Makurdi, Benue State to Port Harcourt, Rivers State by Bus/Road: Price, Distance, Map & Online Booking

Port Harcourt, port town and capital of Rivers state, southern Nigeria. It lies along the Bonny River (an eastern distributary of the Niger River) 41 miles (66 km) upstream from the Gulf of Guinea. Founded in 1912 in an area traditionally inhabited by the Ijo and Ikwere (Ikwerre, Ikwerri) people, it began to serve as a port (named for Lewis Harcourt, then colonial secretary) after the opening of the rail link to the Enugu coalfields in 1916. Now one of the nation’s largest ports, its deepwater (23 feet [7 metres]) facilities handle the export of palm oil, palm kernels, and timber from the surrounding area, coal from Anambra state, tin and columbite from the Jos Plateau, and, since 1958, petroleum from fields in the eastern Niger River delta. Port Harcourt has bulk storage facilities for both palm oil and petroleum. In the 1970s the port was enlarged with new facilities at nearby Onne.

Port Harcourt is one of Nigeria’s leading industrial centres. The Trans-Amadi Industrial Estate, 4 miles (6 km) north, is a 2,500-acre (1,000-hectare) site where tires, aluminum products, glass bottles, and paper are manufactured. The town also manufactures steel structural products, corrugated tin, paints, plastics, enamelware, wood and metal furniture, cement, concrete products, and several other goods. Nigeria’s first oil refinery (1965) is at Alesa-Eleme, 12 miles (19 km) southeast. Pipelines carry oil and natural gas to Port Harcourt (where there also is a refinery) and to the port of Bonny, 25 miles (40 km) south-southeast, and refined oil to Makurdi in Benue state. Port Harcourt is the site of boatbuilding and fishing industries and has fish-freezing facilities. The University of Port Harcourt (1975) and Rivers State University of Science and Technology (1972, university status 1980) serve the town, and nearby Onne is the site of the Nigerian Naval College. Port Harcourt is the starting point of the eastern branch of the Nigerian Railways main line and also of the trunk highway network serving eastern Nigeria. There is an international airport located 7 miles (11 km) north. Pop. (2016 est.) urban agglom., 2,075,000.

Distance and Travel Time from Makurdi to Port Harcourt

The distance between Makurdi and Port Harcourt is approximately 420 kilometers (261 miles) via the A3 and A232 highways. The journey typically takes 6–8 hours by road, depending on factors such as:

• Road conditions
• Traffic delays
• Weather conditions
• Bus stops and breaks

Major Route from Makurdi to Port Harcourt

The most common route is:

• Makurdi → Otukpo → Enugu → Aba → Port Harcourt (Most common)
• Makurdi → Lafia → Akwanga → Jos → Bauchi → Port Harcourt (Longer route, less common)

Makurdi to Port Harcourt 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
• Ifesinachi Transport

Cost of Makurdi to Port Harcourt Buses:

The cost of traveling from Makurdi to Port Harcourt by bus Ranges from ₦4,500 to ₦8,500 depending on the transport companies and the bus type used for the journey.

How to Book Makurdi to Port Harcourt 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 (Makurdi → Port Harcourt).
• 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 Makurdi to Port Harcourt

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.