Dubai nol Card Guide: Choose the Right Card for Seamless Metro, Bus, and Tram Travel
Dubai’s public transportation system, encompassing buses, ferries, the Metro, and trams, requires a nol card for fare payment. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai provides various nol card options, which can be acquired at bus stations or online for personalized cards. The four available options—Gold, Silver, Blue, and Red—cater to different commuting needs.
What is the nol card?
The nol card is a versatile payment method issued by the RTA. It facilitates payments for public transport and can also be used at retail outlets that accept it. Additionally, the card is applicable for public parking, taxi rides, and fuel purchases at ENOC petrol stations.
Which card should I get?
Selecting the appropriate nol card depends on your travel frequency and desired experience. Here’s a breakdown of the available options:
1. nol Silver Card
The silver card is ideal for regular commuters. It allows travel on buses, the Metro, trams, and ferries. Valid for five years, it can be topped up as needed, with a maximum balance of AED 1,000. No identification is required for purchase, which can be done at any RTA Metro station or designated bus stations equipped with nol card machines.
- Cost: AED 25 (includes AED 19 balance)
- Validity: Five years
2. nol Gold Card
Similar to the silver card, the gold card provides access to premium gold class seats on the Metro and tram for an additional fare. It can be purchased at any RTA Metro station without ID proof. However, registering the card to your name is advisable for reissuance in case of loss.
- Cost: AED 25 (includes AED 19 balance)
- Validity: Five years
3. Blue nol Card
The blue card is a personalized option featuring the holder’s photograph, name, and passenger category (e.g., student or Person of Determination). This card is necessary for those applying for special discounted categories. Even for regular users not qualifying for discounts, the blue card allows a maximum top-up of AED 5,000. An Emirates ID is required for application, which can be completed at Metro stations or online.
For special category applications, the following documents are needed:
- Students:
- Enrollment letter or certificate
- Recent photograph with a white background
- Person of Determination:
- Valid PoD card from the Ministry of Community Development
- Recent photograph with a white background
- Seniors:
- Recent photograph with a white background
- Cost: AED 70 (includes AED 20 balance)
- Validity: Five years
4. nol Red Ticket
The red ticket is designed for occasional users. It functions as a trip ticket that can be topped up based on the desired route. Unlike the other cards, it is a paper ticket and can be purchased at any Metro station or bus station with a nol ticket machine. It is limited to one mode of transportation per purchase.
- Cost: AED 2
- Usage Limit: Up to 10 journeys or 5 daily passes
- Validity: 90 days or 10 trips
How is the trip cost calculated?
The RTA has segmented Dubai’s public transport system into seven zones. The fare for a trip varies based on the number of zones traversed and the type of card used. For instance, using a gold nol card incurs a higher fare than a blue nol card due to access to premium seating.
Fares for travelling between zones:
- Within one zone
- Within two adjacent zones
- More than two zones
For example, the fare for a blue (personal) card is AED 7.50. At the end of your journey, the fare is calculated based on the total number of zones crossed.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-05-11 17:44:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk