RTA OFFICIAL GUIDE
NOL Card Types Dubai
Silver, Gold, Blue, Red & Personal NOL Cards explained — with prices, benefits, eligibility, and how to get each type of RTA NOL card in Dubai.
What Is a NOL Card?
The NOL card is Dubai's official smart transit card, issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Also known as the RTA card, Dubai metro card, or metro NOL card, it is a contactless payment card that lets you travel on the Dubai Metro (Red & Green Lines), all RTA buses, Dubai Tram, Water Bus, Dubai Ferry, and pay for RTA public parking — all with a single tap.
Whether you're a daily resident commuter, a tourist, a student, or a premium Gold Class traveller, there is a specific NOL card type designed for your needs. The card comes pre-loaded with a starting credit and can be recharged online at nol.ae, via the NOL Pay app, or at any metro station ticket machine. Think of it as Dubai's version of London's Oyster Card or Singapore's EZ-Link — but covering a broader transport network.
All NOL cards share the same core function: they store monetary value and/or e-tickets on an embedded smart chip. When you tap the card at a gate reader, the fare is automatically deducted based on the zones you travel through. The key differences between card types lie in eligibility, pricing, balance limits, Gold Class access, and discount entitlements.
NOL Card Types at a Glance
Compare all Dubai NOL card types, prices, and key features
| Card Type | Card Price | Starting Credit | Max Balance | Gold Class | Registered | Monthly Pass | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔘 Silver NOL Card | AED 25 | AED 19 | AED 1,000 | ✗ | Optional | If registered | ✗ |
| 🥇 Gold NOL Card | AED 25 | AED 19 | AED 1,000 | ✓ | Optional | ✓ (Gold Pass) | ✗ |
| 🔷 Blue NOL Card | AED 2–11 | Varies | AED 1,000 | ✗ | ✓ (Emirates ID) | ✗ | ✓ 50% off |
| 🎫 Red NOL Ticket | From AED 2 | AED 2 | AED 100 | ✗ | ✗ (anonymous) | ✗ | ✗ |
| 👤 Personal NOL Card | AED 25 | AED 19 | AED 5,000 | Optional | ✓ (Emirates ID) | ✓ | Eligible if qualifying |
| 🎓 Student NOL Card | AED 25 | AED 19 | AED 1,000 | ✗ | ✓ (Student ID) | ✓ (discounted) | ✓ Student fare |
All NOL Card Types – Detailed Guide
Everything you need to know about each RTA NOL card type
Silver NOL Card
AED 6 is the card fee
The Silver NOL card is the standard Dubai metro card and the most widely used type. It is the default option for most residents, tourists, and visitors in Dubai. Also called the RTA card or metro NOL card, it is available at all Dubai Metro stations, RTA customer service centres, and many retail outlets.
The Silver card can be used as-is (anonymous) or registered to your name via nol.ae for added features like balance recovery, online recharge, and monthly pass access. The card holds up to AED 1,000 and is valid for 5 years from the date of purchase.
- Available at all metro stations — no registration required
- Works on Metro (Red & Green Lines), RTA Bus, Tram, Water Bus, Parking
- Register online to enable monthly pass & auto top-up
- Balance recoverable only if card is registered
- New NOL card price: AED 25 (with AED 19 credit loaded)
Gold NOL Card
Gold Class fare = Silver fare × 1.8
The Gold NOL card gives you exclusive access to Dubai Metro's Gold Class cabin — a premium, less-crowded carriage located at the front of every metro train. It looks identical to the Silver card on the outside, but is programmed to allow Gold Class gate entry.
Gold Class fares are 1.8 times the standard Silver fare. You can also use the Gold NOL card to travel in the standard cabin at regular fares. A Gold Class monthly pass is available for frequent premium travellers. The popular Emaar NOL card is a co-branded variant of the Gold NOL card offering additional offers and cashback at Emaar properties.
- Access Gold Class cabin on Dubai Metro
- Gold NOL card price: AED 25 (same as Silver)
- Gold class surcharge: fares are 1.8× standard rates
- Emaar NOL card: co-branded Gold card with Emaar offers
- Gold NOL card charges apply per journey in Gold cabin
- Available at metro stations & RTA service centres
Blue NOL Card
50% fare discount on all RTA transport
The Blue NOL card is a concessionary card issued to eligible residents who qualify for reduced fares. It gives a 50% discount on all RTA transport fares — metro, bus, tram, and water bus — making it significantly cheaper than the standard Silver card for qualifying users.
The Blue NOL card is a registered card and must be linked to the cardholder's Emirates ID. It cannot be used by anyone other than the registered holder. Balance recovery is available if the card is lost or damaged, since it is tied to the owner's identity.
- Eligible users: UAE Nationals, People of Determination (disabled), Senior Citizens (60+), and qualifying low-income residents
- Gives 50% off all RTA transport fares
- Must be registered to Emirates ID — non-transferable
- Apply at any RTA service centre with supporting documents
- Blue NOL card cost: between AED 2 and AED 11 depending on category
Red NOL Ticket
Available at all metro TVMs
The Red NOL ticket is a disposable paper-and-chip single-use or limited-use ticket for one-off metro or tram journeys. It is not a reloadable card — once the credit is used or the journey completed, it is discarded. It is ideal for tourists making just one or two metro trips without wanting a full card.
