Dubai Metro uses Dubai Metro NOL cards as the method of payment, and no other method of payment is facilitated. This makes the NOL cards a must-have for anyone who is using public transportation in Dubai. There are four types of Dubai Metro NOL cards that you can buy. These cards are not only applicable to the Dubai Metro, but they are also valid for other forms of public transportation within Dubai, i.e., water taxis, buses, etc.
There are 4 colours of NOL cards that you can buy, which will enable you to travel on the Dubai Metro. The Nol card is also valid for other forms of Dubai public transport: buses, trams, water taxis, etc.
Dubai Metro Ticket Price & NOL Card
Dubai Metro ticket prices are calculated depending on the number of Dubai Metro Zones you travel. Moreover, Dubai Metro ticket price varies depending on the zones, traveling distance, and train cabin class.
| Ticket Type | 1 Zone | 2 Zones (<3 km) | 2 Zones | 3+ Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Adult Ticket (Red) | 4 AED | 4 AED | 6 AED | 8.50 AED |
| Pre-paid Standard Adult Ticket (Silver NOL) | 3 AED | 3 AED | 5 AED | 7.50 AED |
| Concessionary (Blue NOL Card) | 1.50 AED | 1.50 AED | 2.50 AED | 3.75 AED |
| Gold Class (Red Ticket) | 8 AED | 8 AED | 12 AED | 17 AED |
| Gold Class Pre-Paid | 6 AED | 6 AED | 10 AED | 15 AED |
A Dubai Metro NOL card is a must to get a metro ticket for traveling. NOL card is a smart pay card. You can only travel on public transport, like the Metro and bus, if you have an NOL card. While traveling in the Dubai Metro, you must check in and out only with an NOL card. Cash or other form of payment is not allowed to travel in Metro Dubai.
You can get NOL cards at all the Metro stations in Dubai. NOL cards can also be purchased at bus stations, on the RTA website, and through the mobile app. RTA’s official website has complete details on how to get an NOL card if you need it.
Dubai Metro NOL cards also provide services at car parking that is under the control of the Road and Transportation Authority (RTA) in Dubai. Dubai Metro NOL cards operate automatically; these cards will calculate the fare according to your check-in and check-out times appropriately.
These cards are available at every metro station, tram station, or bus station. You must check in and out correctly; otherwise, you will be charged the maximum fare of the ride. The four types of Dubai Metro NOL cards and their details are mentioned below.
Red NOL Card
A Red NOL card is more of a paper ticket than a card. The validity of this card is 90 days, and it will cost you 2 dirhams to purchase. This card is capable of holding the maximum cost of 10 individual rides at once. It is best for someone who is just traveling in Dubai for a few days, like a tourist. This card is valid for all transportation, like buses, trams, and the Metro. You can also add a one-day ticket to your Red NOL Card.
Silver NOL Card
This card is highly suitable for someone living in Dubai and one who uses the Metro or other means of transportation regularly. The Silver Dubai Metro NOL card price is 25 dirhams with a balance of 19 dirhams in it at the time of purchase. This makes the cost of a Silver NOL card precisely 6 dirhams, which is three times more than that of a Red NOL card.
The validity period of a Silver NOL card is five years, and the top-up limit of a Silver NOL card is 500 dirhams. Like the other NOL cards, you can get a Silver NOL card from any Metro Station, Bus Station, or even from the supermarkets. Using a Silver NOL card, you can also pay at some grocery stores in Dubai. Registering your Silver NOL card will also allow you to buy longer season tickets.
Gold NOL Card
Gold NOL Card works the same as the Silver NOL Card, but with this card, you are allowed to travel in the Gold Class Carriage. Gold Class Carriage offers more luxury than a simple Carriage ride, but it costs more. The Gold NOL Card costs 25 dirhams with a balance of 19 dirhams. The topping limit is also the same as the Silver NOL Card.
Blue NOL Card
Dubai provides many facilities to the disabled and senior citizens, along with students. The Blue NOL Card has extra benefits for all these personnel. This card costs around 70 dirhams and has a balance of 20 dirhams at the time of purchase. Blue NOL Card looks expensive, but it has benefits. In the long run, you can also retrieve it in case if it is lost. Blue NOL Cardholders are also charged a lower fare on every ride.
