Passing through Akanu Ibiam International Airport? A layover in Enugu is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 90 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of ENU:
- Can you legally enter Nigeria? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 90-minute journey each way by Taxi / Ride-sharing, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the NGN. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
The Best Way Into Enugu from ENU
From ENU, the Taxi / Ride-sharing gets you to Enugu in around 90 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 110 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Ride-sharing offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at ENU aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Enugu itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
What to Budget for Your Enugu Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Enugu layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$4 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$19 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Enugu.
What to See and Do in Enugu
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Enugu, two standouts are:
- National Museum of Unity Enugu — You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
- Ngwo Pine Forest — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside ENU — 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:
- Airport Executive Lounge
- Local Crafts & Snack Kiosks
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Enugu: 8ty4 Diner and The Roots Restaurant & Bar. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Canteen & Eatery or Airport Coffee & Snack Stop. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and ENU is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Enugu 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.
Sleep & Lounge Options at ENU
Long overnight layover? Your options at ENU include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Nigeria also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Enugu is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Enugu.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.