Abeokuta, Ogun State to Calabar, Cross River State by Bus/Road: Price, Distance, Map & Online Booking

Calabar, formerly Old Calabar, town and port, capital of Cross River state, southeastern Nigeria. It lies along the Calabar River, 5 miles (8 km) upstream from that river’s entrance into the Cross River estuary. Settled in the early 17th century by the Efik branch of the Ibibio people, the town became a centre for trade between Europeans on the coast and Africans farther inland. Fish, cassava, bananas, palm oil, and palm kernels were traded at Calabar for European manufactured goods, and the town also served as a major slave-trading depot. Duke Town and the other Efik settlements near Calabar—Creek Town, Henshaw Town, and Obutong (Old Town)—were forcibly united into the loosely knit state of Old Calabar by the Ekpe secret society, which was controlled by the towns’ merchant houses. By the mid-19th century, after the waning of the slave trade, Old Calabar’s economy had become based on the export of palm oil and palm kernels. After the chiefs of Duke Town accepted British protection in 1884, the town, which was called Old Calabar until 1904, served as capital of the Oil Rivers Protectorate (1885–93), the Niger Coast Protectorate (1893–1900), and Southern Nigeria (1900–06) until the British administrative headquarters were moved to Lagos. It remained an important port (shipping ivory, timber, and beeswax, as well as palm produce) until it was eclipsed by Port Harcourt, terminus (1916) of the railroad, 90 miles (145 km) west.

The name Old Calabar (as distinguished from the port and river named New Calabar, 120 miles [193 km] west) was originally given by 15th-century Portuguese navigators to the African inhabitants of that part of the Gulf of Guinea coast. This region was the main source of the Calabar bean, a poisonous bean that, when ingested, markedly affects the nervous system.

Distance and Travel Time from Abeokuta to Calabar

The distance between Abeokuta and Calabar is approximately 750–800 kilometers, depending on the specific route taken. The journey typically takes 12–14 hours by road, depending on:

• Traffic conditions
• Road construction or delays
• Bus stops and breaks

Major Route from Abeokuta to Calabar

The most common route follows:

• Abeokuta → Lagos → Ore → Benin → Asaba → Onitsha → Owerri → Uyo → Calabar
• Abeokuta → Ibadan → Ondo → Benin → Warri → Port Harcourt → Calabar

Both routes pass through major cities and offer rest stops where travelers can refresh.

Abeokuta to Calabar Bus Options

Several bus companies operates on this route, offering comfort and reliability. Popular Bus Operators on This Route:

• ABC Transport
• God Is Good Motors (GIGM)
• Chisco Transport
• Young Shall Grow Motors

Cost of Abeokuta to Calabar Buses:

The cost of traveling from Abeokuta to Calabar by bus Ranges from ₦13,000 to ₦18,000 depending on the transport companies and the bus type used for the journey.

How to Book Abeokuta to Calabar Bus Tickets Online

Instead of visiting motor parks, you can book your bus tickets online through platforms integrated with Travu API services. These platforms offer real-time bus schedules, seat selection, and secure payments.

Best Online Booking Platforms

1. PalmPay
2. Billpoint
3. OPay Web

Steps to Book Online

• Visit any of the booking platforms above.
• Select your route (Abeokuta → Calabar).
• Choose your preferred bus (luxury or standard).
• Pick a departure time and seat.
• Pay securely via bank transfer, card, or mobile money.
• Receive your e-ticket via SMS/email.
• Booking online helps avoid last-minute price hikes and seat shortages

Travelling Tips for Abeokuta to Calabar

1. Research your destination and plan ahead.
2. Secure your belongings and stay aware of surroundings.
3. Prioritize health with vaccinations and medication.
4. Stay connected with portable Wi-Fi and emergency contacts.
5. Respect local customs and traditions.
6. Pack essentials like adapters, medication, comfortable shoes, and travel documents.