First on the Rails: Port Harcourt to Aba
The memory of a first — boarding a train for the very first time and watching the city give way to the open countryside on a short but unforgettable ride.
There are few things quite like a first. My first train ride — from Port Harcourt to Aba — was everything I had imagined and more. The hiss of the engine, the slow lurch forward as the platform eased away, the blur of tin rooftops giving way to open fields and palm trees — it was exhilarating in the most grounded, human way. The journey itself is short, but for someone experiencing rail travel for the first time, every minute felt cinematic. Fellow passengers were animated and warm, vendors dashed alongside at stops, and through it all, the simple joy of movement carried something almost spiritual. It was the start of a love affair with train travel that has never left me.
Gallery
Practical Tips
What I Loved
- That very first lurch of the train pulling out of the station — a feeling I will never forget.
- The view of the countryside opening up after the city edge — green, lush, and beautifully unhurried.
- The community feel inside the carriage; strangers become travel companions almost instantly.
Things to Know
- Arrive at the station early — boarding can be chaotic, especially on busy travel days.
- Keep your luggage close and your ticket accessible throughout the journey.
- The ride is short, so soak in every moment rather than pulling out your phone too soon.