How to Travel to Benin City: What to Know, Best Airlines, Hotels & Practical Tips

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Benin City is one of Nigeria’s most culturally rich and historically significant cities.  Whether you are visiting for business, tourism, family, or exploration, this guide gives you essentially everything you need to plan your journey smoothly and confidently.

1. Preparing for Your Trip to Benin City

Before packing your bags, ensure your travel documents are in order. 

For Foreign Travelers 


  • Visa Requirement - Most non-Nigerians must obtain a Nigerian visa before arrival. ECOWAS citizens are exempt.
  • Where to Apply -  Visit the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate in your country.
  • Passport Validity -  Your international passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
  • Visa on Arrival (VoA) -  Available mainly for business travelers. An approval letter must be secured before departure. Do not travel without it.

For Nigerian Travelers 

  • No visa is required.
  • Carry a valid ID  such as NIN slip, Driver’s License, or International Passport, especially for airport checks and hotel check-ins.

 Travel Options and Cost: Road and Air 

There are two major ways to reach Benin City:

  • Air Travel and 
  • Road Travel 

Option A: Air Travel (Recommended)

Flying is the fastest and safest way to get to Benin City and offers peace of mind.

Benin City Airport (BNI) is located in the Government Reservation Area (GRA)— Less than 6 minutes from the city centre.

Airlines that fly to Benin City (From Lagos or Abuja)

1. Air Peace - frequent daily flight from Lagos and Abuja - Book Air Peace || Speak with Air Peace || Message Air Peace. 

How to Make a Reservation on Air Peace

  • Go to Book Air Peace
  • Choose your preferred top segment - "One Way" or "Return."
  • Choose your departure and arrival cities.
  • Choose the number and type of passengers traveling.
  • Choose the departure date and also return date (If it's a return trip).
  • Check "Search Flights." 
  • On the next page, choose your flight(s) time and fare class.
  • Click continue.
  • Fill in the passenger details. The fields mark with asterisk are mandatory.
  • Click continue.
  • Choose your payment type from card payments, "Book-on-hold" or "Pay-with-miles."
  • Click to agree that you've read and accepted the Air Peace General Terms and Conditions.
  • Click "Buy Ticket."
  • Make your payment via your card or if you choose the "Book-on-hold" payment, go to any Nigerian bank and ask to use pay direct payment. Or go to www.quickteller.com and type Air Peace in the search field. Fill in your email address and booking refernce to complete payment.

2. Arik Air - a long-standing carrier with regular schedules - Book Arik Air || Speak with Arik Air 

Note: Arik Air ticket can only be booked or purchased from their website or mobile app which can be downloaded on Google Play store (for android) or Apple App Store (for iphone).

3. Value Jet (Since 2018) - an option for domestic connection - Book Value Jet || Get in Touch with Value Jet Customer Service

4. United Nigeria Airlines - a reliable connection to Benin City - Book a flight

5. Green Africa - a budget-friendly option with modern aircraft- Book a flight || Call Green Africa Customer Care 

Airport Arrival Guide

Benin City airport is small but serving its purpose. It is located in the G.R.A - Government Reservation Area, about 6 minutes drive to King Square (The city centre), popularly called Ring Road.

Stick with verified taxis. 

Cab Categories 

  • Premium Comfort (Recommended) - Toyota Sienna buses (2014 model), air-conditioned, clean, unbranded. Ideal for families, groups, and business travelers.It will pick you from the airport and take you to your hotel, accommodation or anywhere else within the city, your destination. The vehicle can carry 7 passengers comfortably and has ample space in the boot for luggage.  Book a Ride
  • Comfort (or Mid-Range) - Air-conditioned saloon car for 1-3 passengers
  • Economy -  Non-air-conditioned saloon cars. Cheapest but least comfortable.

    • Recommendation - For peace of mind, pre-arrange a pick up.  

Option B: Road Travel (Budget-Friendly & Common)

If you're on a budget, road travel is a viable alternative. While concerns about safety exist, thousands of people travel daily.  The reality on this corridor is calmer than social media suggests.

Use reputable transport companies that prioritize passenger safety and vehicle maintenance.

Top Transport Companies

God Is Good Motors (GIGM) - Long years in the business of moving people. Offers a tech-enabled booking system, experienced drivers and comfortable terminals. 

GUO Motors - They have good vehicles and experienced drivers too

Iyare Motors - a popular local choice with frequent departures.

Efex Executive - Long years in the transport business too 

Top Recommendation 

Engraced Smile Transport - For a customer-centric experience, I specially recommend  Engraced Smile Transport. They operate between Lagos and Benin City. 

Why them? They're known for premium passenger treatment. They present an innovative face of transport in Benin City. They are available also for charter services to other parts of Nigeria. Their vehicles are new Sienna buses, 2014 model with carefully selected and trained drivers. 

