
Dubai's Nol card explained: What it is, how it works, and why every visitor must have one
TL;DR
The
Nol Card
is a
rechargeable smart card
for all public transport in Dubai, Metro, buses, trams, and more.
It helps you save money, avoid cash, and move easily across the city.
For tourists, the
Silver Nol Card
is the most practical option. It's easy to get and covers all essential transport.
Getting around a city you don't know can be stressful. In Dubai, it doesn't have to be.
The Nol Card is the city's go-to travel pass. With one card, you can ride the Metro, hop on a bus, take a tram, or even use water transport.
No need for paper tickets or fumbling for cash.
Just tap the card, and you're good to go.
Whether you're heading to the Burj Khalifa, shopping at the souks, or exploring the Marina, the Nol Card keeps your travel smooth and simple. It's cheap to get, easy to use, and works almost everywhere. In short: if you're visiting Dubai, you need this card.
Here's how it works.
What Is a Nol Card?
The Nol Card is a smart card used for paying fares on Dubai's public transport.
You tap it on a reader when you enter and exit buses, the Metro, trams, or water taxis. The system deducts the correct fare from your card automatically.
It's not just for transport. You can also use it to pay for:
RTA paid parking
Select taxis
Retail purchases at convenience stores
Entry at places like the Etihad Museum
In other words, it's more than a travel card, it's a travel partner.
Benefits of Using a Nol Card
Here's why it's worth having:
Saves Money:
Fares with the Nol Card are lower than buying paper tickets. If you're in Dubai for more than a day, it quickly pays off.
Covers Everything:
You can use it across,
Dubai Metro
, RTA buses, Dubai Tram, water buses, abras, and ferries, RTA taxis and paid parking zones
Cash-Free Convenience:
Top it up once, then just tap and go. No need to carry coins or keep buying tickets.
Travel Bundles:
You can buy weekly or monthly passes with unlimited rides if you're planning to stay longer.
Extra Perks:
Some Nol Cards give discounts at shops, cafes, and attractions around the city.
Types of Nol Cards
Dubai offers four main types of Nol Cards.
Silver Nold Card:
The Silver Nol Card is the most common one. It works across all public transport systems and is ideal for most users, including tourists.
Gold Nol Card:
The Gold Nol Card gives you access to the Gold Class Cabin on the Metro and tram. You'll pay double the fare, but the space and comfort might be worth it.
Red Nol Card:
For short-term visitors, the Red Ticket is an option. It's a disposable paper ticket for Metro and tram rides only. You can load it with a few trips or passes.
Blue Nol Card:
The Blue Nol Card, also called the Personal Card. It's only available to UAE residents and links to your Emirates ID. This card offers a 50% discount for eligible users like students, seniors, and people of determination. It can also be blocked and replaced if lost.
What's the Best Nol Card for Tourists?
The Silver Nol Card is the best pick for tourists. It's cheap to buy, AED 25 ($6.81 USD) with AED 19 ($5.17 USD) preloaded credit, works across all public transport, and is easy to recharge.
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There's also a combo version that includes a local SIM card. It gives you AED 19 ($5.17 USD) in fare balance, 2GB of mobile data, and 30 minutes of talk time (local and international). That makes it a good starter option when you land in Dubai.
You can top it up with as little as AED 5 ($1.36 USD) at Metro stations and select bus stops. It can also be used to pay for parking and small store purchases.
FAQs
1. Where can I buy a Nol Card?
You can get one at any Metro station, bus stop ticket machine, RTA office, or even at Dubai Airport.
2. Can I share my Nol Card with others?
Only the Red Ticket is shareable. The Silver, Gold, and Blue cards are for individual use.
3. What happens if I lose my card?
If it's a Blue Nol Card, you can block and replace it. The other cards aren't linked to your ID, so you'll lose any remaining balance if the card is lost.

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News18
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Enhanced accessibility: The metro provides access to key areas for both professionals and residents, facilitating easier commutes and improving the overall quality of life. top videos View all Future expansion: Ongoing and planned Metro lines, including the Airport Express corridor (Line 8) and other lines connecting different parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), are further enhancing connectivity and promising even greater transformation in the future. Sustainability: Modern signaling systems and regenerative braking technology in the metro trains contribute to energy efficiency and a more sustainable transportation system. About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More tags : Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd Mumbai metro Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation news18 specials view comments Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: July 27, 2025, 17:16 IST News cities » mumbai-news Mumbai Now Maximum Metro City: How Many Lines Are Running On Which Routes? How Many More To Go? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Betrayed the people': Naveen Patnaik on Odisha government's decision to scrap Bhubaneshwar metro project
BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik expressed concern over the Odisha government's decision to cancel the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project initiated during his tenure, saying the move will push the city 10 years back in terms of urban mobility and development. BJD president and former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik said that the metro project, with Mo Bus and other last-mile connectivity, would have reshaped the way the state capital moves.(PTI file) Patnaik's reaction came hours after it was reported that the state's BJP government had scrapped the Metro rail project contract with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Taking to social media on Saturday, Patnaik said, "Shocked to know that Bhubaneswar Metro Rail contracts have been cancelled by BJP led #Odisha Govt. It has always been our dream to develop #Bhubaneswar into a world-class city. We have been focusing on world-class sports infrastructure, organising marquee international events, providing seamless modern transport and developing IT ecosystem to transform the temple city into a world-class city." Stating that the project would have reshaped the way the state capital moves with Mo Bus and other last-mile connectivity, complementing the city transport, Patnaik said that apart from alleviating congestion inside the city significantly, it would have been a huge catalyst for the expansion of the city. "Realising the urgent need of a Metro System for enhanced mobility, we had set a watertight timeline of 2027 for Phase 1 of the project," Patnaik said. The former chief minister said it has now been learned from the notice by DMRC to contractors that Odisha government has scrapped the Bhubaneswar Metro project. "The double-engine government has betrayed the people of Odisha by cancelling an important project like Metro Rail. The shocking decision will push the city 10 years back," he said. Odisha's Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, however, said the state government is earnestly planning a feasible Metro project for the state capital. He said the previous BJD government did not seek central assistance as it had planned a fully state-funded ₹5,000-crore project connecting Biju Patnaik International Airport with Trisulia Square. The minister said the BJP government wanted to execute the project in a joint venture with the Centre's help. "We will have the Metro rail project differently from the past government's plan, which was not feasible. A new DRP will be prepared and sent to the Centre for approval," the minister said.