Dubai Metro Fares 2025 | Nol Card Prices, Passes & Discount
Dubai Metro operates on a zone-based pricing system that divides the network into seven distinct zones. Your ticket price depends on how many zones you cross during your journey.
The fare structure includes two travel classes:
- Regular Class – Standard seating available in most carriages
- Gold Class – Premium cabins with extra space and comfort
Most travelers stick to regular class as it offers excellent value and comfort for daily commutes.
Nol Card Types and Their Benefits
The RTA offers four different Nol card options. Each serves specific travel needs and frequency patterns.
Red Nol Card
This disposable card works perfectly for tourists and occasional riders. You can buy it at any metro station for AED 2. The card allows up to 10 trips before disposal.
Red cards offer flexibility but cost more per journey compared to reloadable options.
Silver Nol Card
The most popular choice among Dubai residents costs AED 25 (including AED 19 credit). This rechargeable card lasts five years and works across all RTA transport modes.
Silver cards provide the best balance between convenience and affordability for regular commuters.
Gold Nol Card
Designed for Gold Class travelers, this premium card costs AED 25 initially. It grants automatic access to Gold Class cabins across the metro network.
The card reduces the hassle of upgrading tickets for every journey in premium sections.
Blue Nol Card
Students, seniors over 60, and people of determination qualify for this special card. It offers reduced fares up to 50% on standard rates.
You need to register and provide eligibility documents at customer service centers to obtain this card.
Current Metro Fare Breakdown for 2025
Regular Class Fares
- 1 Zone – AED 3
- 2 Zones – AED 5
- 3+ Zones – AED 7.50
Gold Class Fares
- 1 Zone – AED 6
- 2 Zones – AED 10
- 3+ Zones – AED 15
Children under 5 years travel free when accompanied by a paying adult. Those aged 5-10 receive 50% discount on regular fares.
Daily Weekly and Monthly Pass Options
Day Pass Benefits
The unlimited day pass is available for AED 20 in Regular Class and AED 40 in Gold Class.
- Valid for 24 hours from the first entry
- Covers all metro zones with unlimited travel
- Best for tourists and residents planning more than three trips in a single day
Many visitors use this option to explore Dubai’s attractions in one day without worrying about reloading their Nol card.
Weekly Pass for Flexible Travelers
The 7-day pass is popular among short-term residents and business travelers. Prices depend on the number of zones:
- 1 Zone – AED 50 (Regular), AED 100 (Gold)
- 2 Zones – AED 80 (Regular), AED 160 (Gold)
- All Zones – AED 110 (Regular), AED 220 (Gold)
Weekly passes give full access to metro and bus services within the chosen zones.
Monthly Passes for Regular Commuters
Monthly subscriptions are designed for daily travelers who want maximum savings.
- 1 Zone – AED 140 (Regular), AED 280 (Gold)
- 2 Zones – AED 230 (Regular), AED 460 (Gold)
- All Zones – AED 350 (Regular), AED 700 (Gold)
According to RTA data, commuters save around 40% compared to paying per trip. These passes are loaded onto Nol Silver, Blue, or Gold cards and renew every 30 days.
Smart Ways to Save on Metro Travel
Peak vs Off-Peak Travel
While Dubai Metro maintains consistent fares throughout the day, traveling during off-peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM) guarantees available seating and shorter wait times.
Combining Transport Modes
Your Nol card works seamlessly across buses, trams, and water buses. Using integrated transport often costs less than taking taxis for the same route.
Student and Senior Discounts
Blue Nol cardholders save substantially on daily commutes. A typical AED 7.50 journey drops to AED 3.75 with eligible discounts.
Over 350,000 students in Dubai currently use Blue Nol cards for discounted travel.
Where to Top Up Your Nol Card
You can recharge your card at multiple convenient locations:
- Ticket vending machines at all metro stations
- Add value kiosks at major shopping malls
- Through the NOL Pay app on your smartphone
- Selected supermarkets and retail outlets
- Online via the RTA Dubai website
Minimum top-up amount starts at AED 10, with no maximum limit.
Penalty Fares and Important Rules
Traveling without a valid ticket results in a fine of AED 200. This applies to both ticketless travel and zone violations.
Additional penalties include:
- Eating or drinking – AED 100 fine
- Sleeping on seats – AED 300 fine
- Entering Gold Class without valid ticket – AED 100 fine
The RTA conducts regular inspections across the network. Inspectors board trains randomly to verify passenger tickets.
Nol Card Refund Policy
You can request a refund for unused credit on Silver and Gold cards. Visit any RTA customer service center with your card and Emirates ID.
The RTA processes refunds within 14 working days. Administrative fees of AED 10 apply to all refund requests.
Red cards are non-refundable due to their disposable nature.
Planning Your Journey Budget
Calculate your monthly transport costs based on your travel frequency. If you commute five days weekly across three zones, individual trips cost approximately AED 300 monthly.
A monthly pass at AED 350 becomes worthwhile if you add weekend travel or occasional extra journeys.
The average Dubai Metro user spends between AED 250 to AED 400 monthly on public transport, according to 2024 RTA statistics.
Contactless Payment Options Coming Soon
The RTA announced plans to introduce contactless credit card payments by late 2025. This system will allow travelers to tap bank cards directly at gates.
The feature aims to eliminate the need for physical Nol cards for tourists and occasional riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same Nol card for bus and metro?
Yes, all Nol cards work across metro, buses, trams, and water buses throughout Dubai.
How long does a Silver Nol card remain valid?
Silver and Gold Nol cards stay valid for five years from the date of issue.
What happens if I lose my Nol card?
Report lost cards immediately through the RTA app or customer service. Blue Nol cards can be replaced with remaining balance transferred. Red cards cannot be replaced.
Do I need separate tickets for Red and Green lines?
No, your Nol card covers all metro lines. Fares depend only on zones crossed, not which line you use.
Can tourists buy monthly passes?
Yes, anyone can purchase monthly passes regardless of residency status. You only need a valid Nol card.
Are there family packages available?
Currently, the RTA does not offer family packages. Each traveler needs an individual Nol card.