Red tickets are purchased directly from metro station ticket vending machines (TVMs) and are valid for one specific trip or a set number of trips. They carry a higher per-trip cost than a rechargeable NOL card, so regular travellers are better served by the Silver card.
- Best for: tourists and very occasional metro users
- Available only at metro TVM machines
- Cannot be recharged or registered
- More expensive per trip than Silver NOL card
- Valid for Metro and Tram only — not buses or water transport
Personal NOL Card
Holds up to AED 5,000
The Personal NOL card — also called the RTA Personal NOL card — is the same physical card as the Silver or Gold card, but it is officially registered to the holder's Emirates ID via the nol.ae portal or the NOL Pay app. This registration unlocks a range of features unavailable on anonymous cards.
The Personal NOL card is the recommended card for Dubai residents who use public transport daily. It holds up to AED 5,000 (versus AED 1,000 for unregistered cards) and allows you to purchase monthly passes, set up auto-recharge, view your full trip history, and recover your balance if the card is lost or stolen.
- Registered to Emirates ID — balance is fully recoverable if lost
- Maximum balance: AED 5,000 (vs AED 1,000 for anonymous)
- Required for purchasing NOL card monthly pass
- Auto-recharge available via nol.ae and NOL Pay app
- Full transaction history and trip statement access
- Register at nol.ae or any RTA customer service centre
Student NOL Card
Student pass available for unlimited rides
The Student NOL card — also called the nol card for students or student metro card Dubai — is a special registered card available to enrolled students at schools and universities in Dubai and the UAE. It provides discounted fares on all RTA public transport and access to a subsidised student monthly pass.
To apply for a student NOL card, students must submit their application online via nol.ae or in person at an RTA service centre, with a valid student ID and Emirates ID (or passport for non-UAE residents). The RTA student NOL card application process typically takes 3–5 working days for approval.
- Eligibility: enrolled students at UAE schools and universities
- Student NOL card online application available at nol.ae
- Required documents: Student ID, Emirates ID or passport
- Student NOL card price: AED 25 (same as Silver)
- Discounted student metro fares on all RTA transport
- Discounted student monthly pass available
- Must be renewed each academic year
NOL Card Prices & Dubai Metro Card Costs 2025
Full breakdown of new NOL card price, fares, and monthly pass costs
The new NOL card price in 2025 is AED 25 for Silver, Gold, Personal, and Student cards — this includes a non-refundable AED 6 card fee and AED 19 of starting travel credit. The Red NOL ticket starts from AED 2 per trip and the Blue concessionary card costs between AED 2 and AED 11.
The Dubai metro card price per journey depends on how many zones you travel through. Zone 1 starts from AED 3 (Silver), Zone 2 from AED 5, and cross-city journeys up to AED 8.50 on the Silver card. Gold Class fares are 1.8× the standard rate. The monthly NOL card price (monthly pass) starts from AED 170 for a 1-zone unlimited pass and goes up to AED 350 for the All Zones pass.
Which NOL Card Is Right for You?
Choose the best Dubai NOL card type for your situation
Daily Commuter
Get a Personal NOL card registered to your Emirates ID. Enables auto top-up, monthly pass, and full balance recovery.
Tourist / Short Visit
The Silver NOL card is best. Buy at any metro station for AED 25 with AED 19 credit. No registration needed.
Premium Traveller
Choose the Gold NOL card for access to Gold Class cabin — quieter, more spacious seating at the front of the train.
Student
Apply for the Student NOL card online or at an RTA centre for discounted fares and a subsidised monthly pass.
People of Determination / Senior
The Blue NOL card gives a 50% fare discount. Apply at an RTA service centre with your Emirates ID and relevant documents.
One-Time Metro User
Use a Red NOL ticket from a metro TVM for a single journey. Note: costs more per trip than a reloadable Silver card.
Where to Get a NOL Card in Dubai
Purchase your Dubai metro card / RTA NOL card from these locations
Metro Station TVMs
Available at every Dubai Metro station. Insert cash or use a card to buy Silver, Gold, or Red tickets instantly. No account needed.
RTA Customer Service Centres
All card types including Blue and Student NOL cards. Staff assist with registration, renewal, and balance recovery. Major metro stations have walk-in centres.
nol.ae Online Portal
Register, manage, and recharge existing NOL cards online. You cannot purchase a brand-new physical card online — collection is from an RTA point.
NOL Pay App
Manage your NOL card digitally. Check balance, top up, and purchase monthly passes. The app supports NFC-enabled phones as a digital NOL card.
Authorised Retail Outlets
Silver NOL cards are sold at Carrefour, ENOC/EPPCO petrol stations, and selected exchange houses and supermarkets across Dubai.
Dubai Airport (DXB & DWC)
Silver and Gold NOL cards available at airport metro stations. Ideal for tourists arriving in Dubai who need to take the metro immediately.
