A long layover in Calabar is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Margaret Ekpo International Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 60 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Before You Step Outside CBQ
Before heading into Calabar, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Nigeria vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Calabar is roughly 60 minutes from CBQ via Taxi. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in NGN. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Exploring Calabar on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Calabar:
Start with Calabar Museum (Old Residency). Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare. Then, if time allows, make your way to Calabar Marina Resort. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside CBQ — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- General Waiting Area
- Airport Snack Kiosk
Getting from CBQ to Calabar
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | ~60 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~80 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Eating Well on a Calabar Layover
- In the city: Mr. Fans and The Terrace Restaurant (Transcorp Hilton Calabar) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Calabar.
- At the airport: CBQ Airport Canteen and Airport Coffee & Pastries Corner will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Calabar, budget roughly $20 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $5 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Calabar, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and CBQ is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Calabar and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Storing Your Luggage at Margaret Ekpo International Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at CBQ may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Calabar’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Sleep & Lounge Options at CBQ
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at CBQ, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Calabar with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Calabar may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.