A Memorable Day Trip from Lagos to Ibadan by Train
One thing I’ve learned during my past three months in Lagos as a full-time corporate professional is how swiftly time flies when work consumes your attention and how easy it is to drift apart from friends.
So, when a friend invited me to be their guide on a train day trip from Lagos to Ibadan during the Eid holiday in April, I jumped at the opportunity. After all, I never say no to travel!
Planning the Trip
As the designated planner in our group, I took charge of organizing our itinerary. I booked first-class train tickets, sent everyone their e-tickets via WhatsApp, and laid out our plans for the day.
Our adventure started at the Ebute Metta Station in Yaba, where my friends boarded the train. I joined them at the Agege Station for the three-hour journey to Ibadan.
The Journey: Lagos to Ibadan by Train
Despite a 20-minute delay due to technical issues, we enjoyed the comfortable ride. We arrived at the Obafemi Awolowo Station in Moniya, Ibadan, at 11:30 AM, giving us about three and a half hours to explore before catching the 3:55 PM train back.
We hired a taxi upon arrival and arranged for the driver to stay with us for the day.
Stop 1: Boat Cruise at Eleyele Lake
Our first destination was Eleyele Lake, a scenic spot about 45 minutes from the train station. The ride took longer than expected, but we quickly booked a boat cruise when we arrived.
Strapped into life jackets, we hopped onto a six-passenger boat for what was supposed to be a 10-minute ride. Thankfully, the boat captain extended our time, allowing us to soak in the serene views.
By 1:00 PM, we wrapped up our time at Eleyele Lake and headed to Agodi Gardens, a lush retreat in the heart of Ibadan.
Stop 2: Cycling at Agodi Gardens
Though not initially on our itinerary, Agodi Gardens turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We rented three bicycles and, to our surprise, were given unlimited ride time. We explored the gardens, pedaling through every corner, enjoying the greenery, and attracting a few curious onlookers.
One friend even managed to squeeze in a brief horse-riding activity. By 2:45 PM, it was time to leave, but not before indulging in some ice cream. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to our expectations, and most of it ended up in the trash.
The Return Trip
We arrived back at the train station just in time to board the business-class coach for our return journey. The Business Class wasn’t vastly different from Standard Class, but it was still a comfortable ride.
We ordered plates of smoky jollof rice with turkey from the train’s hostesses. While the meal was flavorful, the portions were smaller than expected. With our headphones on, we enjoyed the scenery as the train sped back to Lagos.
We arrived at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Ebute Metta by 6:40 PM, marking the end of a beautiful day.
Cost Breakdown for the Day
| Item | Cost Per Person (₦) |
|---|---|
| Transportation | |
| First-Class Train Ticket | 9,000 |
| Business-Class Ticket | 6,500 |
| Private Taxi | 5,000 (split among 3) |
| Activities | |
| Boat Ride (Eleyele Lake) | 5,000 (split among 3) |
| Bicycle Ride (Agodi) | 1,000 |
| Food | |
| Ice Cream | 1,000 |
| Jollof Rice + Turkey | 3,000 |
| Bottled Water | 500 |
Total: ₦31,000 per person (shared expenses included).
For budget-friendly options, you can choose the standard train ticket for ₦3,600, opt for public transportation, or explore more affordable activities like boat rides for as low as ₦2,000.
Reflection and What’s Next?
This day trip to Ibadan was the perfect escape from my busy routine. It was an experience I didn’t realize I needed, and now I’m already planning my next adventure—an overnight trip to a waterfall destination during the June holidays.
If this sounds like something you’d love to join, send me an email at favour@ijeawele.com, and I’ll share the details!
With proper planning and good company, you don’t need to break the bank to create memorable experiences.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next day trip to Ibadan and enjoy the adventure!