Nol Card: Everything You Need to Know About the UAE’s Public Transport Smart Card

• What’s a Nol Card?
• Where to buy a Nol Card?
• Types of Nol Card
• Nol Silver Card
• Nol Gold Card
• Nol Blue Card 
• Nol Red Ticket
• Nol Special Design Card
• Personalized Gold Nol Card
• How to use a Nol Card?
• Nol Card balance check
• Nol Card history check
• Nol Card balance transfer
• Zone system in Dubai
• Nol Card fare
• Nol Card monthly pass
• Nol Card recharge online 
• Nol Card phone app

This article has been reviewed by  editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Updated November 2022

The UAE has an impeccable transport system. Its well-connected network of fully air-conditioned buses, the high-speed metro system, and tram and water ferry services can get you anywhere in the country. And to use these services easily, you will need a Nol card. As a citizen or visitor to the country, having a Nol card will give you access to these affordable public modes of transport in the Emirates.

Keep reading to find out everything about the Nol Card, its uses, and how to get one for yourself:

Table of Contents

What’s a Nol Card?

Nol card is a smart card that enables you to pay for the use of various Road and Transport Authorities (RTA) transport modes in Dubai with a single tap. The smart card allows you to pay for many services such as public transport (Bus, Metro, tram, Waterbus) as well as taxis, RTA Paid Parking, Dubai Public Parks, Etihad Museum, and almost 2000+ shops around the city.

Where to buy a Nol Card?

There are many convenient ways to get the Nol Card. You can purchase your card at ticket offices, ticket vending machines, RTA customer happiness centers, authorized sales agents, or online.

Types of Nol Card

According to your needs and convenience, you can make use of either of the 4 types of Nol cards available in the UAE:

Nol Silver Card

Nol Silver Card is a smart card with an e-purse that can be loaded with up to AED 1000 upon registering your card. Cost: AED 25 (includes AED 19 e-purse value)
Validity: 5 years

Nol Gold Card

Nol Gold Card holds the same features as the silver card, but it gives you privileged access to the Metro’s gold-class seats for a premium fare. Cost: AED 25 plus premium fare (includes AED 19 e-purse value)
Validity: 5 years

Nol Blue Card 

Nol Blue Card or Nol Personal Card is a personalized smart card with an e-purse that can be loaded with up to AED 5000. Cost: AED 70 plus premium fare (includes AED 20 e-purse value)
Validity: 5 years

Nol Red Ticket

Nol Red Ticket is a paper-based ticket that can be bought from any ticket vending machine at any time for only AED 2. It can be loaded with up to 10 Single Trips. This is perfect for non-frequent travellers and tourists. Cost: AED 2
Validity: 90 days or 10 trips

Nol Special Design Card

The Nol Special Design Card is for those who like to have a more personalized card. You can choose from 16 designs inspired by the landmarks of Dubai and get it printed on your Nol card. Cost: AED 30
Validity: 5 years

Personalized Gold Nol Card

Personalized Gold Nol card is similar to the Blue card but it also allows you to travel in the Gold Class on the Dubai Metro and Tram. Cost: AED 80 (includes AED 20 e-purse value)
Validity: 5 years

How to use a Nol Card?

The Nol Card is quick and easy to use and means you no longer need to carry cash to get around the city.

To check-in and use the desired transport system:

• Ensure you have a minimum balance of AED 7.50 on your card. 
• Approach the gates of Metro or the entrances of the bus/ water bus. 
• Place your Nol Card on the card reader.
• Wait to hear a beep or look for the green light, which signals a successful check-in. 
• Pass through the gate/entrance.

To check out after using the service:

• Approach the gates of Metro or the entrances of the bus/ water bus.
• Place your Nol Card on the card reader
• Wait to hear a beep or look for the green light, which signals a successful check-out.
• Pass through the gate/entrance.
• The gate will automatically calculate and the cost of your trip/journey based on the number of zones you have passed.

With your Nol Card, you can travel on Dubai’s Metro, Buses and Water Buses, which have stations located at different zones. Depending on the number of zones you travel to, the fare will be calculated and automatically deducted from your e-purse.

Nol Card balance check

Every Nol Card has a unique Nol tag ID, with which you can easily check your Nol Card balance online. All you have to do is:

• Go to rta.ae/home. 
• Click “Check Nol balance” on the webpage. 
• Enter your Nol tag ID. 
• Click “Search” to view your card balance. 

Nol Card history check

Checking your Nol card transaction history can be easily done online via the Nol website. All you have to do is the follow the steps below:

• Go to rta.ae/home
• Click on ‘Public Transport’
• Click on ‘Nol cards and services’
• Click on ‘Nol card transaction history’
• Enter your Nol Tag ID
• Click ‘Next’

Nol Card balance transfer

Here’s how you can transfer your balance amount from one Nol card to another:

• Activate NFC technology on your phone
• Install and open RTA’s Public Transport app
• Choose Nol-to-Nol transfer
• Tap the Nol card which has balance behind your phone and the app will read balance on the card
• Now tap the Nol card which needs to be recharged behind your phone
• The app will automatically display the box where you’ll be required to enter the amount to transfer
• Once completed, the other Nol card will be recharged

Zone system in Dubai

Dubai map is divided into 7 zones. Each zone contains Metro stations, Bus stations, Tram stations, and Water bus stations. Your journey can be made using different modes of transport which are located in different zones. At the end of your journey, you will be charged according to the total number of zones you have passed.

Please note, travelling between two modes of transportation must be done within 30 minutes. You can travel by Metro and then take a bus to reach your final destination. After you check-out from the metro station, you will have 30 minutes to check-in on a bus. Having done this on time, your metro and bus trips will be charged as a single journey (you will be charged based on the total number of zones passed in the 2 trips combined).

Nol Card fare

Source: rta.ae

Nol Card monthly pass

The Nol Card also offers monthly passes for Dubai residents which entitles holders to an unlimited period of travel for 30 calendar days from the purchase date. The monthly pass covers travelling via metro train, bus, tram, and water bus. This applies to all zones.

To apply for the Nol Card monthly pass, please visit the RTA’s official website for the latest pricing and details. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest metro/bus station and request for the Nol Card monthly pass. After you have paid the required amount, your monthly pass will be activated.

Nol Card recharge online 

Topping up the Nol Card can be conveniently done online, like most of the other services offered by the Smart Card.

1. Visit rta.ae/topup. 
2. Enter your Nol tag ID and email address. 
3. Confirm details and pay. 

In order to activate the pending top-up, use your card in any online parking meter or metro gate after 45 minutes to 4 hours.

Please note: The minimum card balance required is 7.5 AED. The maximum top-up allowed is 1,000 AED for the anonymous card and 5,000 AED after registration.

Nol Card phone app

The Nol Pay app is an official app by RTA designed to help you keep a track of your Nol Card on the go. With Nol Pay, you can:

• Top up or add travel passes to your Nol card using your phone anytime, anywhere
• Check card information and manage it whenever you want

You can download the Nol Card phone app on PlayStore or AppStore.

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