Exploring Abuja by Train: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the City Centre

Touching down at the enchanting Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria exactly 12:05 pm aboard Ibom Air flight – another positive narrative in the aviation sector of Nigeria, I wasn’t sure of going on any adventure from there, but as an explorer, l’m always ready to immerse myself in the vibrant pulse of adventure whenever and wherever the opportunity comes.

My driver’s call came through as soon as l exited the arrival hall, and I confirmed, making my way to the parking area, a spark of adventure lit up within me, reminding me of the train service that conveniently connects the airport to Abuja City. This was something I had yet to experience, and at that moment, I decided to change my plans. I called back my driver, instructing him to meet me at my hotel later, ready to explore Abuja on a different route, aiming at discovering more about the captivating city.

The magestic Abuja Airport train station

Navigating my way to the impressive train station, a striking edifice that stood just across the arrival terminal, I felt a growing sense of excitement. This isn’t just a building; it is a gateway to discovering Abuja in a whole new way.

Getting there, I was informed that the next train would depart in a couple of hours. A quick glance at my schedule showed some flexibility, so I made another call to rearrange my appointments for the day.

The state- of – art techy entrance at the station

With time to spare, I took the opportunity to observe my prayers at the airport mosque, adding another exploration and spiritual touch to my travel experience. By 3:10 pm, the station began to fill with passengers who, unlike me, seemed quite accustomed to this mode of transport. I joined them, eager to see what this journey had in store.

Once aboard, I found myself seated in a state-of-the-art, modern train with a superb interior design and comfortable seating, just like the ones we take abroad, a testament to Nigeria’s advancing transportation infrastructure.

The ride itself was smooth and quick, covering the distance from the airport to my stop at the Stadium Station in just 35 minutes, with a total of seven stations before the final one at Abuja Metro.

The Experience

As a travel writer and frequent visitor to Abuja, I’ve often relied on cars to navigate the city from the airport, however, this train ride offered a refreshing and comfortable alternative. The journey was a reminder of how Nigeria is making strides in transport tourism, offering not just convenience but also a new way to experience the country’s beauty.

Yours truly exploring Abuja by train

The most remarkable part of this service is that it’s currently free until December, providing an excellent opportunity for passengers to save money while enjoying this modern amenity. It’s an initiative that highlights the importance of the intervention of government in the tourism sector, helping to unlock the country’s full potential as Nigeria drives towards becoming a top destination in Africa which is achievable.

The standard gauge train blending with nature ready to transverse Abuja

Traveling by train through Abuja allowed me to see the city’s landscape from a different perspective, showcasing its beauty in a way that’s often missed when driving. This experience only deepened my appreciation for Abuja and reinforced the idea that, with more of such interventions, Nigeria’s tourism sector can not only meet up with other advanced countries but surpass expectations on the global stage.

For those looking to explore Abuja or simply wanting to try something new, I highly recommend taking the train . It’s more than just a ride; it’s an exploration that encapsulates the potential of what Nigeria’s tourism future holds.