried chicken outlets, as well as lighter bites like doughnuts and toasted sandwiches.

The airport also boasts two passenger lounges – a VIP Lounge and a Platinum Lounge. These are open 24 hours a day, providing complimentary food and beverages as well as unlimited free Wi-Fi. You’ll need to book your space in the lounge in advance though, so bear this in mind.

You can also indulge in a spot of retail therapy, with a host of stores specializing in African clothing, premium fragrances, gadgets and much more.

What to do in Lagos

Lagos is great fun for tourists visiting from London. As Nigeria’s biggest city, it’s no surprise there’s lots to see and do here. The Lekki Conservation Centre is one of those must-see experiences whenever you fly into Lagos. It’s a magnificent, tranquil green space away from the metropolis of Lagos' city centre. Explore the wildlife and take in the magnificent views from Africa’s longest canopy walkway – if you dare

A day trip to the Epe mangroves is also not to be missed. You can experience life from the perspective of the Yoruba community who live a very different pace of life when compared to city-dwellers in Lagos. Paddle down the mangroves in a canoe or boat to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

If you’re something of a surfer, Lagos’ Tarkwa Bay is fast becoming a go-to destination for Africans. Accessible via water taxi from Victoria Island, the Bay offers great surf and a huge sandy beach to unwind on – bliss!

Fanatical foodies should also try the local delicacies, including Suya, which is life around these parts. These mouth-watering spicy meat skewers are sold with rice by vendors across the city, perfect for the carnivore within!

When is the best time to fly to Lagos?

If you’re wanting to visit Lagos but are wary of your low heat tolerance levels, it's best to consider booking flights from London between the winter months of November and February. During this period, humidity is considerably lower and the Harmattan winds keep temperatures in check, too.

The period between mid-November and March is also the driest period of the year, which also explains why flights to Lagos are at their most popular. The winter is known as Lagos’ ‘high season’, which is essentially when the metropolis comes alive with street/beach parties, gigs and tons of festivals to explore. This is definitely an opportune time for those keen to get under the skin of Lagos culture.

It's undoubtedly important to note that the weather in Lagos is wettest between June and July. Word of caution: if you visit Lagos during these months, you should be prepared for torrential downpours and flash flooding. Unfortunately, these events are pretty common and can bring the city’s transport network to stop, which will hamper your plans on holiday.

For those looking to visit Lagos on a budget, it's worth looking for flights in August, October and early November. Generally, the climate is pretty good as its cooler, but also prone to being wet. On the flip side, the city is quieter as schools are on their summer break, which makes the city easier to explore on foot.

FAQs about your flight from London to Lagos

Which airlines fly directly to Lagos?

There are two airlines that currently fly non-stop to Lagos from London – Virgin Atlantic and British Airways – both of whom fly out of London Heathrow to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. These airlines typically offer a range of daytime and overnight flights, allowing you to choose a departure time to suit your best.

How can I find last-minute flights from London to Lagos?

If you’re looking for a last-minute trip to Lagos from the English capital, head to our flights' section to see what we have in store for you. Enter London as your origin and Lagos as your destination set the date of departure you’re looking for – and a return date if applicable – and we’ll do the rest.

What are the cancellation fees and policies for my flight?

The cancellation fees and policies of your flight to Lagos depends on the airline and conditions of your ticket, so it’s worth checking these when making your purchase. We’ll charge a small £30 administration fee to make changes, but keep in mind that the airline may also charge their own fees for cancelled or amended seats on flights to Lagos. You can also pay for our ‘Cancel for Any Reason Guarantee’ at the time of booking for peace of mind.

What are the distances between Lagos Airport and the city Centre?

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport is approximately 14 miles northwest of Lagos city centre, with a wealth of options to connect you to and from the Nigerian capital. Bus and taxi services are plentiful and car hire options can also be found at the airport.

Can I change or cancel my flight from London to Lagos?

Since this depends on the type of ticket you purchased and the individual airline policies, you should check this when booking your flight. Generally, cheaper tickets don’t allow refunds, though flexible tickets give you more options. It’s possible to cancel your flight to Lagos from London Heathrow if you have our ‘Cancel for Any Reason Guarantee’. We’ll only charge a 20% excess fee, with the rest of the flight ticket reimbursed to you, and no questions asked.

Which month is the cheapest flight ticket from London to Lagos?

The ‘low season’ for flights to Lagos from London is February, March and June. If you want to avoid paying through the nose for flights to Lagos from London, avoid travelling in December, which is the most popular time of year for this route.