---
title: "Getting Around Dubai: Metro & the nol Card"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/6c372efa-d726-4f22-916d-ae12da205ff9
source_url: "https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/transport/dubai-nol-card-guide-for-tourists-how-to-save-money-and-travel-smart-1.500069063"
summary: "The nol card is a rechargeable smart card essential for tourists exploring Dubai's public transport system, including the Metro, buses, trams, and ferries, with multiple card types and top-up options available. The guide covers card types, purchasing locations, fares, and special tourist perks including the nol Travel Card offering over Dh70,000 in discounts at attractions and retailers."
tags: "nol-card, dubai-transport, metro, tourist-guide, public-transport, travel-tips, dubai-tourism"
key_entities: "Dubai (location), nol card (technology), RTA (organization), Dubai Metro (location), Burj Khalifa (location), Dubai Marina (location), Al Fahidi (location), nol Pay app (technology), Gulf News (organization), Zainab Husain (person)"
classification: "tutorial"
content_hash: "sha256:6a127ab0bf96820c41fccb7f1543a80d96d8145dd497348fc3b7cb1393e4a2a1"
acp_version: "0.2"
token_counts_approximate: 1985
visibility: public
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status: "final"
---

# Getting Around Dubai: Metro & the nol Card

GOLD/FOREX DUBAI 37°C PRAYER TIMES LIVING IN UAE LIVING IN UAE VISA+IMMIGRATION HOUSING PHONE+INTERNET BANKING TRANSPORT HEALTH EDUCATION RELOCATE ASK US SAFETY+SECURITY Living in UAE / Transport Dubai nol card guide for tourists: How to save money and travel smart Find out the nol card types, fares, top up options and the best choice for tourists Last updated: March 22, 2025 | 11:50 Zainab Husain , Features Writer 4 MIN READ Add as a preferred source on Google Explore Dubai's famous landmarks with a nol card, your key to budget-friendly and convenient travel. From choosing the right card type to topping up and unlocking tourist perks, learn how to save time and money while navigating the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and more. Gulf News Exploring Dubai’s iconic sights using public transport is not only convenient but also budget-friendly, if you have the right card in hand. Whether you're planning to visit the towering Burj Khalifa, relax at Dubai Marina, or stroll through the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, a nol card is your key to seamless travel. With multiple card options, top-up methods, and even special tourist perks, understanding how to use the nol card can save you time, money, and hassle during your stay. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of Dubai’s transport system with a nol card. What are nol cards? If you’re visiting Dubai and planning to explore the city using public transport, a nol card is essential. This rechargeable smart card allows you to pay for various modes of transport, including the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, marine transport like the Dubai Ferry, Water Taxi, and abras, and even some taxis. It can also be used to pay for RTA parking meters. Also Read: How to rent and pay for an e-scooter in Dubai using your nol card Types of nol Cards There are four types of nol cards available, each suited for different needs. The Silver nol Card is ideal for tourists. It costs Dh25 with Dh19 credit and is valid for five years. This card is widely used due to its affordability and flexibility across all transport modes.  The Gold nol Card , also priced at Dh25 with Dh19 credit, offers the same benefits but grants access to the more spacious Gold Class cabins on the Metro and Tram.  The Blue nol Card (Personal Card) costs Dh70 with Dh20 credit. This card is linked to your Emirates ID, ensuring your balance is protected if lost or stolen, and provides discounts for students, senior residents, people of determination, and social affairs beneficiaries.  The Red Ticket is a paper-based option for occasional travel, priced at Dh2 , and must be loaded with single or multiple journeys. Purchasing a nol Card nol cards can be purchased from various locations including ticket offices at metro stations, ticket vending machines, RTA customer service centres, and selected convenience stores like Zoom.  