If there is one road trip in Nigeria that captures the true diversity of the country, it’s the journey from Onitsha in Anambra State to Kaduna, Kano, and Maiduguri in the far North.
This trip is not for the faint-hearted. It’s long, it’s exhausting, and sometimes it’s risky. But it’s also one of the most eye-opening experiences you can have in Nigeria. The journey cuts across different regions, the bustling markets of the Southeast, the farmlands of the Middle Belt, and the dry savannah of the North. By the time you reach Maiduguri, you will feel like you’ve traveled across three different countries. Also check Enugu to Maiduguri by Road: Price List, Contacts and Online Booking.
People embark on this trip for different reasons. Traders leaving Onitsha International Market with goods for Northern customers. Students heading back to universities in Kaduna, Kano, or Maiduguri. NGO workers posted to the Northeast. Soldiers on duty. Families relocating. Or ordinary Nigerians simply trying to move closer to opportunities.
This article gives you the complete breakdown of what the trip looks like: the routes, the price list, the transport companies you can use, contacts, online booking, safety tips, relatable stories, and frequently asked questions.
How Long is the Journey?
- Onitsha to Kaduna → about 600 km (10–12 hours by road).
- Onitsha to Kano → about 700 km (12–14 hours).
- Onitsha to Maiduguri → over 1,100 km (18–24 hours depending on route).
These are average estimates. In Nigeria, road trips hardly ever stick to “Google Maps timing.” Police checkpoints, military roadblocks, bad stretches, or traffic jams can easily add hours.
Preparing for the Trip
Nobody wakes up one morning and casually says, “I’m going from Onitsha to Maiduguri by road.” It takes planning.
- Book tickets early – Transport companies fill seats quickly, especially on northern routes.
- Travel light but smart – Water, snacks, a power bank, tissue, and a neck pillow are essentials.
- Carry identification – National ID, driver’s license, or school ID. Security checkpoints will ask.
- Inform family/friends – Let someone know your departure and expected arrival.
- Choose your company wisely – Stick to reputable transport lines like GUO, Young Shall Grow, Peace Mass, or Ifesinachi.
Onitsha to Kaduna, Kano and Maiduguri by Road and Price List (2025 Estimates)
| Route | Fare Range (₦) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onitsha → Kaduna | ₦45,000 – ₦58,000 | 10–12 hrs | Popular with students and workers |
| Onitsha → Kano | ₦48,000 – ₦55,000 | 12–14 hrs | Often passes through Abuja/Zaria |
| Onitsha → Maiduguri | ₦45,000 – ₦58,000 | 18–24 hrs | Longest route, military checkpoints |
⚠️ Prices rise during festive seasons or when fuel prices increase.
Transport Companies that goes from Onitsha to Kaduna, Kano and Maiduguri by Road and Parks
Here are the main players on the Onitsha–Kaduna/Kano/Maiduguri routes:
| Company | Onitsha Terminal (Park) | Northern Terminals | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Shall Grow Motors | Upper Iweka, Onitsha | Kaduna (Kawo Park), Kano (Sabon Gari), Maiduguri (Bama Road) | www.ysgmotors.com |
| GUO Transport | Onitsha GUO Park, Upper Iweka | Kaduna (Ahmadu Bello Way), Kano (Zaria Road), Maiduguri (Customs Area) | www.guotransport.com.ng |
| Peace Mass Transit (PMT) | Upper Iweka, Onitsha | Kaduna (Central Park), Kano (Sabon Gari), Maiduguri (Gamboru Park) | www.pmt.ng |
| Ifesinachi Transport | Ogui Road/Upper Iweka axis, Onitsha | Abuja (connection point), then Kaduna/Kano/Maiduguri | Mostly offline booking |
| Private Hires | Holy Ghost Park / Upper Iweka Market Area | Kaduna Central Park, Kano Sabon Gari, Maiduguri Motor Park | Offline negotiation |
How to book bus ticket From Onitsha to Kaduna, Kano and Maiduguri by Road
To book your ticket Onitsha to Kaduna, Kano and Maiduguri by Road just follow this simple steps:
Show them your ticket at the park and board the vehicle.
Click on “Book Ticket Now” button at the beginning OR at the end of this post.
Fill the form
Enter your name and phone number
Select your departure and destination from the drop down menu
Your date of traveling and number of tickets you intend to book
Then fill in your nest of kin details
make payment
Confirmation email and text will be send to you, including your booking details
Challenges on the Road
- Long Hours – Sitting in a bus for 18+ hours is draining.
- Security Risks – Banditry and insurgency fears in parts of the North.
- Checkpoints – Frequent stops by security personnel slow the journey.
- Road Conditions – Some stretches are rough, especially during rainy season.
- Cost of Feeding – Buying food along the way adds up.
Safety Tips
- Always travel with reputable companies.
- Avoid night buses. Day trips are safer.
- Carry a valid ID card.
- Pack essentials (snacks, water, power bank, light jacket).
- Inform family/friends of your journey.
- Be calm and respectful at checkpoints.
For road travel safety in Nigeria check 10 Safety Tips You Should Follow When Traveling Within Nigeria
Also Check Federal road safety corps for more safety details
Comparison with Air Travel
Flights from Asaba/Enugu to Kaduna, Kano, or Maiduguri take less than 2 hours. But tickets can cost ₦90,000 – ₦120,000 one way. Road travel remains the cheaper option, especially for traders, students, and families.
FAQs about Onitsha to Kaduna, Kano and Maiduguri by Road
Q1: How many hours is Onitsha to Kaduna by road?
About 10–12 hours.
Q2: How much is bus fare from Onitsha to Kano?
₦35,000 – ₦42,000.
Q3: Can I book tickets online?
Yes, via GUO, Peace Mass, or Young Shall Grow websites.
Q4: Is it safe to travel from Onitsha to Maiduguri by road?
Generally yes, but security risks exist. Stick with reputable companies and travel in daytime.
Q5: Where do buses load in Onitsha?
Mostly at Upper Iweka Park.
My Final Take
Traveling from Onitsha to Kaduna, Kano, and Maiduguri by road is more than a trip. It’s a journey across Nigeria’s geography, culture, and human spirit.
It’s long. It’s tiring. Sometimes it’s frustrating. But it’s also rewarding, because you get to see Nigeria as it really is diverse, complex, and united by roads.
Whether you’re a trader, a student, or just an adventurer, this trip is one you’ll never forget.
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