Nol Cards
Everything you need to know about Nol cards - Dubai's unified fare collection system for public transportation.
What is a Nol Card?
Nol is Dubai's unified fare collection system that allows you to pay for various modes of public transport, including the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, and water buses.
The word "Nol" means "fare" in Arabic. These smart cards make traveling around Dubai convenient and hassle-free, eliminating the need to purchase individual tickets for each journey.
Nol cards can also be used to pay for RTA parking, entry to parks and attractions, and even at select retail outlets.
Dubai Nol Card Guide
Card Types
Red Card
Anonymous card for occasional travelers
The Red Nol card is a rechargeable card designed for tourists and occasional travelers. No registration is required.
Card Cost
AED 25 (including AED 19 credit)
Minimum Balance
AED 7.50
Maximum Balance
AED 1,000
Validity
5 years from first use
Blue Card
Personalized card for regular commuters
The Blue Nol card is linked to the passenger’s account. Registration provides additional benefits like lost card protection and higher balance limits.
Card Cost
AED 70 (including AED 20 credit)
Minimum Balance
AED 7.50
Maximum Balance
AED 5,000
Validity
5 years from issuance
Gold Card
Premium card for Gold Class cabins
The Gold Nol card provides access to Gold Class cabins on Metro and Tram. Fares are double the standard rates.
Card Cost
AED 25 (including AED 19 credit)
Minimum Balance
AED 15
Maximum Balance
AED 1,000
Validity
5 years from first use
Silver Card
Reusable card for daily commuters
The Silver Nol card is used for regular Metro, Tram, Bus, and Water Transport travel. Most residents and workers use this card daily.
Card Cost
AED 25 (including AED 19 credit)
Minimum Balance
AED 7.50
Maximum Balance
AED 1,000
Validity
5 years from first use
Student Card
Discounted card for students
The Student Nol card offers special fare discounts for school, college, and university students. A valid student ID is required.
Card Cost
AED 10
Minimum Balance
AED 7.50
Maximum Balance
AED 1,000
Validity
5 years
Discount
50% off standard fares
Senior Citizen Card
Discounted card for seniors
Seniors aged 60 and above can benefit from discounted fares with a Senior Citizen Nol card. Registration with valid ID is required.
Card Cost
AED 10
Minimum Balance
AED 7.50
Maximum Balance
AED 1,000
Validity
5 years
Discount
50% off standard fares
People of Determination Card
Special card for people of determination
This card provides discounted fares for people of determination. Registration with supporting documents is required.
Card Cost
AED 10
Minimum Balance
AED 7.50
Maximum Balance
AED 1,000
Validity
5 years
Discount
50% off standard fares
Fares & Pricing
Nol Card Fares
Current fare structure for Dubai Metro, Tram, and Buses
Dubai Metro & Tram Fares
| Zones Traveled | Standard Class | Gold Class |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Zone | AED 3 | AED 6 |
| 2 Zones | AED 5 | AED 10 |
| 3+ Zones | AED 7.5 | AED 15 |
Bus Fares
| Service Type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Local Bus | AED 3 |
| Metro Feeder Bus | AED 3 |
| Express Bus | AED 5 - AED 10 |
| Inter-Emirate Bus | AED 10 - AED 25 |
Daily Fare Cap
AED 14 for Red/Blue cards per day on Metro & Tram
Where to Buy & Recharge Nol Cards
Locations & Methods
Buy and recharge your Nol card at convenient locations
Purchase Locations
- Ticket offices at all Dubai Metro stations
- RTA Customer Happiness Centers
- Ticket Vending Machines at metro and tram stations
- Authorized sales agents (including select supermarkets and shopping centers)
- Dubai International Airport terminals
Recharge Methods
- Ticket Vending Machines at all metro and tram stations
- Ticket offices at Dubai Metro stations
- RTA Customer Happiness Centers
- Authorized sales agents
- RTA Smart App
- RTA Website
- Smart Nol machines located in various malls and public places
Required Documents for Blue Card
- Valid ID (Emirates ID, passport, or driving license)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Completed application form (available at ticket offices)
How to Use Your Nol Card
Step-by-Step Instructions
Guidelines for using your Nol card on public transport
Using Nol Card on Metro & Tram
- Approach the fare gate at the metro or tram station
- Tap your Nol card on the card reader (marked with a blue circle)
- Wait for the green light and the gate to open
- Proceed through the gate
- When exiting, tap your card again on the exit gate reader
- The correct fare will be automatically deducted based on your journey
Using Nol Card on Buses
- Board the bus through the front door
- Tap your Nol card on the card reader near the driver
- For some routes, you may need to tap out when exiting the bus
- For flat-fare routes, the fare is deducted when you tap in
Using Nol Card on Water Transport
- Approach the card reader at the water bus or abra station
- Tap your Nol card on the reader
- The fare will be automatically deducted
- Board the water transport
Important Tips
- Always ensure your card has sufficient balance before traveling
- Always tap in and tap out to avoid being charged the maximum fare
- Keep your Nol card separate from other contactless cards to avoid card clash
- If you forget to tap out, you may be charged the maximum fare for that route
- Check your card balance regularly at ticket vending machines or using the RTA app
Frequently Asked Questions
- Dubai Metro fares are calculated based on the number of zones you travel through. The network is divided into 7 zones. Traveling within 1 zone costs AED 3 with a Silver Nol card, 2 zones costs AED 5, and 3 or more zones costs AED 7.5. There are also special rates for Red tickets (paper tickets) and Gold Class (premium cabin).
