The Nol Card is Dubai’s all-in-one smart travel card, making public transportation, parking, and even small purchases easier than ever. Trusted by millions of commuters, students, residents, and tourists, the Nol Card in 2025 remains the backbone of Dubai’s transport system.
Whether you ride the Dubai Metro, take the bus, hop on a tram, or pay for groceries at select shops, the Nol Card gives you seamless, cashless convenience. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—types of cards, prices, top-up options, student discounts, unlimited monthly passes, and answers to common questions.
What is the Nol Card?
The Nol Card is an integrated smart payment card launched by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It allows quick, contactless access to:
- Dubai Metro, bus, tram, and waterbus
- RTA taxis and parking meters
- Purchases at supermarkets, petrol stations, and retail stores
- Special services and discounts for students, seniors, and People of Determination
With one card, you can travel anywhere in Dubai while enjoying a secure and hassle-free experience.
Types of Nol Card in Dubai
There are several Nol Card types designed for different needs:
- 1. Nol Silver Card
- - Most popular for residents and tourists
- - Works across all RTA transport modes
- - Best for pay-as-you-go travel
- 2. Nol Gold Card
- - Provides access to luxury Gold Class cabins on Metro and tram
- - Same features as Silver but with higher fares for premium seating
- 3. Nol Blue Card (Personalized)
- - Registered card linked to Emirates ID
- - Required for students, seniors, and People of Determination
- - Enables monthly and weekly passes
- - Balance protection and online account management
- 4. Nol Red Ticket
- - Budget option for tourists and short-term visitors
- - Paper-based, valid for 1–10 trips
- - Not reloadable and limited in use
- 5. Digital Card
- - Available on NFC-enabled smartphones
- - Tap and pay directly with your phone
- - Offered by select UAE banks as debit or credit cards
Nol Card Prices in 2025
Standard Nol Card prices are:
- Silver Card: AED 25 (with AED 19 balance)
- Gold Card: AED 25 (with AED 19 balance, Gold class access)
- Blue Card: AED 70 (with AED 20 balance)
- Red Ticket: AED 2 (plus fare per trip)
You can buy these cards at Dubai Metro stations, RTA service centers, major bus terminals, airports, malls, supermarkets, and RTA-approved kiosks.
Minimum Balance & Usage Rules
- Minimum balance required to start a Metro or tram trip: AED 7.50
- For buses: AED 3 to AED 7.50 depending on the route
- Even with a monthly pass, the Nol Card must have at least AED 7.50 to enter gates
How to Top Up Nol Card
You can recharge your card in multiple ways:
- Online Top-Up
- - RTA website (nol.ae)
- - RTA Dubai app, Nol pay or S'hail app
- - UAE bank portals (like Emirates Islamic)
- Top-Up Machines & Kiosks
- - Available at all Metro stations, major bus stops, and parking areas
- Retail Stores
- - Zoom, Carrefour, Choithrams, Emarat/ENOC petrol stations
- Auto Top-Up
- - Link card to your bank account for automatic balance recharge
Monthly Passes & Unlimited Travel
The monthly pass is perfect for frequent travelers:
- 1 Zone: AED 140
- 2 Zones: AED 230
- All Zones: AED 350
Gold Card holders pay more (~AED 700 for all zones). Weekly and 7-day passes are also available for short-term unlimited travel.
Student Nol Card in Dubai
Students benefit from discounted fares with the Nol Blue Card:
- Up to 50% off Metro, bus, and tram fares
- Apply online via the RTA portal
- Requirements: Emirates ID, passport photo, and school/university letter
- Must renew annually according to academic year
- Supports subsidized monthly/weekly passes
Balance Check, History & Expiry
- Balance Check: Use RTA apps, nol.ae, or ticket machines at stations
- Travel History: View online or print from station kiosks
- Expiry: Cards are valid for 5 years
- Lost Cards: Report online and apply for replacement if registered
Refunds, Renewal & Features
- Refunds: Remaining balance refundable at RTA offices (with small fee)
- Renewal: Easily renew online or via RTA apps
- Lost or Damaged Card: Report and replace quickly if your card is registered
- Credit Card Nol: Some banks offer debit/credit cards with Nol features
Card Fares, Zones & Accepted Stores
Dubai is divided into 7 fare zones. Ticket prices depend on the number of zones crossed.
- 1 Zone = lowest fare
- All Zones = cross-city higher fare
The Nol Card is also accepted at retail outlets like Zoom, Carrefour, select pharmacies, petrol stations, and parking meters.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is the minimum balance for a Nol
Card?
AED 7.50 for Metro/tram, AED 3–7.50 for buses. - 2. Where can I buy a Nol Card?
At all Metro stations, bus terminals, and RTA-approved outlets. - 3. Can I transfer the Nol Card balance to another
card?
Not at present. - 4. Is there a 7-day unlimited pass?
Yes, available on Red Ticket, Silver, and Blue Cards. - 5. Can I use a Nol Card outside Dubai?
No, it's valid only within Dubai.
The Future of Nol Card in Dubai
The Nol Card continues to evolve as Dubai's central travel and payment solution. With digital top-ups, secure online management, and discounts for students and seniors, this card ensures a smarter, faster, and more reliable way to move around the city.
For 2025 and beyond, expect more integration with retail stores, digital wallets, and smart mobility solutions. Whether you're a daily commuter, student, tourist, or business traveler, the Nol Card in Dubai is your key to convenience and seamless travel.
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