Are there direct flights from the UK to Calabar?

No. You fly to Lagos or Abuja first - British Airways and Virgin Atlantic serve Lagos non-stop from London Heathrow - and then take a short domestic flight to Calabar with a Nigerian carrier.

How long does it take to fly to Calabar from the UK?

Plan on roughly 12 to 18 hours door to door. That combines a flight of about six and a half hours to Lagos, or a one-stop route via Europe or the Middle East, with a one-hour hop to Calabar plus connection time.

Which airlines fly towards Calabar?

For the long-haul leg, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM and Ethiopian Airlines are all worth comparing. The Calabar leg is operated by Nigerian airlines such as Air Peace, Ibom Air and United Nigeria.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Calabar?

Fares are generally lower outside December and the UK summer school holidays. The drier months of January and February often combine reasonable prices with pleasant weather - use the When to book chart above to compare.

Do UK travellers need a visa for Nigeria?

Yes. British citizens must obtain a visa before travelling, applied for through Nigeria's official immigration service. Allow plenty of time for processing and check the current requirements when you book.

How do I get from Margaret Ekpo International Airport into Calabar?

The airport is only a few kilometres from the city centre, about 10 to 20 minutes by road. Airport taxis and pre-arranged hotel transfers are the usual choices; agree the price before you set off.

What vaccinations do I need for Calabar?

A yellow fever certificate is required for entry to Nigeria, and antimalarial medication is recommended. Check TravelHealthPro and speak to your GP or a travel clinic at least six to eight weeks before you fly.

Why book flights to Calabar with Seven Zones Travel?

Our team knows the connecting routes through Lagos and Abuja and will build the smoothest itinerary for your dates, compare fares across airlines to find the best value, and provide 24/7 support while you are away.

Does Seven Zones Travel offer ATOL-protected trips to Calabar?

Yes. When you book a flight-inclusive package with us, your trip is ATOL protected, so your money and your return flight are covered if things change unexpectedly.

Cheap Flights to Calabar (CBQ) | Seven Zones Travel

iDiscover the best prices by selecting your travel dates.

Live deals to Calabar are being prepared — use Select dates above to search now.

Found a Better Price for Your Flights to Calabar? We'll Beat It.

Share your existing quote and our experts will find you a cheaper deal — guaranteed.

Beat My Quote 020 7993 2994

Overview

Calabar, capital of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, is one of the country's greenest and most relaxed cities. Set on the Calabar River close to the Atlantic coast, it is known for its friendly pace, riverside seafood, colonial-era history and the month-long Calabar Carnival every December. For UK travellers it works as a rewarding trip in its own right or as a gateway to the rainforests and waterfalls of Cross River State. Flights from the UK connect through a larger Nigerian hub, and you can follow live fares in the price charts on this page.

Best time to fly to Calabar

Calabar has a tropical climate and is one of the wettest cities in Nigeria. The drier season runs roughly from November to February, with less rain and warm days near 30C - the most comfortable window to visit, and the one that includes the Calabar Carnival in December. The wet season, from around March to October, brings heavy downpours, particularly between June and September. Fares from the UK tend to rise around the December festive period and school holidays, so check the When to book chart above to compare months before you commit.

Airlines and routes

There are no direct flights from the UK to Calabar. The usual routing is a flight to Lagos or Abuja followed by a short domestic hop. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly non-stop from London Heathrow to Lagos in about six and a half hours; alternatively, carriers such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM and Ethiopian Airlines connect via their hubs. From Lagos or Abuja, Nigerian airlines including Air Peace, Ibom Air and United Nigeria operate the roughly one-hour flight to Calabar. Allow around 12 to 18 hours in total, depending on your connection and layover.

Things to do in Calabar

Compact and walkable in parts, Calabar rewards a few unhurried days.

Calabar Carnival: Nigeria's biggest street party, with costumed bands, floats and music throughout December.

Marina Resort: A waterfront leisure area that is home to the Slave History Museum, documenting the region's Atlantic slave-trade past.

Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort: A large complex just outside the city with retail, film studios and a water park.

Drill Ranch (Pandrillus): A respected conservation project caring for rescued drill monkeys and chimpanzees.

Cross River National Park: Rainforest trails and waterfalls within reach on a day trip or overnight excursion.

At Margaret Ekpo International Airport (CBQ)

Margaret Ekpo International Airport sits just a few kilometres north of central Calabar, so transfers are quick - usually 10 to 20 minutes to the main hotels. There is no train or metro; airport taxis are the standard option, and it is worth agreeing the fare in naira before you set off or arranging a pickup through your hotel. Many hotels provide a shuttle if you request it when booking. Traffic is generally light compared with Lagos.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Calabar

Book early for December: Carnival and festive demand push fares up, so aim to book two to five months ahead for the best value.

Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures from the UK are often cheaper than weekend flights.

Use flexible dates: Shifting your trip by a few days, or travelling in the shoulder months, can lower the total cost - compare options on the price charts on this page.

Compare hubs: Check both non-stop London to Lagos fares and one-stop routes via Europe or the Middle East, as the connecting price plus the domestic add-on sometimes wins.

Travel essentials

UK passport holders need a visa to visit Nigeria. Apply through Nigeria's official immigration service well before you travel and carry your approval and supporting documents. The currency is the Nigerian naira; card acceptance is growing in hotels, but carry some cash for taxis and markets, and check current rates against the pound. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry, and malaria precautions are strongly advised - consult TravelHealthPro and the latest FCDO advice for Nigeria before booking.

Fare type	Hand baggage	Checked baggage
Basic / Light economy	1 small under-seat bag	Usually none — add for a fee
Standard economy	1 cabin bag + 1 personal item	Typically 1 × 23 kg
Premium economy	1–2 cabin bags + personal item	Typically 2 × 23 kg
Business / First	2 cabin bags + personal item	Typically 2 × 32 kg

Save More

24/7 Support

Best Price

Total Protection

Cheap Flights to Calabar (CBQ)

Found a Better Price for Your Flights to Calabar? We'll Beat It.

Book now, pay later

Your guide to Calabar

Weather in Calabar through the year

Weather in Calabar

Get notified when prices go down

About flights to Calabar

Overview

Best time to fly to Calabar

Airlines and routes

Things to do in Calabar

At Margaret Ekpo International Airport (CBQ)

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Calabar

Travel essentials

Baggage & hand-luggage allowance for flights to Calabar

Packing & baggage tips

FAQs — booking Calabar flights

Why Book With Us?

Secure & Trusted Payments

No Hidden Charges

Wide Range of Destinations

Instant Booking Confirmation

Hassle-Free Experience

Flight destinations near Calabar

People who visit Calabar also search for these destinations

Top flight destinations in Africa