Last updated: 3 November 2026
Quick answer: A one-way flight from Lagos to Ilorin was recently listed from about ₦153,000. On 19 October 2026, SkyKoda showed ₦153,001 one way with United Nigeria Airlines for travel in early November. That is a snapshot, not a fixed price. Your fare will depend on your date, the airline, how many seats are left and your baggage.
This guide covers who operates each flight from Lagos to Ilorin, the usual schedule, what changes the price, and when the bus makes more sense. It is part of our Flights From Lagos guide.
One nearby route has no confirmed service at all. See what is actually listed for flights from Lagos to Ibadan, and why the train or bus is the honest answer there.
Flight from Lagos to Ilorin at a glance
| Detail | What we found |
|---|---|
| Recent example fare | ₦153,001 one way (United Nigeria Airlines, checked 19 Oct 2026) |
| Airlines flying nonstop | Overland Airways and United Nigeria Airlines |
| Flight time | About 50 minutes to 1 hour |
| Distance | Roughly 245 km in a straight line |
| Departure airport | Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos |
| Arrival airport | Ilorin International Airport |
Sources: FlightsFrom route data and fare-comparison sites. Schedules and fares change often, so confirm them before you pay.
Which airlines operate a flight from Lagos to Ilorin?
United Nigeria Airlines started Ilorin services in December 2025, as Afrviator reported. You can book on the airline’s website.
Overland Airways also serves the route, and flight trackers list it among the nonstop operators.
Some comparison sites, including Google Flights, also list Green Africa Airways on this route. Its schedule has appeared inconsistently, so confirm on the airline’s own booking page before you plan around it.
Flight from Lagos to Ilorin: typical schedule and flight time
Flight trackers have shown an early-morning Overland departure from Lagos around 07:15 and an afternoon United Nigeria departure around 15:40. Return flights from Ilorin usually leave in the early afternoon. These times shift by season and day of the week, so treat them as a guide only.
The flight itself takes under an hour. Allow extra time for airport check-in and transfers. Our Lagos Airport guide covers terminals, transfers and arrival times. United Nigeria Airlines announced its Ilorin flights as departing from MMA2, so check your own ticket for the terminal.
What affects the price of a flight from Lagos to Ilorin?
- Travel date. Weekends, Christmas and Sallah periods usually cost more.
- Time of day. Morning and afternoon flights can price differently.
- Booking window. Last-minute seats on Nigerian domestic routes are often pricier.
- Fare class. When cheaper fare buckets sell out, only higher ones remain on the same flight.
- Baggage and extras. A base fare may cover only a seat and a small bag. Checked luggage and seat selection can add to the total.
- Passenger count. Many search results show the price for one adult. Check the total for everyone travelling.
For a wider view of saving money on domestic routes, see our guide to cheap flights from Lagos to Abuja. The same tactics apply here.
Flight vs bus: which is better for Lagos to Ilorin?
Choose the flight if time matters most. Even with airport procedures, you can finish the trip in a fraction of a day.
Choose the bus if cost is the priority or the flight times don’t suit you. The road trip takes several hours (often five or more, and longer in heavy traffic). Fares vary by operator, bus type and season, so ask the operator for a current quote. Our interstate bus routes and fares guide shows how to compare options. For getting around Lagos itself, see our Lagos transportation guide.
When comparing, add up the full cost of each option. For flying, include transport to the airport, baggage and the ride from Ilorin airport to your destination. For the bus, include the ride to the park.
Kwara Express status: Kwara Express, run by Harmony Transport Services, was temporarily closed by the Kwara State Government in November 2024 for restructuring. In June 2025, the state scrapped its parent company, Harmony Holdings, citing years of losses. As of 3 November 2026, we found no report that Kwara Express has resumed passenger services, so don’t plan a trip around it without confirming directly. Our Kwara Express status, routes and safer alternatives guide lists other options.
How to get the best price
- Check your date first. Confirm a flight actually operates on the day you want before comparing prices.
- Compare more than one source. Use the airline’s own site and a comparison tool such as Google Flights.
- Try nearby dates. Moving by a day can change the total noticeably.
- Compare the final total. Include baggage, all passengers and any fees before you decide.
- Check the change and refund rules. Cheaper fares can be the most restrictive.
- Recheck just before paying. Fares and times can change between searches.
Want a weekly view of fares? See this week’s real fares from Lagos and our Lagos travel planning tools.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on an old screenshot or a price someone paid months ago.
- Comparing one airline’s base fare with another’s all-in price.
- Forgetting that the quoted price may be for one passenger only.
- Booking separate tickets for a connection. If the first flight is late, the second isn’t protected.
Before you travel
Arrive early for check-in, carry a valid ID, and keep your booking reference handy. If you need a hotel in Lagos before an early flight, read where to stay in Lagos. For first-time visitors, our Lagos travel guide on safety, costs and getting around is a useful companion.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a flight from Lagos to Ilorin?
One-way fares were recently listed from about ₦153,000 (United Nigeria Airlines, checked 19 October 2026). The price you pay depends on date, availability and baggage.
Which airlines fly from Lagos to Ilorin?
Overland Airways and United Nigeria Airlines operate nonstop flights, according to flight-tracking data. Some comparison sites also list Green Africa Airways, so confirm on its booking page.
How long is the flight from Lagos to Ilorin?
About 50 minutes to 1 hour in the air. Add time for airport check-in and transfers.
Is flying cheaper than the bus?
Usually not. The bus is typically the cheaper option, and the flight saves time. Ask the operator for a current bus fare, because prices change.
Which airport do I fly into?
Ilorin International Airport. Flights leave from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Are there direct flights every day?
Frequency changes by season and airline. Check your exact date on the airline’s site before planning around it.
Final word
A flight from Lagos to Ilorin costs more than the bus but saves hours. Check that a flight runs on your date, compare the total price rather than the headline fare, and recheck right before you pay. For more routes, browse our Travel From Lagos section or the full Lagos travel guides.
