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.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
No annual fees for life
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Noida: 2.6km Metro Extension To Bodaki Gets Central Green Signal, Know More
Noida: 2.6km Metro Extension To Bodaki Gets Central Green Signal, Know More Curated By : Last Updated: July 25, 2025, 12:09 IST The new stretch will improve connectivity in deeper parts of Greater Noida, including Junpat village. Advertisement The central government has officially cleared a 2.6-kilometre extension of Noida Metro's Aqua Line from Depot station to Bodaki in Greater Noida. This stretch will be built on standard gauge (1,435mm) with a 15kV AC overhead wire system. (Photo: Swarajya) This crucial link will connect passengers to the proposed multi-modal logistics hub and promises to be ready in three years. The total cost of the project is Rs 416.34 crore, as per Hindustan Times. Recommended Stories Why Does This Matter? This small extension is set to make a big impact. It will take metro access deeper into Greater Noida, reaching areas like Bodaki and Junpat village. With growing residential and industrial developments in these regions, the improved connectivity is expected to boost travel ease and reduce reliance on road transport. Who's Funding the Project? The financial load will be shared among various government agencies. Rs 211.80 crore will come from central institutions like the National Capital Region Planning Board. The Centre will pitch in with Rs 70.59 crore. Uttar Pradesh government will contribute Rs 91.08 crore. Rs 10.44 crore will go towards land acquisition. What's Next on the Cards? While the Bodaki extension is a go, NMRC is now eyeing the green light for two more projects: A major 11.56km link from Botanical Garden to Noida Sector 142 A 5km connection from Sector 51 to Knowledge Park 5 in Greater Noida West top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Botanical Garden route is especially crucial, as it will bring seamless integration between Delhi Metro's Blue Line and Noida Metro's Aqua Line, making it easier to reach Noida International Airport in Jewar. NMRC has already completed the topography survey for the 11.56km route, mapping buildings, homes, and markets along the planned track. Once approved, work will begin at full speed. About the Author Samreen Pall Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India — including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 12:09 IST News auto Noida: 2.6km Metro Extension To Bodaki Gets Central Green Signal, Know More
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
PGI-Sarangpur flyover headed to Chandigarh heritage panel for green light
Nearly five years after it was first proposed, the much-anticipated flyover project from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) to Sarangpur is set to be sent to the Chandigarh Heritage Committee for final approval before execution. The Chandigarh administration's move follows strong recommendations from the road safety committee in April this year, which flagged the stretch as a major traffic bottleneck and urged immediate revival of the flyover project. (HT file photo) The UT administration's move follows strong recommendations from the road safety committee in April this year, which flagged the stretch as a major traffic bottleneck and urged immediate revival of the flyover project. According to the detailed plans prepared by the UT engineering department, the project is estimated to cost around ₹90 crore. The flyover will be 1.75 km in length, with a 1.3-km elevated stretch. It will begin near PGIMER and terminate near the Botanical Garden in Sarangpur, passing over Khudda Jassu and Khudda Lahora villages. The planned total width of the flyover is around 19.1 metres and the carriageway width will be 17.5 metres. UT chief engineer CB Ojha said, 'Following the recommendations of the road safety committee, we are sending the project to the Chandigarh Heritage Committee for final approval. Once we receive the green light, we will begin execution.' Any projects requiring architectural changes to the city's original plan and heritage require the committee's clearance. The committee's next meeting is scheduled in August. The project was initially proposed in 2020 and a geotechnical study was also conducted. The UT-appointed technical consultant, General Highways and Infracon Pvt Ltd, had submitted a detailed report on the feasibility of the project. However, in February 2023, the proposal was shelved after a Metro corridor was planned along the same route. Stretch a critical chokepoint, says road safety committee The proposal was revived after a fresh survey was conducted under the direction of deputy commissioner and road safety committee chairperson Nishant Kumar Yadav. In its latest report, shared in April, the committee highlighted that traffic jams, lack of footpaths (forcing pedestrians onto roads), roadside parking, encroachments by shops, waterlogging during monsoon, U-turns at junctions and autos halting mid-road to pick up passengers had collectively turned the stretch into a critical chokepoint. As a solution to the clash between the proposed Metro corridor and a flyover plan on the PGIMER-Sarangpur stretch, the UT engineering department in June suggested a double-decker structure — with one level for the Metro track and another for vehicular traffic. The committee also suggested the construction of a grade-separated flyover, relocation of a nearby school's boundary wall to create a walkable footpath, removal of roadside encroachments, installation of five to six sets of rumble strips (15 mm thick at 50-metre intervals), the creation of a designated school zone and widening the road to 200 feet for Mullanpur-bound traffic.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
Cabbies threaten to boycott Uber app from today, fares may surge
Pune: Cab rides in the city, Mumbai and Nagpur may be dearer because the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, a wing of the Indian Gig Workers' Front, has threatened to boycott the Uber platform from Friday. "Uber approached the Bombay high court against the ongoing protest and strike of cab drivers, following which the court restrained protesting unions and their members from stopping or blocking Uber cabs. Ola and Rapido didn't approach the court like Uber. While we are looking for legal options, cabbies will boycott the Uber application," Keshav Kshirsagar, the president of the Indian Gig Workers' Front, said, after a meeting between the the senior office-bearers of the union and representatives of Pune, Mumbai and Nagpur RTOs at the transport commissioner's office in Mumbai. A majority of cabbies tend to use the Uber application in Pune, a source said. "Cabbies can work on all three applications. With Uber being boycotted, there will definitely be surge pricing," Kshirsagar said. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune TOI sent a message to the Uber spokesperson seeking the firm's stand on the app boycott plan of the cabbies. A reply was awaited till going to press. Commuters are worried over the cabbie's plan to boycott the Uber app. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "Each day, we are being hassled by the cabbies. The fares have shot up. A majority of cabbies opt for the Regional Transport Authority (RTA)-approved fares, not what reflects on the applications. Why doesn't the Pune RTO take any action against them is beyond my understanding," said Koregaon Park's Rajesh Shinde. In Pune, the RTA-approved rate for cabs is Rs75 for the first 3km and Rs25 for every subsequent km. Kshirsagar, the president of the Indian Gig Workers' Front, said nothing concrete came out in Thursday's meeting. "The aggregators had assured in Wednesday's meeting that they would give a letter mentioning the date from when the RTA-approved fares would reflect in their applications. But no such letter has been provided by any of the companies, following which the meeting was convened on Thursday. The officials said RTAs, headed by district collectors, decide these matters. We cannot go on a strike because the high court has prevented us from doing the same. But cabbies can boycott the Uber application," he added.
