How to Get and Top Up a NOL Card in Dubai
The NOL card is Dubai's contactless smart card for public transport. You can use it on the Metro, the tram, buses, and the waterbus. You can also use it for RTA parking. Dubai is divided into 7 zones. Your fare depends on how many zones you cross. Silver is the standard card. Gold gives you access to Gold Class cabins, at double the fares. Blue is personalised. It protects your balance and gives concession fares. The Red Ticket is a disposable paper ticket for occasional trips.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Silver/Gold AED 25 (incl. AED 19 credit); Blue AED 70 (incl. AED 20 credit); Red Ticket AED 2
- Total time:
- Minutes to buy; top-up instant via app/machines
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- rta.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go Self-check
Choose your card type
Silver is the standard adult card. Gold gives Gold Class cabins on the Metro and tram, at double fares. Blue is personalised. It is registered in your name. You can get your balance back if the card is lost or stolen. You need a Blue card for concession fares. The Red Ticket is a disposable paper ticket for single trips.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Minutes From AED 2
Buy the card
You can buy a card at Metro station ticket offices and vending machines. You can also buy one in the RTA app or on the RTA website. Or buy one at a shop, such as Zoom, Carrefour, Spinneys, or ENOC/EPPCO. Silver and Gold cost AED 25, including AED 19 of credit. Blue costs AED 70, including AED 20 of credit. The Red Ticket costs AED 2.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Instant to 4 hours Top-up amount of your choice
Top up
You can top up in the Nol Pay app. It uses NFC and works instantly. You can also top up on the RTA website or app. The maximum is AED 150 per transaction. An online top-up can take 45 minutes to 4 hours to become active. Ticket vending machines top up instantly. You can also top up at ticket offices and shops. You need a minimum balance to enter. Keep at least AED 7.50 on a Silver or Gold card.
Click to mark as done
- Go Per trip From AED 3 per trip
Tap in and tap out
Tap your card when you enter and when you exit, on the Metro, the tram, and the bus. Fares depend on the zones you cross. In regular class: AED 3 within 1 zone, AED 5 for 2 adjacent zones, and AED 7.50 for more than 2 zones. Gold class is double: AED 6 / 10 / 15. The Red Ticket costs AED 4 / 6 / 8.50 in regular class, and AED 8 / 12 / 17 in Gold.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Ongoing
Use it beyond transport
You can pay for RTA parking with a Silver, Gold, or Blue card. Just tap it at the parking meter. The card also works on the waterbus.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Ongoing From AED 50 (7-day, 1 zone, Silver)
Consider a travel pass if you commute daily
If your Silver or Gold card is registered, you can buy passes for 7, 30, 90, and 365 days. Silver passes: a 7-day pass costs AED 50 / 80 / 110 for 1 / 2 / all zones. A 30-day pass costs AED 140 / 230 / 350. Gold passes cost double. If your card is not registered, you can only buy the 7-day pass. Students and senior Emiratis and citizens get discounted passes.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Same day
If your card is lost
For a Blue (personalised) card, block the card and get your balance back. For an unregistered Silver or Gold card, you cannot get the balance back. Register your card to protect your balance.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum balance to travel?
Keep at least AED 7.50 on a Silver or Gold card. Check the current minimum for your card type on rta.ae.
Can I transfer between Metro, tram, and bus on one fare?
Yes, transfers between modes are free within a single journey. The RTA transfer rules apply. Check the current transfer rules on rta.ae.
How long does a NOL card last?
Silver, Gold, and Blue cards are valid for 5 years. A Red Ticket is valid for 90 days, or up to 10 trips.
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