🇳🇬 Flights to Abuja
Cheap Flights to Abuja from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV). Dream Fare beats comparison sites with exclusive fares on direct and connecting flights from the UK to Nigeria’s capital.
Airlines to Abuja
All Airlines Flying London to Abuja
Abuja is Nigeria’s capital with daily direct flights from London. We compare every airline to find your best price.
Baggage Allowances — London to Abuja
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 1 bag up to 23kg | 1 x 23kg | Hand baggage included on all fares |
| Air Peace | 1 bag up to 10kg | 2 x 23kg | Generous two-piece allowance. Very popular with diaspora |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Best two-piece among connecting carriers |
| Emirates | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Flex fares may vary — confirm at booking |
| Qatar Airways | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Excellent for families with extra luggage |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 bag up to 8kg | 2 x 23kg | Generous two-piece standard economy |
Flight Information
London to Abuja Flight Details
Abuja is Nigeria’s purpose-built federal capital at the geographic centre of the country. Direct flights from London take approximately 6 hours 45 minutes. Abuja is 1 hour ahead of GMT.
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Distance
~3,200 miles (5,150 km)
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Direct flight time
~6 hours 45 minutes
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Airport
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV)
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Time difference
+1 hour GMT year-round
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Airport location
Approximately 35km from Abuja city centre
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Best booking lead time
6 to 10 weeks ahead for best fares
Best Time to Fly London to Abuja
Best Season
Nov — March
Dry season in Abuja. Sunny and pleasant (25°C to 32°C). Best for business travel and visiting family. Competitive fares outside Christmas.
Good Value
April — June
Rainy season begins. Still manageable conditions. Fares are competitive before the peak July to August period.
Peak Season
July — September
School holidays push prices up significantly. Eid travel adds further demand. Book 3 to 4 months ahead for summer travel.
Book Early
Oct — December
Rains ending and Christmas demand begins. December fares to Abuja are among the highest of the year. Book as early as possible.
About Abuja
Abuja — Nigeria’s Modern Capital
Abuja became Nigeria’s federal capital in 1991, purpose-built at the geographic centre of the country to serve as a unifying capital. Clean, planned and well-organised, Abuja is a completely different experience from Lagos — quieter, greener and more relaxed.
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Aso Rock & Architecture
Aso Rock is the granite outcrop that dominates Abuja’s skyline and gives the Presidential Villa its name. The Three Arms Zone houses the Presidential Villa, National Assembly and Supreme Court in a planned diplomatic quarter unlike anywhere else in Nigeria.
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Abuja National Mosque
One of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Africa — the Abuja National Mosque with its four golden minarets is a landmark of the Nigerian capital and one of the finest pieces of religious architecture in West Africa.
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Abuja National Christian Centre
Completed in 2005, the National Christian Centre is a massive modern cathedral seating 5,000 people and representing the spirit of Nigerian religious plurality. Located directly opposite the National Mosque across the Millennium Tower.
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Yankari Game Reserve
A 4-hour drive from Abuja, Yankari is Nigeria’s most popular national park. Home to elephants, hippos, baboons and over 350 bird species. The Wikki Warm Spring is a natural thermal pool of extraordinary clarity — one of Nigeria’s finest natural attractions.
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Abuja Food Scene
Abuja has a surprisingly sophisticated restaurant scene. Suya is everywhere and extraordinary. Gwagwalada fish pepper soup, pounded yam and egusi soup in the Night Market, and the international restaurants of Maitama and Wuse 2 reflect the capital’s cosmopolitan mix of diplomats and professionals.
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Millennium Tower & Park
The Millennium Tower — a 170-metre cylindrical landmark at the heart of Abuja — and Millennium Park (the largest park in Nigeria) offer a green escape in the heart of the capital. The park’s lake, gardens and walking paths are popular at weekends.
Top Places to Visit in Abuja
Aso Rock Presidential Villa
Abuja’s most recognisable landmark — the massive granite outcrop that forms the backdrop of Nigeria’s presidential residence and seat of government. While the Presidential Villa itself is not open to visitors, Aso Rock is visible from across the city and defines Abuja’s dramatic skyline.
Nigerian National Museum
The National Museum and Monuments in Abuja houses Nigeria’s finest collection of ancient bronzes, Nok terracotta figurines, traditional costumes and artefacts from across Nigeria’s 250+ ethnic groups. An essential introduction to Nigeria’s extraordinary cultural diversity.
