If you’ve got a layover in Minna, don’t let it go to waste sitting at MXJ. The city, in Nigeria, is within easy reach — roughly 90 minutes by Taxi/Car Hire. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into Minna, 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: Minna is roughly 90 minutes from MXJ via Taxi/Car Hire. 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 Minna on a Layover
For a layover visit to Minna, we’d suggest Mungo Park’s Cenotaph and Tagwai Dam. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
If you’d rather stay inside MXJ — 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:
- Minna Airport Waiting Area
- Airport Convenience Kiosk
How to Get Into Minna
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Car Hire | ~90 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~110 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi/Car Hire 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.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Sharada Restaurant and De-Pot Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Minna.
- At the airport: Minna Airport Canteen and Airside Refreshments Stand will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Minna might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$6 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$21 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Minna.
Staying Connected
WiFi at MXJ should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Nigeria and you’re good to go.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at MXJ aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Minna itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at MXJ, 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
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Minna genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.