Lagos BRT Fares 2026: Full Price List After the 13% Increase (Ikorodu–TBS ₦960, Oshodi–Abule Egba ₦680) and How to Pay

For millions of Lagosians, the blue BRT buses and the red-and-white standard route buses are the cheapest predictable way across the city. Fares are set by the Lagos State Government through LAMATA, and they now change through an annual review.

This guide lists every BRT and standard route fare in LAMATA’s current schedule, shows what a month of commuting costs on the busiest routes, and explains how to pay.

Why Lagos BRT Fares Went Up in 2026

LAMATA announced on its official X account that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved a 13% increase across all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes, including BRT and standard routes, effective Monday 2 March 2026. The agency said the review followed appeals from regulated operators and was meant to keep services running as the cost of maintenance, spare parts, salaries and new buses rose. The previous increase, of 18%, took effect on 17 February 2025.

BRT Fares by Route

Standard Route Bus Fares

Standard route buses run on ordinary roads rather than dedicated BRT lanes, and many connect the outer suburbs to the BRT corridors and the Island. These are the fares in LAMATA’s March 2026 schedule.

What a Month of BRT Commuting Costs

Here is what a return trip every working day costs at the March 2026 fares, assuming 22 working days in a month.

For someone earning the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, an Ikorodu–TBS commute now takes about 60% of the gross pay each month. That is why many commuters combine a BRT leg with shorter, cheaper connections, or travel only part of the week.

How to Pay: Cowry Card and Tap Options

Government-regulated buses in Lagos do not take cash. You pay by tapping a card or approved sticker on the validator when you board.

1. Get a Cowry card at a BRT terminal or authorised outlet. The same card works on the Lagos Blue and Red Line trains.
2. Top it up before you travel, through the Cowry app by bank transfer or at a terminal. Some banking apps also list Cowry top-up under transport payments.
3. Tap on the validator when you board and check that the fare deducted matches the published fare.
4. Keep enough on the card for a full trip. If your balance is too low, the validator will reject the tap.

When the Lekki–Epe corridor joined the Bus Reform Initiative in December 2025, LAMATA also introduced QR verification and Touch and Pay (TAP) stickers on that corridor alongside the Cowry card.

Before You Travel: Quick Checklist

• Card ready: you have a Cowry card (or an approved tap option on the Lekki–Epe corridor). Cash is not accepted.
• Enough balance: the card holds at least the full fare for your trip, plus a buffer for the return journey.
• Right fare: you know your route’s fare from the tables above, so you can check the amount the validator deducts.
• Connections budgeted: you have added the keke, okada or minibus fare to and from the BRT stop.

Tips to Cut Your Transport Bill

• Pick the shorter BRT leg. Ikorodu–Mile 12 is ₦450, while Ikorodu–TBS is ₦960. If your office is closer to Ketu or Ojota, stop there (₦570).
• Use the train where it fits. On the Mile 2–Marina corridor, the Blue Line is an alternative, with a 25% off-peak discount between 10am and 4pm.
• Travel off-peak if your hours allow. Queues at Ikorodu, Oshodi and Abule Egba terminals are shortest outside 6–9am and 4–8pm.
• Watch for fare reviews. LAMATA now reviews fares yearly, so the next change is likely in early 2027. Follow LAMATA’s official channels rather than social media screenshots.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is BRT from Mile 2 to TBS?

₦680 for a single trip under LAMATA’s fares from 2 March 2026.

How much is BRT from Ikorodu to Ikeja or Oshodi?

₦680 to either Ikeja or Oshodi. Ikorodu to Maryland, Ojota or Ketu is ₦570.

What is the most expensive standard route bus fare?

Berger to Ajah, at ₦1,710, followed by Oshodi to Ajah at ₦1,320.

Do I need a new card for the Blue or Red Line trains?

No. The same Cowry card works on the BRT, standard route buses and the Lagos Blue and Red Line trains.

How much is BRT from Ikorodu to TBS in 2026?

₦960 for a single trip, under the fare schedule LAMATA published for 2 March 2026.

How much is BRT from Oshodi to Abule Egba?

₦680.

How much is BRT from Abule Egba to CMS?

₦1,080 to CMS or TBS.

When did Lagos BRT fares last increase?

On 2 March 2026, by 13%. The previous increase was 18%, on 17 February 2025.

Can I pay cash on Lagos BRT?

No. BRT and standard route buses are cashless. You pay with a Cowry card or an approved tap option.

Does the Cowry card work on the Lagos trains?

Yes. The same card is used on BRT buses and on the Lagos Blue and Red Line trains.

Sources

1. Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority – statement and fare schedule for BRT and standard route services effective 2 March 2026, published on LAMATA’s official X account, February 2026
2. Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority – statement on the 18% fare review effective 17 February 2025

Last updated: 8 November 2026 · NaijaSabi Travel Desk. Fares can change after LAMATA’s annual review; check the fare on the validator when you board.