The Third Mainland Bridge spans Lagos Lagoon between the Lagos Island axis near Adekunle and Iyana Oworo on the mainland, running roughly eleven and a half kilometers and standing as one of the longest bridges in Africa. Completed in 1990, the bridge carries the bulk of daily commuter traffic between the mainland and Lagos Island, and beyond its practical function it offers some of the most expansive lagoon views available in the city, with fishing communities, floating settlements, and the Lagos skyline visible along its length. Most visitors experience the bridge as passengers in a car, taxi, or bus crossing at some point during a Lagos itinerary, but the access points at either end, particularly around Adekunle and Iyana Oworo, allow for brief stops to view or photograph the bridge and lagoon from ground level. Sunrise crossings are especially popular among photographers, since early morning traffic is lighter and the lagoon light is softer, while the same crossing during peak commuting hours can involve significant congestion, particularly heading toward the island in the morning and back toward the mainland in the evening. Because it is a functioning public road rather than a tourist attraction with dedicated viewing infrastructure, extended stops are limited to the access points rather than the bridge itself, and visitors are advised not to stop on the carriageway.
| Admission | Free (toll-free public road) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours (public road) |
| Typical visit | 15-30 minutes for viewing/photos at either end |
| Best time | Early morning around sunrise for lagoon views with light traffic |
| Getting there | Uber/Bolt to Adekunle or Iyana Oworo access points; BRT buses cross the bridge on the Ikorodu-CMS route |
| Address | Third Mainland Bridge, Adekunle end, Lagos |
Weather through the year in Lagos
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Lagos.
Location
Third Mainland Bridge, Adekunle end, Lagos
6.5011, 3.3868 View on map
Highlights
- One of the longest bridges in Africa, spanning roughly 11.5 kilometers over Lagos Lagoon
- Sweeping views of the lagoon, fishing communities, and Lagos skyline
- Key commuter link between Lagos Island and the mainland
- Best photographed from the Adekunle or Iyana Oworo access points
- Notably lighter traffic and softer light around sunrise
Tips for visiting
- Cross around sunrise for the lightest traffic and best lagoon light
- Avoid the morning and evening rush hours, when congestion peaks in both directions
- Photograph from the Adekunle or Iyana Oworo access points, not from the carriageway itself
- Use a licensed taxi or ride-hailing app for a crossing that allows a brief stop at either end
- Check traffic conditions before departure, since congestion can add significant time to any crossing
When to visit
Early morning around sunrise offers the lightest traffic and best light for lagoon views.
Accessibility
The bridge itself has no pedestrian walkway suited to casual visitors, and the access points at either end have uneven, informal ground conditions that can be difficult for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to experience the Third Mainland Bridge?
A brief stop for viewing and photos at either end takes fifteen to thirty minutes, while the crossing itself can take anywhere from ten minutes to over an hour depending on traffic.
Is the Third Mainland Bridge worth visiting with kids?
It works well as a scenic stop or drive-by rather than a dedicated attraction, and children can enjoy the lagoon views from the car or a brief roadside stop.
Is photography allowed on the Third Mainland Bridge?
Photography from the access points at either end is generally fine, but photographing from a stopped vehicle on the bridge itself is unsafe and discouraged.