Usuma Dam & Reservoir
Abuja’s main water reservoir and a beautiful recreational area popular with families, joggers and picnickers. The reservoir is surrounded by green hills with good bird watching and a peaceful atmosphere completely unlike the intensity of Lagos.
Abuja Arts and Crafts Village
A large market dedicated entirely to Nigerian art, crafts, fabrics and souvenirs. The best place in Abuja to buy Ankara fabric, Nigerian jewellery, woodwork, paintings and traditional items from across all of Nigeria’s regions. Good for both browsing and buying.
Zuma Rock
A 725-metre monolithic rock rising abruptly from the plains on the road between Abuja and Kaduna. Known as the Gateway to Abuja, Zuma Rock is one of Nigeria’s most iconic natural landmarks. The rock face contains a remarkable natural formation resembling a human face.
Jabi Lake Mall & Waterfront
One of Abuja’s most pleasant destinations — a modern shopping mall with restaurants and bars opening onto a lakeside waterfront. Popular at weekends for families, couples and the Abuja social set. Boat rides on Jabi Lake are available and the sunset views are beautiful.
Travel Tips
Abuja Travel Guide
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Visa for Abuja
UK citizens require a Nigerian visa to enter Abuja. Apply online at immigration.gov.ng before travel for a visa on arrival token or apply at the Nigerian High Commission in London. A tourist visa costs approximately £39. Dream Fare can guide you through the process.
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Currency & Money
Nigeria uses the Naira (NGN). USD is accepted in many hotels and larger establishments. Cards are widely accepted in Abuja’s Maitama and Wuse districts. ATMs available throughout the city. Abuja has a more reliable banking infrastructure than many other Nigerian cities.
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Getting Around Abuja
Uber and Bolt operate well in Abuja and are far safer than roadside taxis. Abuja’s planned road network means traffic is significantly better than Lagos. The airport is approximately 35km from the city centre and the ride takes about 40 minutes in normal traffic.
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SIM Cards & Data
MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Glo SIM cards available at ABV Airport and across Abuja. 4G coverage is excellent in the capital. Abuja has some of Nigeria’s best mobile internet connectivity. WhatsApp is the primary communication tool.
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Weather in Abuja
Abuja has a tropical savannah climate with a dry season (November to March) and a wet season (April to October). The dry season is hot (28°C to 36°C). The Harmattan winds from December to February bring cool, dusty conditions. Pack light clothing and a layer for air-conditioned interiors.
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Safety in Abuja
Abuja is generally considered safer than Lagos with a strong security presence in the Three Arms Zone and diplomatic quarters. Use Uber or Bolt rather than roadside taxis. Standard urban precautions apply. Check the latest FCDO Nigeria travel advice before departure.
Flights to Abuja FAQ
How long is the flight from London to Abuja?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) take approximately 6 hours 45 minutes. British Airways and Air Peace both operate direct daily services. Connecting flights via Addis Ababa, Dubai or Doha take 12 to 14 hours.
Which airlines fly direct from London to Abuja?
British Airways and Air Peace both operate direct daily flights from London Heathrow to Abuja. British Airways is popular for business travellers and those flying Club World. Air Peace is popular with the UK Nigerian community for its competitive fares and generous 2x23kg baggage allowance.
Is Abuja or Lagos better to fly into?
It depends on your destination in Nigeria. Abuja (ABV) is the better choice if you are visiting the north, centre or east of Nigeria — or travelling for government and business purposes. Lagos (LOS) is better for the south, southwest and those visiting the Lagos metropolitan area.
What is Abuja like compared to Lagos?
Abuja is a completely different experience from Lagos. It is planned, organised, greener and significantly calmer than Lagos. Traffic is far less congested. As the federal capital, Abuja has a large international community of diplomats, NGO workers and government officials. It is often described as Nigeria’s most liveable city.
Do I need a visa to fly to Abuja?
Yes. UK passport holders require a Nigerian visa to enter Abuja. Apply online at immigration.gov.ng for a visa on arrival token or apply at the Nigerian High Commission in London. A tourist visa costs approximately £39. Dream Fare can guide you through the process.
How much do return flights from London to Abuja cost?
Return flights from London to Abuja start from approximately £399 with Dream Fare. Abuja fares can be slightly higher than Lagos due to less competition on the route. Contact us for the latest exclusive fares and availability.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.