- Yes, Dubai Metro offers a daily fare cap of AED 14 for Silver Nol cards and AED 7 for Blue Nol cards. This means you won't pay more than the capped amount regardless of how many journeys you make in a day. Additionally, there are monthly passes available: Silver Nol passes cost AED 300 for all zones, while Gold passes cost AED 500.
- Yes, students, seniors (aged 60+), and people of determination can get a 50% discount on all Dubai Metro fares by using a personalized Blue Nol card. To get this card, eligible individuals need to apply at an RTA customer service center with the required documentation (student ID, Emirates ID showing age, or disability card).
- Gold Class is a premium service that costs twice as much as Standard Class. Gold Class passengers travel in a dedicated cabin at the front of the train with more comfortable seating and less crowding. For example, a 1-zone journey costs AED 3 with a Silver Nol card in Standard Class, but AED 6 with a Gold Nol card in Gold Class.
- Yes, your Nol card can be used across Dubai's integrated public transport system, including the metro, tram, buses, and water buses. The fare cap applies across all these services. Additionally, if you transfer from metro to a feeder bus within 30 minutes, the bus ride is free. Nol cards can also be used for RTA parking payment and at select retail outlets.
- If you don't have enough balance on your Nol card when exiting a station, you'll need to recharge your card at the station's ticket office or vending machine. If you're unable to pay, you may be subject to a fine of AED 200. It's recommended to always ensure your Nol card has sufficient balance before starting your journey.
- Yes, Dubai Metro remains operational on public holidays. However, operating hours may vary during Eid, National Day, and other events. It's recommended to check the RTA schedule or Dubai Metro Rails for the latest updates before traveling on a holiday.
- The Red Line primarily runs along Sheikh Zayed Road, connecting key areas like the airport, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Marina. The Green Line covers older parts of Dubai such as Deira, Bur Dubai, and Al Jadaf. Both lines intersect at Union and BurJuman stations for convenient transfers.
- Tourists can easily use the Dubai Metro by purchasing a Nol Red Ticket at any metro station. It's a paper-based ticket ideal for short-term use and can be loaded with up to 10 trips or a 1-day pass. Metro stations also offer clear signage in English for easy navigation.
- Yes, the Dubai Metro is one of the safest public transport systems in the world. It has CCTV cameras, dedicated staff, and separate cabins for women and children. It is well-lit, regularly patrolled, and safe for solo travellers, women, and families.
- During peak hours, Dubai Metro trains run every 3 to 5 minutes. Off-peak frequency is around 6 to 7 minutes. Trains are punctual, and live arrival times can be checked using the RTA app or electronic boards at stations.
- A Nol Card is a smart payment card used for Dubai's public transportation, including the Metro, buses, trams, and water buses. Tap your Nol Card at entry and exit gates to automatically deduct the correct fare based on zones traveled.
- Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in most Dubai Metro stations and inside trains through the ‘WiFi UAE’ service. Some restrictions apply on speed and usage, but it's enough for basic browsing and messaging while on the move.
- Yes, Dubai Metro is fully accessible. All stations have elevators, tactile guidance paths for the visually impaired, and designated wheelchair spaces in trains. The system is designed to be inclusive and user-friendly for people of determination.
- Gold Class is a premium cabin in the Dubai Metro offering spacious seating, privacy, and panoramic windows. It requires a Nol Gold Card, and the fare is roughly double the standard class. It's ideal for travelers seeking comfort or carrying luggage.
- The Dubai Metro is busiest during morning (7:00–9:30 AM) and evening (5:00–7:30 PM) rush hours on weekdays. Fridays and holidays tend to be less crowded. For a comfortable ride, try to avoid peak commuting times.
- Pets are not allowed on the Dubai Metro, except for service animals assisting people with disabilities. For pet travel, consider using taxis or private transport options.
- Yes, several Dubai Metro stations offer Park & Ride facilities, especially at terminal stations like Rashidiya, Etisalat, and Jebel Ali. Parking is free for Metro users, making it convenient for commuters to leave their cars and travel by train.
- You can use the Dubai Metro to reach Expo City via the Route 2020 extension on the Red Line. However, Global Village is not directly accessible by Metro; you’ll need to take a connecting RTA bus or taxi from the nearest station like Mall of the Emirates.
- Yes, the official RTA Dubai app and S'hail app provide real-time Metro schedules, fare calculations, trip planning, and Nol card balance checks. These apps are available on both Android and iOS platforms.
- Dubai Metro is divided into 7 zones. Fares are calculated based on how many zones you travel through. The more zones crossed, the higher the fare. Use a fare calculator or Nol card reader at stations for exact charges.