Lagos, Nigeria → Accra, Ghana · ✈ 1h 1min · 🚗 6h 37min
220 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: west
The distance from Lagos to Accra 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 Lagos, Nigeria to Accra, Ghana 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.
Accra is located west of Lagos. Lagos is in Africa, in the Lagos region of Nigeria, while Accra is in Africa, in Greater Accra, Ghana. 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 Lagos to Accra. 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 Lagos to Accra 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.
Lagos sits at 6.5244°N, 3.3792°E, while Accra is located at 5.6037°N, 0.1870°W. The initial compass bearing from Lagos to Accra is 256° (WSW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Lagos heading roughly WSW. 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 Lagos and Accra 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.
Lagos and Accra 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.
Lagos is a major city in Nigeria with a population of approximately 15,388,000. Located in the Lagos region, it is an important hub in Africa. As one of the largest cities in Nigeria, Lagos is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Lagos
Accra is a notable city in Ghana with a population of approximately 2,291,352. Situated in the Greater Accra region, it serves as a key destination in Africa. Accra offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Ghana.
→ See all distances from Accra
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 Lagos-Accra route is about 1.0% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 1min.
Combined, Lagos and Accra have a population of over 17,679,352 people, making this a major urban corridor.
The straight-line distance from Lagos to Accra 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.
Accra is approximately Same timezone compared to Lagos.
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.