How To Book And Board A Train In Nigeria (Lagos to Ibadan)

How To Book And Board A Train In Nigeria (Lagos to Ibadan)

It is a good thing that Nigerians are now getting used to trains as one of the fastest, calmest, and easiest means of transportation.

Read till the end, and I’ll share with you how to book and board a train. It is simple, easy, and convenient all you need to do is keep to time.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. List of Stations

First thing you need to know is that there are train stations, and each is named after a great person in Nigeria. For example, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Station (Kajola) and many more. Below is the list of railway stations on the Lagos–Ibadan line:

Mobolaji Johnson Station – Ebute Metta, Lagos

Babatunde Raji Fashola Station – Agege

Lateef Kayode Jakande Station – Agbado

Olu Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Station – Papalanto

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Station – Kajola

Prof. Wole Soyinka Station – Abeokuta (Laderin)

Ladoke Akintola Station – Omi-Adio

Obafemi Awolowo Station – Moniya, Ibadan

These are the gathered names of Nigeria’s railway stations running from Lagos to Ibadan. I’ll use one as an example so we can better understand how it works.

2. The Two Types of Boarding 🎟

After reading this article, you will have more knowledge about the type of boarding that will be convenient and affordable for you.

a. Online Booking (E-ticketing): 🎫

With this method, you can easily book your ticket to avoid rush and get your seat conveniently.

Here is how to book your ticket:

• Go to Chrome or any browser, and search for: www.nrc.gsds.ng
• Click on Register Now
•  Fill in your details, including your NIN
•  A confirmation link will be sent to your Gmail
•  Go to your Gmail, open the link, and confirm using your browser
• Go back to the website and log in with your email and the password you created

(Make sure you take note of your login details).

Now you can go ahead to book your ticket.

Choose whether the ticket is for an adult or child

Select departure and destination station

I will use Ladoke Akintola Station – Omi-Adio to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Station – Kajola as an example, but you should choose the ones nearest or most convenient for you

Choose your seat from the available ones shown on the site

You will also choose a coach (e.g., Coach 1 to 9)

All coaches have the same features, so just select based on availability

Choose reserved seats, not unreserved, so the seat will be saved for you. For example, in this article I used Standard Class, Coach 9, Seat 6 (Reserved).

Click For Yourself if the ticket is for you, your info will autofill. If you’re booking for others (e.g. your child or sibling), click Add Passenger and fill in their details too (NIN required).

Proceed to payment using the Paystack details shown. Pay via transfer, it’s fast and safe. You have only 6 minutes to complete the payment.

Once done, click I have sent the money. Your ticket will be sent to your Gmail. This is what you’ll take along to the station. You don’t need a printed slip, the QR scan code is what matters, it will be scanned on arrival.

3. Keep to Time

Please, this is important: keep to time. The train operates like an airplane, it keeps to time and doesn’t delay.

For example, if your departure time is 4:47 PM, make sure you arrive at least 10–15 minutes earlier, say by 4:35 PM, so you’ll have time to:

Pass through security

Present your QR scan code to officials

Be directed to your coach number

Once you are cleared, you’ll be guided to the train platform where you’ll wait for your train to arrive. It usually comes exactly on time, so avoid cutting it too close.

Final Advice

When on board, always pay attention to the train announcements. The speaker will call out the name of the next station before you get there. This is very important so you don’t miss your stop. Train stations are not like bus stops, you must be alert and ready to alight when it’s your turn.

So, whether you are going to Kajola, Abeokuta, or elsewhere, be a good listener.

I hope this article has helped you. If yes, drop a comment below. Thank you for reading. ❤