NOL Card Dubai
Everything you need to know about your NOL card – balance check, recharge, card types, monthly pass, expiry, and more.
What Is a NOL Card?
The NOL card is Dubai's official smart transit card, issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It works as a contactless payment card for the Dubai Metro, RTA Bus, Dubai Tram, Water Bus, and public parking. Think of it as Dubai's equivalent of London's Oyster card or Singapore's EZ-Link.
The card stores monetary value and e-tickets, allowing seamless travel across all RTA transport modes with a single tap. It also offers discounted fares compared to single-journey tickets, making it the preferred choice for daily commuters and tourists alike.
NOL Card Types
Silver NOL Card
The standard card for most users. Available at metro stations for AED 25 (including AED 19 credit). Stores up to AED 1,000.
Learn More →Gold NOL Card
Access Dubai Metro's Gold Class cabin. Costs AED 25 + gold class surcharge per trip. Ideal for premium commuters.
Learn More →Blue NOL Card
Concessionary card for UAE nationals, seniors, students & people of determination. Linked to Emirates ID for 50% fare discount.
Learn More →Red NOL Ticket
Disposable paper ticket for one-off Metro or Tram use. Starts from AED 2. Limited to a single transport mode per journey.
Learn More →Personal NOL Card
Registered card tied to your Emirates ID. Eligible for monthly passes, student/senior discounts, and balance recovery if lost.
Learn More →NOL Travel Card
Designed for tourists & visitors. Available across UAE, loaded with AED 19 credit. Includes exclusive discounts on Dubai attractions.
Learn More →What Do You Need Help With?
Check NOL Balance
5 methods: online portal, NOL Pay app, NFC phone, metro machine, or SMS.
Check Balance →Recharge NOL Card
Top up via nol.ae, NOL Pay app, metro machines, or debit/credit card.
Recharge Now →Monthly Pass
Unlimited metro, bus & tram rides. From AED 170/month (1 Zone) to AED 350 (All Zones).
Get Monthly Pass →Check NOL Expiry
Find your card's expiry date and renew it before your balance is locked.
Check Expiry →Dubai Metro Map
Updated 2025 metro map with Red Line, Green Line, all stations & zones.
View Metro Map →Metro Timings
Daily first/last train times, weekend schedule, Friday & Sunday timings.
Check Timings →NOL Pay App
Digital NOL card on your phone. Top up, check balance, trip history & buy monthly passes instantly.
Download App →Metro Fares & Zones
Fare calculator by zone. Know your trip cost across all 7 RTA transport zones before you travel.
Calculate Fare →Explore Dubai's Public Transport
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my NOL card balance?
You can check your NOL card balance in 5 ways: (1) Visit nol.ae and log in, (2) Use the NOL Pay app, (3) Tap your NFC-enabled phone on the card, (4) Use a metro station ticket machine, or (5) Visit any RTA customer service center.
What is the minimum balance on a NOL card?
The minimum balance required to board any RTA transport is AED 7.5 (enough for at least one trip). If your balance drops below this, you won't be able to use the card for travel until you top up.
How long is a NOL card valid?
A NOL card is valid for 5 years from the date of purchase. After expiry, you must renew it at an RTA service center or online via nol.ae. Your remaining balance is preserved during renewal.
Can I use NOL card for Dubai Bus and Tram?
Yes. The NOL card works on all RTA-operated transport: Dubai Metro (Red & Green Lines), all RTA buses, Dubai Tram, Water Bus, Dubai Ferry, Dubai Water Taxi, and Abra. It also works for paid RTA parking.
What is NOL Pay app?
NOL Pay is RTA's official mobile app that lets you manage your NOL card digitally. Features include balance check, top-up, trip history, monthly pass purchase, and a digital NOL card stored directly on your phone.
What is the difference between Silver and Blue NOL card?
The Silver NOL card is the standard card available to everyone for AED 25. The Blue NOL card is a concessionary card for UAE national seniors, residents, students, and people of determination — it gives 50% off fares and is linked to Emirates ID for security and balance recovery.
Can tourists use the NOL card?
Yes. Tourists can use the Silver NOL card or the new NOL Travel card, which includes a range of discounts on Dubai attractions and transport. Both are available at metro stations and RTA customer service centers across Dubai.
What is the maximum balance on a NOL card?
An unregistered (anonymous) NOL card can hold up to AED 1,000. A registered Personal NOL card linked to your Emirates ID can hold up to AED 5,000.
