The Nol card is Dubai’s universal transit payment card — used across the metro, buses, trams, water taxis, and even some car parks. If you live in Dubai and use public transport at all, you need one. Here is the complete guide, from picking the right card type to replacing a lost one.
⚠️ Important: Your Nol card must have a minimum balance of AED 7.50 to tap into any RTA service (metro, bus, tram, or water taxi). If you drop below this threshold, you cannot board even if your card shows a remaining balance. Top up before you travel.
What Is a Nol Card?
Nol is the RTA’s (Roads and Transport Authority) contactless smart card for Dubai’s public transport network. Rather than buying single-use tickets for each journey, you load credit onto your Nol card and tap in and out at metro gates, bus stops, tram platforms, and water bus terminals. It also works at some parking meters and retail partners.
The main advantage over single tickets: Nol card fares are cheaper than over-the-counter ticket prices for the same journey.
The Four Nol Card Types
| Card Type | Cost | Initial Balance Included | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Ticket | AED 2 | AED 2 (trip value) | 90 days or 10 trips | Tourists, occasional users |
| Silver Card | AED 25 | AED 19 | 5 years | Most daily commuters |
| Gold Card | AED 25 | AED 19 | 5 years | Frequent metro users who prefer Gold Class |
| Blue Card (Personalised) | AED 70 | AED 20 | 5 years | Students, senior citizens, frequent users wanting balance protection |
Red Ticket
The disposable option. Good for tourists or someone who needs transport for a limited period. It can be loaded as a day ticket or for up to 10 trips. It cannot be registered to your name, so if you lose it, the balance is gone. Validity expires 90 days after the last use.
Silver Card
The standard card used by most residents. Works on metro, bus, tram, water bus, and parking. Anonymous by default (not linked to your ID unless you register it). Holds up to AED 1,000 in balance if unregistered.
Gold Card
Gives access to the Gold Class carriages on the Dubai Metro and Tram — the front car of the train, with dedicated seating and significantly fewer crowds at peak hours. Fares for buses, trams, and water transport are the same as a Silver card, but Gold Class metro fares are roughly double standard fares: expect to pay around AED 6–15 per journey in Gold Class, compared with AED 3–7.50 in standard class.
Blue Card (Personalised Card)
The personalised option. Linked to your Emirates ID, which means: balance protection if you lose the card, online top-up and balance check, monthly pass options (only available on Blue card), and registered cards can hold up to AED 5,000 in balance. Concession fares: Students aged 5–23 and UAE senior citizens aged 60+ qualify for 50% off metro, bus, and tram fares.
How to Top Up Your Nol Card
Online / Via App
- RTA app (iOS and Android) — link your card and top up by card. Takes approximately 45 minutes to 4 hours to activate.
- Nol Pay app — RTA’s dedicated payment app; supports recurring and scheduled top-ups.
- DubaiNow app — government super-app that includes Nol top-up.
- Bank apps — Emirates NBD and Emirates Islamic offer automatic Nol top-up through their apps.
Minimum top-up online: AED 5 (via RTA website or Nol Pay app), capped at AED 150 per transaction.
In Person (Instant Activation)
- Metro station ticket vending machines — cash or card. Minimum AED 20 as of March 2025.
- RTA Customer Happiness Centres
- ENOC and EPPCO petrol stations (standalone and Zoom stores)
In-person top-ups activate instantly when you tap the card at the gate.
How to Check Your Nol Card Balance
- Metro station ticket machine — tap the card on the reader.
- Nol Pay app — shows real-time balance after linking your card.
- RTA app — balance displayed in your Nol card section.
- DubaiNow app — balance check included in the transit section.
- RTA website — log in with UAE Pass and check under “My Nol Cards”.
- SMS — text your 18-digit Nol card number to 511 to receive your balance by return SMS. Or text BAL to 511 for a quick one-line reply. No internet or app needed.
How to Register Your Nol Card
Registering your card (Silver or Gold) links it to your profile and gives you balance protection and online account access.
- Go to rta.ae or open the RTA app.
- Create an account (or log in with UAE Pass).
- Select “Add Nol Card” and enter the 18-digit Nol tag number (printed on the back of the card).
- Verify your details.
How to Renew Your Nol Card
Silver, Gold, and Blue cards are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. When yours expires, your balance does not disappear — it is transferred to the new card.
Renewal Fees
| Card Type | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|
| Silver | AED 70 |
| Gold | AED 80 |
| Silver (special design) | AED 100 |
| Gold (special design) | AED 110 |
How to Renew Online (registered cards)
- Visit rta.ae and log in with UAE Pass.
- Navigate to “Apply for Renewing or Replacing Personal Nol Card”.
- Enter your Nol tag ID and phone number.
- Select “Card Renewal”, enter your details, upload documents if required.
- Pay the renewal fee online. New card is delivered within 4 working days.
In person: Visit any metro station Customer Happiness Centre or RTA service centre. Bring your Emirates ID and the expired card.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Nol Card
If your card is registered (Blue card or a registered Silver/Gold): Your balance is protected. Report the loss immediately via the RTA app, RTA website, or call 800-9090 (available 24/7). Visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre to get a replacement — balance is transferred automatically.
If your card is unregistered (standard Silver or Gold without registration): The balance cannot be recovered. Report it anyway to block the card, then purchase a new one.
RTA Smart Kiosks (available in malls and metro stations, 24/7) can handle replacement requests outside office hours.
Where Can You Use a Nol Card?
| Network | Accepted |
|---|---|
| Dubai Metro | Yes |
| Dubai Tram | Yes |
| RTA Buses (all routes) | Yes |
| Water Bus / Water Taxi | Yes |
| Dubai Ferry | Yes |
| Some RTA car parks | Yes |
| Selected retail partners | Yes (check rta.ae for list) |
FAQ
Can I use the same Nol card on both the metro and buses?
Yes. One Nol card works across all RTA transport modes — metro, bus, tram, water bus, and ferry. No separate cards needed.
What happens to my balance when my card expires?
Your remaining balance is transferred when you get a replacement card. It does not disappear. If your card is unregistered, bring it to an RTA Customer Happiness Centre before it expires to transfer the balance.
Can tourists buy Nol cards?
Yes. The Red Ticket is the easiest option for short visits and costs AED 2. Silver cards are also available at all metro stations for AED 25.
How do I get the student discount on my Nol card?
Apply for a Blue (Personalised) Nol card and submit documentation of your student status. RTA processes the concession application, and once approved, your card is linked to the 50% discount. Apply at any RTA Customer Happiness Centre.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay on the metro instead of a Nol card?
As of 2026, RTA supports contactless bank cards and mobile payments at some points, but the Nol card remains the primary and most reliable method for public transport in Dubai. Check rta.ae for the latest accepted payment methods.