Topping up your nol card Top-ups can be done at ticket vending machines (minimum Dh20 ) and ticket offices (minimum Dh50 ). For a more flexible top-up range starting from Dh5 , you can use RTA's official platforms such as rta.ae, the nol Pay app, or the S'hail app. Anonymous nol cards have a top-up limit of Dh1,000, while registered nol cards can hold up to Dh5,000. Also Read: Dubai: 11 easy ways to top up your RTA nol card nol Travel Card for Tourists In 2024, the RTA introduced the nol Travel Card specifically for visitors. Beyond regular nol card benefits, this card offers over Dh70,000 worth of discounts and promotions at popular attractions, hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. These offers can be accessed via the nol Pay app or the dedicated nol Travel website at www.noltravel.ae. The nol Travel Card is available at multiple outlets, including Zoom, Al Ansari Exchange, Europcar branches at Dubai International Airport, and Rayna Tours offices. Also Read: See Dubai in one day: Ride the 'Dubai On and Off' bus for just Dh35 How are nol card fares calculated? Dubai’s metro network is divided into seven zones, and your fare is based on how many zones you travel through. The amount is automatically deducted from your nol card balance when you check out at your final stop. Each zone includes Metro, Tram, and Public Bus stations, allowing you to combine different transport modes in one journey. If you switch between transport modes, you must do so within 30 minutes for the trips to count as a single journey. For example, if you exit a Metro station and board a bus within 30 minutes, your fare will be calculated based on the total number of zones covered across both trips. Also Read: How to maximise your Dubai public transport trip: Know the rules for what counts as a single trip Which nol card should tourists buy in Dubai? If you're visiting Dubai and planning to use public transport, choosing the right Nol card can help you save money and travel with ease. Here's a breakdown of the fare costs for each type of Nol card: Within One Zone Silver Card: Dh3 Gold Card: Dh6 Personal Card: Dh3 Red Ticket: Dh4 Two Adjacent Zones Silver Card: Dh5 Gold Card: Dh10 Personal Card: Dh5 Red Ticket: Dh6 More Than Two Zones Silver Card: Dh7.5 Gold Card: Dh15 Personal Card: Dh7.5 Red Ticket: Dh8.5 Which card offers the best value for tourists? For most tourists, the Silver nol card is the best option. It's reusable, can be topped up, and offers lower fares than the Red Ticket. The Silver Card is ideal if you're staying in Dubai for several days or weeks and plan to make multiple trips. In addition to the metro, the Silver Card can be used on buses, trams, and water buses, giving you more flexibility when exploring the city. On the other hand, the Red Ticket is a paper-based option designed for occasional travel. Since you must purchase a new one for each journey, costs can add up quickly. Also Read: Dubai Metro station name changes: Every station renamed in recent years Dubai Metro system and stations Dubai Metro has two lines – the Red Line and the Green Line. The Red Line runs from Centrepoint (formerly Rashidiya) to either Expo 2020 or UAE Exchange, passing key locations like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Marina. Thanks to a 2024 improvement, passengers no longer need to switch trains at Jabal Ali, as direct routes now connect Centrepoint to both Expo 2020 and UAE Exchange. The Green Line runs from Etisalat to Creek, with stops at cultural and commercial hubs such as Al Fahidi, Deira, and the Gold Souk. To plan your travel routes and schedules, you can use Google Maps or the S’hail app, which offers real-time information on Metro and bus services. For detailed metro station information, visit the RTA website - www.rta.ae . Also Read: Unlock budget-friendly travel: Must-have public transport apps in the UAE to plan your journeys Metro Cabins Dubai Metro trains have dedicated cabins for different passenger groups. The Gold Class cabin offers leather seats and a more spacious environment for passengers using a Gold nol card. The Women and Children cabins are clearly marked with pink signage and provide extra space for pushchairs. The Silver cabin is the standard option for all commuters. Dubai Metro operating hours The Dubai Metro runs seven days a week: Monday to Thursday: 5am to 12am (midnight) Friday: 5am to 1am (next day) Saturday: 5am to 12am (midnight) Sunday: 8am to 12am (midnight) The Dubai Tram operates: Monday to Saturday: 6am to 1am (next day) Sunday: 9am to 1am (next day) Get Updates on Topics You Choose Daily Updates Finance Business Weekend Sport Ask Gulf News Luxury Travel Editor's Message By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . GET UPDATES Up Next Related Stories Dubai Metro: Which stations have been renamed? 4m read How to win up to Dh40,000 in prizes with your nol card 2m read OGold expands international reach with BELOBABA 2m read Dubai RTA nol cards now sold at Al Ansari branches 3m read