The winners
Bolt and inDrive are the default — most trips within Lekki cost $2 to $6, airport transfer $25 to $50, and rides are traceable. Download both, quotes differ 20 to 40%. Bolt Comfort adds $1 to $2 for a newer car. For very short hops (under 2km) inside Ikate or Phase 1 where traffic is jammed, an okada motorbike is $1 to $2 and cuts 20 minutes — helmet quality varies, so accept only if it's rush-hour and you’re sober. Keke (tricycle) covers back-street hops for $0.80 to $2.
Public transport realities
The BRT bus system on the Lekki-Epe Expressway is cheap ($0.60 a ride) and useful between Ajah, Sangotedo and Lekki Phase 1 — but it's slow, crowded and rarely used by tourists. The blue ferry line from Ikoyi across to Falomo and toward Ebute Ero is $1 to $3 and shockingly quick during rush hour — worth it once for the novelty and the traffic bypass. Danfo yellow buses are cheap but bewildering; skip unless you’ve got a local guide.
Renting a car and hiring a driver
Self-drive rentals from $40 a day are legal but not recommended — you’ll spend more on stress than the car. A hired car with driver from $50 to $80 a day is the smart mid-range choice for anyone doing multiple beach or Ibeju-Lekki days. Concierge at Radisson, Wheatbaker and Fraser Suites will arrange one. Confirm fuel is included, hours are 8am to 8pm, and overtime is $5 an hour.
Bon à savoir
Is Uber in Lekki?+
Uber operates in Lagos but Bolt and inDrive have the bigger driver pool in Lekki. You’ll get a car faster on Bolt at rush hour. Uber Comfort is a good backup for airport runs when Bolt quotes surge.
How bad is Lekki traffic really?+
Bad enough that a 6km trip can take 15 minutes at 11am and 90 minutes at 5pm. Plan around it: mornings for outbound (east), late nights for inbound. Never book a boat departure earlier than the traffic to the jetty allows.