Nol Card Guide
Your complete guide to Dubai's unified smart payment card for all public transport
What is a Nol Card?
Nol is a contactless smart card used to pay for all public transport services in Dubai
Metro
Red & Green Lines
Bus
All RTA buses
Tram
Dubai Tram
Water Bus
Marine transport
Types of Nol Cards
Choose the right card for your needs
Red Nol Card
البطاقة الحمراء
Paper ticket for tourists and occasional travelers. Perfect for short visits.
Benefits
- •Instant purchase at stations
- •Valid for 90 days
- •Load up to 10 trips at once
- •No registration needed
Best For
- •Tourists
- •Short-term visitors
- •Occasional travelers
Quick Info
Available at ticket vending machines in metro stations
Unused credit refundable within 90 days
Silver Nol Card
البطاقة الفضية
Rechargeable card for residents and frequent travelers. Best value for regular use.
Benefits
- •5-year validity
- •Daily fare cap of AED 14
- •Can register for lost card protection
- •Auto top-up available
- •Balance up to AED 1,000
Best For
- •Residents
- •Regular commuters
- •Long-term visitors
Quick Info
Metro stations, bus stations, authorized retailers, online
Gold Nol Card
البطاقة الذهبية
Premium card for access to Gold Class cabins with extra comfort and space.
Benefits
- •Access to Gold Class on metro and tram
- •More spacious seating
- •Quieter travel environment
- •Balance up to AED 10,000
Best For
- •Premium travelers
- •Business travelers
- •Those seeking extra comfort
Quick Info
Metro stations and authorized outlets
Blue Nol Card
البطاقة الزرقاء
Discounted card for students, seniors (60+), and people of determination.
Benefits
- •50% discount on all fares
- •Daily fare cap of AED 7
- •Valid for students aged 5-22
- •Available for seniors 60+
- •People of determination eligible
Best For
- •Students (5-22 years)
- •Seniors (60+)
- •People of determination
Quick Info
Apply at RTA customer service centers with Emirates ID and valid documents
How to Use Your Nol Card
Where to Buy
- Metro station ticket vending machines
- Bus stations and terminals
- Authorized retail outlets (Carrefour, Spinneys, etc.)
- RTA customer service centers
- Online via RTA Dubai website
How to Top Up
- Ticket vending machines at stations
- RTA website and mobile app
- Authorized retailers and supermarkets
- Banks and exchange houses
- Set up auto top-up (Silver/Gold cards)
Using the Card
- Tap card on reader when entering station/bus
- Tap again when exiting (metro/tram)
- Fare calculated based on zones traveled
- Keep minimum AED 7.50 balance (max zone fare)
- Check balance at any ticket machine
Lost Card?
- Report to RTA customer service immediately
- Registered cards can be blocked and replaced
- Balance transferred to new card
- Red cards cannot be replaced (no registration)
- Replacement fee may apply
Common Questions
Q:Can I use the same Nol card for multiple people?
No, each person must have their own Nol card. Sharing is not allowed and may result in fines.
Q:What happens if I forget to tap out?
You will be charged the maximum fare for that journey. If you don't have enough balance, you may face a fine of AED 200. Always tap in and out!
Q:Can I get a refund on my Nol card?
Red Nol cards: unused credit refundable within 90 days. Silver/Gold cards: card fee is non-refundable, but remaining balance can be refunded.
Q:How do I check my Nol card balance?
Check at any ticket machine, on the RTA website, via the RTA Dubai app, or look at the reader display when you tap.
Q:What are the metro fares?
Silver card: AED 3 (1 zone), AED 5 (2 zones), AED 7.50 (3+ zones). Gold class is double. Daily cap of AED 14 for Silver/Blue cards.
Q:Is there a daily/weekly pass?
Yes! 1-Day Pass: AED 22 (Regular) or AED 44 (Gold). Valid until midnight on day of first use. Great for sightseeing days.
Q:Do children need a Nol card?
Children under 5 travel free with a paying adult. Ages 5-10 get 50% discount with a Blue card.