Several international flights land at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport late at night, particularly connections from Dubai (Emirates), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines). Here is what to expect if you arrive after 10 PM.
What is open
The airport stays open for scheduled arrivals. Immigration and customs operate as normal. The arrivals hall has working ATMs (though they sometimes run out of cash late at night). The bureau de change may be closed after 11 PM.
The official taxi desk typically operates until the last flight arrives. However, fewer taxis are available, and you may wait 10-15 minutes for one to be assigned.
Transport after midnight
Official taxis are your most reliable option. The desk stays open for late arrivals and prices remain the same as daytime (NGN 10,000-15,000 to city center).
Unofficial taxis are scarce after midnight, and those available may charge 20-30% more than daytime rates. Safety is a bigger concern — stick to official channels.
Bolt and inDrive are very unreliable after 11 PM. Few drivers are active near the airport at that hour. You may wait 30+ minutes or not find a driver at all.
Pre-booked transfers are the safest and most reliable late-night option. Your driver is confirmed and waiting regardless of your arrival time. Flight monitoring means they adjust for delays.
Safety at night
Abuja is generally safer than Lagos, especially the airport expressway to the city center. The road is well-lit and well-maintained. However:
- Do not accept rides from random people inside the terminal
- Use the official taxi desk or your pre-booked transfer
- Keep your phone charged — you may need to call your driver
- Have your hotel address written down (not just on your phone)
- Some areas of Abuja are less safe at night — stick to main roads
The drive at night
The upside of arriving late: no traffic. The 40 km drive to the city center takes 25-35 minutes at night versus 40-50 during the day. The expressway is mostly empty after 11 PM.
Should you stay near the airport?
There are a few hotels within 10 km of the airport (mostly along the expressway). If your flight arrives very late and you are uncomfortable with a nighttime drive into the city, this is a reasonable option. The official taxi desk can get you to a nearby hotel for NGN 3,000-5,000.