How to Book a Ride in Nigeria

How to Book a Ride in Nigeria: Booking a ride is one of the easiest and fastest ways to get around without having to stand on the roadside looking for a pick-and-drop taxi. This can save you a lot of time especially when you’re heading to an appointment or work. Plus, if you’re going to see a friend and don’t know the exact location or have never been there before, using a ride-hailing service can make your journey easier, safer, and quicker.

In this post, I will put you through on how you can book a ride in Nigeria.

Firstly, let’s list the places in Nigeria where these services are available and the companies that offer them:

Places Where You Can Book a Ride in Nigeria

Lagos
Abuja
Ibadan
Port Harcourt

Companies That Offer Ride Services

Bolt
Indrive
Uber

Bolt and Indrive are among the best options in Abuja, while Indrive is currently the most popular choice in Lagos.

Steps on How to Book a Ride in Nigeria

Create an Account:

Start by downloading the ride-hailing app of your choice, such as Bolt, Indrive, or Uber, from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Once downloaded, open the app and sign up. You’ll be prompted to enter your personal information, including your name, phone number, and email address. Make sure to use a valid phone number as you may receive a verification code.

Set Your Location:

After signing up, the app will request access to your phone’s location. Allow it to access your location for a more accurate pickup point.
If you prefer, you can manually type your current location by using the Google Maps feature integrated into the app. This is particularly useful if you’re in a crowded area or if the app struggles to pinpoint your exact location.

Choose Your Destination:

In the designated field, enter your destination address. It’s important to ensure that the address you enter matches the name displayed on the map. This will help avoid confusion and ensure that the driver knows where to take you.
Some apps also allow you to select popular destinations from a list, which can save you time.

Select Your Ride Type:

The app will present you with various ride options. These might include standard rides, high-class options, or premium vehicles.
Take a moment to review each option, as the price and type of vehicle will vary. Consider your budget and the number of passengers when making your choice. For example, if you’re traveling alone, a standard ride might suffice, but for a special occasion, you may want to opt for a premium vehicle.

Confirm Your Ride:

After selecting your ride type, review all the details, including your pickup location, destination, ride type, and estimated fare.
If everything looks good, confirm your ride. The app will then notify you of the estimated arrival time of your driver.
Additionally, you might have the option to select a specific rider if the app provides that feature. If you feel uncomfortable with the assigned driver, you can request a change of rider through the app.

Track Your Ride:

Once your ride is confirmed, you can track your driver’s location in real-time on the map within the app. This allows you to see how far away they are and when to expect them.
Be sure to stay in a safe, visible area while waiting for your driver.

Prepare for Your Ride:

Once your driver arrives, confirm their identity by checking the vehicle’s license plate and the driver’s name displayed in the app.
Feel free to ask the driver any questions you may have about the ride or your destination before getting in.

Enjoy Your Ride:

Sit back and relax as you enjoy your journey. Many apps also allow you to share your ride details with a friend or family member for safety.

Payment:

At the end of your trip, payment will be processed automatically through the app, or you can choose to pay in cash, depending on the service.
Make sure to rate your driver and provide feedback on your experience. This helps improve the service for future users.

Share Your Trip Details

When you’re heading to a new place, especially if you’re not familiar with the area, it’s a good idea to share your trip details with someone you trust. Here’s why and how to do it:

Why Share?
- Safety First: If you’re going somewhere you’ve never been, letting someone know where you are can really add an extra layer of safety. If anything goes wrong, at least someone knows where to look for you.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that a friend or family member has your trip details can help ease any anxiety for both of you. It’s comforting to know that someone’s looking out for you.
- Meeting Up: If you’re going to meet a friend at a new spot, sharing your trip details helps them know when to expect you. It makes coordinating the meet-up so much easier!
How to Share Your Trip:
- Most ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Indrive, and Uber make it super easy to share your trip. After you book your ride, just look for the option to share your trip status.
- You can send the details through text, WhatsApp, or any messaging app. It usually includes your driver’s name, car details, and a live map link so they can track your ride.
- Pick someone you trust—maybe a family member or a close friend—and let them know you’re on the way somewhere.
What to Include:
- Driver Info: Send over your driver’s name, a photo, and their car details (like the make, model, and license plate). This way, your loved ones can easily identify your driver.
- Estimated Arrival Time: Let them know your expected arrival time, so they know when to check in on you.
- Route Info: If you’re unsure about where you’re going, share your route. This helps your friends track your progress and know if you hit any bumps along the way.
Stay Connected:
- Keep your phone close during the ride and send a quick message when you arrive. A simple “I made it!” can really put everyone at ease.
- And if at any point you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to reach out to your contacts or use the emergency features in the app. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

By sharing your trip details, you’re not just looking out for yourself; you’re also giving your loved ones peace of mind while you’re on the road.

Conclusion

Booking a ride in Nigeria has become incredibly convenient thanks to the availability of reliable ride-hailing services like Bolt, Indrive, and Uber. Whether you’re in Lagos, Abuja, or other major cities, these platforms offer a fast, safe, and hassle-free way to get around. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily book a ride, track your driver, and enjoy a comfortable journey. Don’t forget to share your trip details with someone you trust to ensure peace of mind and safety.

With just a few clicks, you can go from point A to point B without stress, making your daily commute or special trips easier than ever before.