Their Benin terminal is at 38, Urubi Street. And Lagos, Km 25, Lekki-Epe Expressway. Learn More about them 


Road Safety Tips 

  • Travel By Day - Travel time from Lagos to Benin City typically is 5 to 6 hours. Ensure your vehicle departs early to arrive in Benin City before 6 or 7pm.
  • Stay with the Pack - If driving yourself, flow with the traffic. Do not isolate your vehicle. 
  • Be Alert - Watch the body language of other drivers. If the road ahead looks deserted or cars are turning back, ask questions immediately.

Please Note: For verified cab pick up to your hotel or accommodation or anywhere else you want upon arrival - Remember it's already provided above. Click here to go there.

Recommended Hotels in Benin City

Benin City offers a range of hospitality options. Here are top-rated choices based on traveler needs. Click or tap on the option that best describes your need and you'll be taken straight there.

  • Business and Luxury 
  • Solopreneurs and Mid-Range Budget
  • Families and Groups 

Communication

Of course, once you arrive and settle in, communication becomes your next priority.

  • For Foreigners (e-SIM is recommended) - if your phone supports e-SIM.

    • Where to go or how to go about it:

    1. Visit MTN Connect Store, 89 Akpakpava Road (by 1st East Circular Junction).
    2. Take your International Passport with a valid entry stamp.
    3. Request e-SIM registration.
    4. Cost: souldn't be more than ₦2,000.  From the amount paid, you'll be recharged automatically, typically.
    5. Staff will guide activation via QR code. 

      6. For Nigerians - 

      • Visit the same MTN Connect Store.
      • You must present your NIN - National Identification Number.
      • If you don’t have NIN, enroll at an NIN enrollment center first.Typical cost is ₦7,000.
      • e-SIM registration should cost not more than ₦2,000. From the amount paid you'll be recharged automatically, typically.

Security Tips for Visitors

Benin City is safe.

I have lived here for over 19 years—built a career, raised a family, and still live here happily. Interestingly, I am not an indigene, yet the city has been home. Yes, I'm not a direct indigene but I'm from the defunct Bendel state of which Benin City was the sate capital then.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no record of a foreign visitor being harmed here.

Simple Safety Rules 

  1. Try to be back in your hotel or accommodation by 7pm. Late-night movement increases risk.
  2. Avoid flaunting your wealth - expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, or high-end gadgets in crowded public places.
  3. Stick to verified cabs. Avoid road-side taxis, especially at night.
  4. Police check-points are common. If flagged down, stop, cooperate with them. Have your ID handy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Benin City worth visiting?

Absolutely, yes!

  1. Explore Business Opportunity - The city is developing fast, opening doors of opportunities for business-minded people to solve problems and create value. Opportunities are very fresh. Now is the very perfect time to jump in.
  2. Experience the People and their Lifestyle - Benin City is a unique blend of culture, hustle, and warmth.You want to experience life in the market places, business hubs like Mission Road, New Benin Market, Lagos Streets, and so on. Life on the streets and the way of life of the people.
  3. Our History and Culture - Our ancient roots, Our past, the very foundation and fabric of this vibrant city are well curated in our museum- National Museum, Benin City. Museum of West Africa Art - MOWA captures a lot about our essence, there the returned Benin City artefacts are preserved. They tell a lot about where this city has been, where we're coming from and were we are just now. 
  4. Landmarks and Attractions -  The historic palace of the Oba of Benin is open for visitors who want to visit it. Ogba Zoo & Nature Park for relaxation in nature amidst variety of interesting caged wild animals. Plus, a rich botanical garden and amazing Ogba river - all inside the park.  Okomu Forest Reserve - You get to see elephants (live). For elephants though, there's a particular time of the year you can readily see them in the reserve. You also get to see other interesting animals and enjoy nature. The Great Benin Moat and then, Igun Street where Benin bronze are cast in modern Benin. Bronze souvenirs. Suburbs and hidden gems. Recreation and Parks.

Visiting Benin City is worth every cost.


Do flights go to Benin City?

Yes. Daily flights operate from Lagos or Abuja to Benin City. The Airport code is BNI.

International flights don't land here, though. Local flights do connect International Airports to Benin City Airport now called Oba Akenzua II Airport. 

Is Benin City safe?

Yes, it is safe when you apply common sense. Violent crime against visitors is far from being common place. By observing standard safety precautions you'll have a safe trip. and a safe stay.

What are the entry requirements?

International passport and Nigerian visa for foreigners.

What souvenirs should I buy? 

Benin City is famous for its bronze casting. Visit Igun Street, just around the King Square area, to watch the bronze casters at work and purchase authentic bronze.

What is the weather like?

It is tropical. Expect warm temperatures. Rainy season is typically April to October/November. Highest rainfall months is May to June. Dry months are December to February while January and February are typically the hottest months. Pack light breathable clothing. 

Final Words

Benin City is not just a destination—it is an experience.
Come prepared, stay informed, blend in, and you’ll leave with stories, insights, and memories worth keeping.

Welcome to Benin City.

Ken Idigu (Your Host).

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