Car Shipping to Lagos: How Long It Takes, What It Costs and How It Works

Shipping a car to Lagos is one of the most confusing parts of importing a vehicle — but it does not have to be. This guide breaks down how car shipping to Lagos works, how long it takes, and what it really costs.

How do cars get shipped to Lagos?

There are two main ways to ship a vehicle to Nigeria: roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. Both end up at the Lagos ports — most commonly Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port.

Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo)

RoRo car carrier ships are purpose-built for vehicles. Your car is driven onto the vessel in the country of origin and driven off when it arrives. RoRo is generally:

• Cheaper per vehicle for standard cars
• Faster to load and unload
• Best for vehicles that can be driven

Container shipping

Your car is loaded into a 40-foot container (sometimes with other cargo). Containers offer:

• Better protection against sea salt and weather
• More security, because the container is sealed
• A good option for expensive or modified vehicles

How long does it take to ship a car to Lagos?

Timelines depend on the origin port and the shipping route:

• From China — typically 25 to 45 days to reach Lagos
• From the UK or Europe — usually 4 to 8 weeks
• From the USA — usually 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the route

These are sailing times. Add a few days for port handling at both ends, and a few more for customs clearing before your car is ready.

How much does car shipping to Lagos cost?

Shipping costs vary with the vessel type, the vehicle's size and the current freight market. As a general guide, expect to budget for:

• Freight — the cost of moving the vehicle across the ocean
• Marine insurance — protect the vehicle while at sea
• Port charges — handling and terminal fees in Lagos
• Customs duties and levies — calculated on the vehicle's value and engine size
• Clearing fees — paid to a licensed clearing agent

For a typical car, shipping and clearing from China to Lagos can add between 30% and 60% to the vehicle's purchase price.

What happens when the ship reaches Lagos?

The vessel docks at Apapa or Tin Can Island. The Nigerian Customs Service assesses the vehicle, you (or your clearing agent) complete the documentation, pay the duties, and the car is released. This stage takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Doorstep delivery in Lagos

After clearing, the vehicle is ready for delivery. Premium import services will deliver the car to your home or office anywhere in Lagos, so the journey from factory to your driveway is fully handled.

Ship your car with confidence

At RETs Global Network, we coordinate every stage of car shipping to Lagos — sourcing, inspection, freight, customs clearance and doorstep delivery. Contact us and we will give you a clear timeline and full quotation before you approve anything.