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Practical guide · Cotonou Drive · updated August 2026

Arriving from Lagos: the Sèmè-Kraké border and the road to Cotonou

Prepare the Benin–Nigeria border crossing and arrange your car on the Cotonou side.

Zémidjan motorbike taxis and passengers on Boulevard Saint-Michel in Cotonou
Photo : Saliousoft · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Cotonou is reached from Lagos by the coastal road, crossing the Sèmè-Kraké land border. Book your car with its free driver for the Benin side of the journey; pick-up is arranged in Cotonou and, on request via WhatsApp, as soon as you arrive on the Benin side.

On location

Sèmè-Kraké is the main border post between Nigeria and Benin, on the coastal Lagos–Cotonou corridor. On the Benin side, the road follows the coast into Cotonou; have your travel documents ready and check both countries’ entry formalities.

Suggested duration
Journey time from Lagos varies a lot with traffic and border formalities: leave early and keep a buffer.
Local tip
Check before departure which documents your nationality requires at the border, and message us on WhatsApp to time your pick-up around your estimated crossing.

Before leaving

Check handover time, fuel or charge level, tyre pressure and the support contact. Take time to photograph the condition report with the agent.

Choosing the car

A city car suits most urban travel. For luggage, longer stays or tracks, prefer an SUV or 4×4. Ask for advice if your itinerary leaves the main roads.

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