Everything about the Nol card: types, how to buy, top up, fares, and whether you need one as a tourist in 2026.
How to Get the Nol Card
Buy at any Dubai Metro station ticket machine or customer service centre. Silver Nol: AED 25 (AED 19 credit + AED 6 card fee). Also available at petrol stations and some supermarkets.
Nol Card Benefits
- Works on all RTA transport — Metro, Tram, Bus, Water Bus, and Palm Monorail.
- Daily cap AED 20, weekly cap AED 40 — excellent value for frequent users.
- Tap-in tap-out at all fare gates — no need to calculate fares.
- Top up at metro stations, ENOC/EPPCO petrol stations, and the RTA app.
- Gold Nol gives access to Gold Class (first carriage) for a premium travel experience.
Fare Reference (AED)
Payment methods: Nol Silver card (standard) · Nol Gold card (Gold Class) · Nol Blue card (concessions) · Nol Red ticket (single trip).
💡 You must have a Nol card — cash is not accepted on Dubai Metro. Buy a Silver Nol card (AED 25, includes AED 19 credit) at any station ticket machine. It also works on all RTA buses, trams, and water buses.
| Journey | Off-Peak (AED) | Peak (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Zones 1–2 (Silver Nol) | AED 3.00 | AED 3.00 |
| Zone 1 only (Silver Nol) | AED 2.00 | AED 2.00 |
| Zones 1–2 (Gold Class) | AED 6.00 | AED 6.00 |
| Daily cap (Silver) | AED 20.00 | AED 20.00 |
| Nol Red single-trip | AED 6.00 | AED 6.00 |
Peak hours: No peak fare surcharge — zone-based flat fares.
Nol Card vs Single-Journey Ticket
| Nol Card | Single-Journey Token / Ticket | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare benefit | Works on all RTA transport — Metro, Tram, Bus, Water Bus, and Palm Monorail. | Standard full fare |
| Queue time | Tap and go — no queue | Buy at machine each time |
| Initial cost | Refundable deposit | Journey cost only |
| Works on all lines | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Best for | Anyone staying 2+ days | Single one-off journey |
Tips for Using the Nol Card
- Always tap in AND tap out at every fare gate — tapping out is required to correctly calculate the fare.
- Keep the card topped up before travel to avoid holding up queues at entry gates.
- The Nol Card works for the airport connection — see the airport guide.
- If you lose the card, contact Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) — some systems allow balance transfer to a new card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of Nol card should I buy as a tourist?
The Silver Nol card (AED 25, includes AED 19 credit) is sufficient for all standard metro, bus, and tram travel. The card fee (AED 6) is non-refundable but unused stored value can be refunded at customer service centres.
Can I top up my Nol card online?
Yes — top up via the RTA app, RTA website, or at any metro station ticket machine. Credit reflects instantly when using the app.
What is the minimum balance required to board?
You need at least AED 0.10 more than the zone fare to tap in. If your balance is insufficient, you will be blocked at the gate. Top up at the nearest ticket machine before boarding.
Can I refund my Nol card when leaving Dubai?
Yes — return to any metro customer service centre to refund remaining stored value. The AED 6 card purchase fee is non-refundable. Minimum balance for a refund is AED 7.50.
See also: Dubai Metro ticket prices · Airport connection · Full Dubai Metro guide
Source: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Fares and card terms subject to change — verify before travel.