How to Get Accommodation in the UK as a Student
Find out how to get affordable and comfortable accommodation in the UK as a student.
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A trip to the UK often starts long before takeoff. It begins with scanning ticket prices at odd hours, comparing airlines, double-checking baggage rules, and figuring out how to pay in dollars when your card says no.
If you're planning to travel from Nigeria to the UK, this guide breaks everything down clearly. From the cheapest airlines to fly with, to how you can actually book your ticket and pay securely, you'll find all the essentials here to get your travel plans rolling without stress. Also, in case you missed it, here are the top apps you need to travel in 2025.
Cheapest Flights from Nigeria to the UK
Travelling from Nigeria to the UK doesn't have to cost a fortune. Whether you're heading to London, Manchester, or Birmingham, several airlines are currently offering affordable one-way flights from cities like Lagos and Abuja. Most of the cheapest options come with a layover, but if you're flexible on time, you can save a lot on your fare. Here's a breakdown of the cheapest flights from Nigeria to the UK as of May 2025:
Air Algerie is offering one of the cheapest flights from Abuja to London Heathrow right now, with fares starting at just £241 (about ₦456,000). The flight includes a single layover in Algiers and a total journey time of around 10 hours. While it’s a lesser-known airline, it’s a solid pick for budget travellers looking to cut costs. Just keep an eye on the layover length as it varies and could stretch your total travel time.
For a mix of affordability and comfort, Qatar Airways is a great option. Their one-way flight from Lagos to London Gatwick, with a layover in Doha, is currently priced at £268 (roughly ₦507,000). Although the full journey can take anywhere from 13 to 18 hours, passengers enjoy excellent in-flight service, comfortable seating, and smooth transitions through Doha’s top-tier international airport.
Another cost-effective option is Ethiopian Airlines, with flights from Lagos to London Heathrow via Addis Ababa going for around £267 (approximately ₦505,000). The total travel time is about 17 hours, depending on the connection. Ethiopian Airlines is known for its relatively low fares across Africa and offers a decent flying experience with meal service and baggage included in most economy fares.
If you’re looking to get to the UK faster without paying premium prices, Royal Air Maroc offers flights from Lagos to London Gatwick with a layover in Casablanca. The flight takes about 9 hours in total and is currently priced around £435 (₦823,000). While not as cheap as others on this list, it offers a good middle ground between time and cost. It’s worth considering if you're willing to pay a bit more for a shorter layover.
For travellers who want to avoid layovers altogether, Air Peace offers a direct flight from Lagos to London Gatwick. At around £592 (₦1.12 million), it’s the priciest option on this list, but still cheaper than most foreign carriers for a nonstop route. The flight takes just about 6 hours, making it perfect for those who value convenience and time savings over cost.
How to Book Your Flight from Nigeria to the UK
With so many airlines and platforms available, booking a flight might seem complicated at first. The steps below simplify the process so you know exactly what to do from start to finish.
1. Decide on Your Departure and Arrival Cities
Most international flights leave from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Your destination in the UK is most likely London, although you might consider Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh, depending on your plans.
If you are heading to school or work in a smaller UK city, flying into London and connecting via train or a local flight might be the best option.
2. Compare Flights Using Trusted Platforms
Before you book, compare prices and flight times using platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kayak. These tools let you view multiple airlines at once and filter by price, layovers, travel time and baggage policy. You can also set alerts to be notified when prices drop.
Spend a few minutes comparing options across different dates. You might find that leaving one day earlier or later can save you a good amount of money.
3. Choose Where to Book
Once you find a flight that suits your needs, you have two main booking options:
If you are booking during a promo season or using a student fare, these platforms may also have special rates that are not listed on airline websites.
How to Pay for a Flight from Nigeria to the UK
Paying for an international flight with a Nigerian card can be frustrating. Many local cards get declined on airline websites due to spending limits, currency restrictions, or blocked international transactions. This is where Geegpay makes things easier.
With Geegpay, you can create a virtual dollar card that works seamlessly on international websites. It’s especially helpful if you earn in dollars or other foreign currencies, but it’s just as useful if you want a simple, reliable way to make payments without relying on a traditional Naira card. Here’s how it helps:
After sorting out your payment with Geegpay, the next step is to enter your passenger details. This part requires careful attention because everything must match your passport exactly, including your full name, nationality, date of birth, and passport number. Any small mistake here can cause delays or issues at the airport.
While filling out your information, you will also have the chance to pick your seat, add extra baggage, or request special meals if you need them. Taking care of these details upfront helps make your trip more comfortable.
Once you complete your booking and payment, you will get a confirmation email with all your flight details and a booking reference. It is important to save this email in a few places so it is easy to find when you check in. The reference number lets you manage your booking, check the status of your flight, and download your boarding pass as your travel date approaches.
Helpful Tips Before You Fly
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