Accra, Ghana → Lagos, Nigeria · ✈ 1h 1min · 🚗 6h 37min
220 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: east
The distance from Accra to Lagos is 407 km (253 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 1min.
The straight-line distance from Accra, Ghana to Lagos, Nigeria is approximately 407 kilometers (253 miles or 220 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Lagos is located east of Accra. Accra is in Africa, in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, while Lagos is in Africa, in Lagos, Nigeria. Both cities are in Africa.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 407 km | ~1h 1min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
| 🚗 Drive | ~529 km | ~6h 37min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~488 km | ~4h 4min | Budget-friendly option |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Accra to Lagos. At this distance, driving gives you the most flexibility and avoids airport overhead.
Based on an estimated road distance of 529 km, fuel costs for driving from Accra to Lagos are approximately $42–$79 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Accra sits at 5.6037°N, 0.1870°W, while Lagos is located at 6.5244°N, 3.3792°E. The initial compass bearing from Accra to Lagos is 75° (ENE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Accra heading roughly ENE. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 0.92° and the longitude difference is 3.57°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Accra and Lagos is approximately 6.0670°N, 1.5946°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 204 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Accra and Lagos share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Accra is a major city in Ghana with a population of approximately 2,291,352. Located in the Greater Accra region, it is an important hub in Africa. Accra is a significant metropolitan area in Ghana with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Accra
Lagos is a notable city in Nigeria with a population of approximately 15,388,000. Situated in the Lagos region, it serves as a key destination in Africa. Lagos is one of Nigeria's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Lagos
407 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 407 km, the Accra-Lagos route is about 1.0% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 1min.
Combined, Accra and Lagos have a population of over 17,679,352 people, making this a major urban corridor.
The straight-line distance from Accra to Lagos is approximately 407 kilometers (253 miles, 220 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 1min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 6h 37min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Lagos is approximately Same timezone compared to Accra.
The estimated road distance is approximately 529 km, which is about 30% longer than the 407 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.