Cheap Flights to Nigeria from UK - Lagos vs. Abuja - 2026 Guide

Author: Usman Zaheer

Date: 16 Jan, 2026

Cheap Flights to Nigeria from UK - Lagos vs. Abuja - 2026 Guide

 

If you have ever searched cheap flights to Nigeria and ended up with 30 tabs open, random prices, and a headache, welcome to the club. Most UK travellers face the same problem. Prices change daily. Baggage rules differ by airline. Connection times look fine on paper but fail in real life. And you are never sure whether Lagos or Abuja will actually cost less from London.

This guide keeps it simple. We will compare flights to Lagos from London and flights to Abuja from the UK, explain what really drives price, and show you how to book smarter.

Lagos vs Abuja, Which Is Usually Cheaper?

In many weeks, Lagos can look cheaper because it has more frequent non-stop and one-stop options, so there is more competition. But Abuja can win on specific dates, especially when Lagos is in peak demand. The real money saver is not only the city. It is your booking timing, connection choice, and baggage strategy.

What Actually Makes Nigeria Flights Expensive (and How to Beat It)

Before you pick Lagos or Abuja, understand the three biggest price drivers.

  • Demand Peaks and School Holidays

Nigeria routes from the UK get expensive during summer, December, and other high-demand travel periods. If you can travel in quieter months, you usually get better fares.

  • How Far in Advance you Book

Last-minute bookings are often the most expensive. A safer approach is to plan ahead and lock a fare before peak demand pushes prices up.

  • Direct or One-Stop Flight

Direct flights are convenient but can cost more. One-stop flights can be cheaper, but only if the connection is realistic and baggage is included.

Route 1: London to Lagos (LOS) - When It Saves You Money

Lagos is the most searched route, and for good reason. There are often more schedules and more ways to fly, which can push prices down.

Best Reasons to Choose Lagos

  • More flight frequency means more chances to find a deal
  • Better choice of direct and one-stop options
  • Great for travellers connecting onward to other Nigerian cities by domestic flight or road

Common Ways People Fly to Lagos from London

  • Non-stop from London Heathrow on select airlines
  • One-stop via major hubs such as Istanbul, Doha, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Casablanca, Amsterdam, or Paris, depending on the airline and season

The Hidden Cost to Watch on Lagos flights

The biggest surprise is baggage. Some cheaper fares look great until you add a checked bag. If you are travelling with gifts or family luggage, compare total price with baggage included.

Route 2: London to Abuja (ABV) - When It Saves You Money

Abuja can be the smarter choice if your final destination is in the north or you want to avoid an extra domestic connection from Lagos. It can also be cheaper on certain weeks when Lagos demand is high.

Best Reasons to Choose Abuja

  • More convenient if you are visiting Abuja, Kaduna, or nearby areas
  • Sometimes better value during Lagos peak dates
  • Can reduce domestic travel time inside Nigeria

Common Ways People Fly to Abuja from UK

  • Direct flights on limited schedules
  • One-stop flights via European, Middle Eastern, or African hubs depending on airline availability

The Abuja Money-Saver Most People Miss

If you plan to end in Abuja anyway, paying slightly more for Abuja can still save money because you avoid the Lagos to Abuja domestic add-on, extra baggage fees, and the time cost of transfers.

Lagos vs Abuja: Which Route Saves More (Quick Comparison)

Use this table to decide fast. Then use the booking tips below to squeeze the price further.

 

What You Care About

Lagos (LOS) Usually Wins When

Abuja (ABV) Usually Wins When

Practical Booking Tip

Lowest fare options

You are flexible and can take a good one-stop

Lagos is peaking on your dates

Check both cities on the same day and compare total cost with bags

Direct flight preference

You want non-stop and schedule choice

A direct Abuja seat is available at a good price

Direct seats price up fast, book earlier if you want non-stop

Final destination inside Nigeria

You are heading to Lagos or the south-west

You are heading to Abuja or the north

Compare total trip cost including domestic flights or road transfers

Baggage heavy trips

Your fare includes checked baggage at a fair price

Abuja fare includes baggage and avoids extra domestic baggage charges

Always price flights with the exact baggage you need, not the basic fare

The Real Cheap-Flight Guide for Nigeria (UK-Focused)

Here is what works in real bookings.

1) Search Both Lagos and Abuja first, then Decide

Even if you think you are flying to Lagos, price Abuja too. Sometimes the Abuja fare is close, and when you add domestic travel costs, Abuja becomes the cheaper trip overall.

2) Use One-Stop Routes to Cut Cost, But Avoid Painful Layovers

One-stop flights can be cheaper than flights to Nigeria British Airways direct options, but only if the connection time is realistic. Avoid super short connections that risk missed flights, and avoid very long overnight layovers unless you are comfortable with it.

3) Pick a Connection that Fits Your Travel Style

  • If you want the shortest total journey, aim for a smooth one-stop with a moderate layover
  • If you want the cheapest fare, be open to longer layovers but check baggage and transit rules
  • If you are travelling with kids, avoid airport changes and multi-ticket itineraries

4) Watch the Fare Type and Baggage Rules

Many travellers assume a checked bag is included. Always confirm it. The cheapest headline price often becomes expensive after baggage add-ons.

5) Consider British Airways Options Wisely

Flights from Lagos to London by British Airways and other full-service carriers can be convenient, but they can also be premium-priced during peak weeks. If your priority is cost, compare against one-stop alternatives with baggage included.

If you want the cheapest route without risking missed connections, Travel Campus UK can shortlist the best Lagos and Abuja options and explain the trade-offs before you pay.

Flying Back: Flights Nigeria to UK (What to Watch)

Return flights can price differently than outbound. Check both directions. If you see a good outbound fare but the return is expensive, try shifting the return by one or two days. Also double-check whether your return is from Lagos or Abuja, because switching airports can change the total cost.

How Travel Campus UK Helps You Book Smarter

If price comparison feels confusing, you do not have to do it alone. Travel Campus UK offers real human support and flexible options to make booking easier.

  • Route Comparison: we check Lagos and Abuja options side by side and explain what you gain or lose on each route
  • Deal Hunting with Realism: we focus on total cost with baggage and workable connection times
  • Book Now Pay Later: reserve your fare with flexible payment plans when available
  • WhatsApp and Phone Support: quick answers when you need to change dates or confirm details
  • Support for Flights and More: help with hotels and holiday services when you want a full travel plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cheap flights to Nigeria Abuja easier to find than Lagos?

Abuja deals exist, but Lagos often has more options. The best approach is to search both cities for your exact dates and compare total cost including bags and transfers.

Do flights to Nigeria British Airways always cost more?

Not always. Sometimes direct flights are competitively priced, especially if booked earlier. In peak seasons, one-stop options can be cheaper.

What is the best time to book flights to Lagos from London?

For many travellers, booking several weeks in advance is safer than last-minute purchases. Prices also rise quickly for school holidays and December travel.

Should I book Lagos and then connect to Abuja domestically?

It depends on price and convenience. If the Lagos fare is much cheaper, it can work. But include domestic airfare, baggage, and transfer time before deciding.

The Cheapest Nigeria Route Is the One That Matches Your Trip

If you want the simplest journey, Lagos usually offers more options and flexibility. If you want to reduce internal travel inside Nigeria, Abuja can save time and sometimes money. The biggest savings come from comparing both cities, choosing the right connection, and pricing baggage correctly.

Ready to book? Contact Travel Campus UK we will help you secure cheap flights to Nigeria that fit your dates, budget, and baggage needs.