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
The Red Nol card is a rechargeable card designed for tourists and occasional travelers. No registration is required.
The Blue Nol card is a personalized, registered card issued to eligible residents — students, senior citizens (60+), and People of Determination. It provides a 50% discount on all fares and offers lost-card protection with account linking.
The Gold Nol card provides access to Gold Class cabins on Metro and Tram. Fares are double the standard rates.
The Silver Nol card is used for regular Metro, Tram, Bus, and Water Transport travel. Most residents and workers use this card daily.
The Student Nol card offers special fare discounts for school, college, and university students. A valid student ID is required.
Seniors aged 60 and above can benefit from discounted fares with a Senior Citizen Nol card. Registration with valid ID is required.
This card provides discounted fares for people of determination. Registration with supporting documents is required.
Fares & Pricing
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
Silver Nol: AED 14/day · Blue Nol: AED 7/day · Gold Nol: AED 28/day
Where to Buy & Recharge Nol Cards
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
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