How to Use a NOL Card on Dubai Metro & RTA Transport
Using your NOL card Dubai is straightforward. When you arrive at a metro station, bus stop, or tram stop, simply tap your card on the designated NFC reader — the gate opens if your balance is sufficient. When you exit at your destination, tap again to allow the system to calculate and deduct your zone-based fare.
On RTA buses, tap your card on the reader next to the driver when boarding. On the Water Bus, Water Taxi, and Dubai Ferry, tap at the terminal reader before boarding. For RTA public parking, tap your NOL card at the parking meter to pay your fee — no cash needed.
The NOL card checker feature on nol.ae and in the NOL Pay app lets you view your current balance, recent trips, and transaction history in real time. If you have a registered Personal NOL card, you can also set up balance alerts so you receive a notification when your credit drops below a set threshold.
Detailed Card Type & Pricing Guides
Related NOL Card Topics
Everything you need to manage your Dubai NOL card
Frequently Asked Questions – NOL Card Types
What are the different types of NOL card in Dubai?
Dubai has 5 main NOL card types issued by the RTA: (1) Silver NOL card — standard card for general use; (2) Gold NOL card — grants access to Gold Class metro cabin; (3) Blue NOL card — concessionary card with 50% fare discount for eligible users; (4) Red NOL ticket — disposable single-use ticket; (5) Personal NOL card — registered Silver or Gold card linked to Emirates ID. Students can additionally get a Student NOL card with discounted fares.
What is the price of a new NOL card in Dubai?
The new NOL card price is AED 25 for Silver, Gold, Personal, and Student cards. This includes a non-refundable AED 6 card issuance fee and AED 19 of pre-loaded travel credit. The Red NOL ticket starts from AED 2 per trip. The Blue concessionary card costs between AED 2 and AED 11 depending on the concession category. Prices are set by the RTA and valid as of 2025.
What is the difference between a Silver and a Personal NOL card?
A Silver NOL card can be used anonymously without registration. A Personal NOL card is the same Silver (or Gold) card but officially registered to your Emirates ID on nol.ae. The key differences are: Personal card holds up to AED 5,000 (vs AED 1,000 for unregistered Silver), enables balance recovery if lost, allows purchase of monthly passes, and supports auto top-up. Registration is free and done online at nol.ae.
What is the Gold NOL card and how much does it cost?
The Gold NOL card is a premium card that allows access to Dubai Metro's Gold Class cabin — a quieter, more exclusive section at the front of the train. The card itself costs AED 25 (same as Silver), but Gold Class fares are 1.8 times the standard Silver fare. For example, a Silver Zone 1 fare of AED 3 becomes approximately AED 5.40 in Gold Class. A Gold Class monthly pass is also available. The Emaar NOL card is a co-branded Gold card with additional rewards at Emaar properties.
Who is eligible for the Blue NOL card?
The Blue NOL card is a concessionary card available to: UAE Nationals, People of Determination (people with disabilities), Senior Citizens aged 60 and above, and qualifying low-income residents. It provides a 50% discount on all RTA transport fares. Applications must be submitted at an RTA customer service centre with Emirates ID and relevant supporting documents (disability certificate, age proof, etc.). It is a registered card and cannot be transferred or used by another person.
How do I apply for a Student NOL card?
To get a Student NOL card, you can apply online via nol.ae (select "Student NOL card online application") or visit any RTA customer service centre. Required documents include a valid student ID from your school or university, Emirates ID (or passport for non-UAE residents), and a completed application form. The student NOL card price is AED 25. Approval typically takes 3–5 working days. The card must be renewed at the start of each academic year.
What is the minimum balance on a NOL card?
The minimum balance in nol card required to travel is AED 7.5. If your balance drops below this amount, you will not be able to tap in at a metro gate or board an RTA bus until you top up. The minimum online recharge amount is AED 10. You can check your current balance via the NOL Pay app, nol.ae, or by tapping your card at any metro station TVM.
What is the Emaar NOL card?
The Emaar NOL card is a co-branded version of the Gold NOL card issued in partnership between RTA and Emaar Properties. It functions exactly like a standard Gold NOL card — including Gold Class metro access — but also provides additional benefits such as discounts and cashback at Emaar malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Emaar NOL card price follows the standard Gold card pricing structure of AED 25 plus Gold Class fares. It is available at selected Emaar outlets and RTA service centres.
Can I use one NOL card for both metro and bus in Dubai?
Yes. Any NOL card (Silver, Gold, Blue, or Personal) works across all RTA-operated transport modes: Dubai Metro (Red & Green Lines), all RTA buses, Dubai Tram, Water Bus, Dubai Ferry, and Dubai Abra. You do not need separate cards for different modes. A single balance top-up covers all transport. The Red NOL ticket is the exception — it works only on Metro and Tram, not on RTA buses or water transport.
How do I check my NOL card balance and expiry?
You can check your NOL card balance in 5 ways: (1) Log in to nol.ae, (2) Use the NOL Pay app, (3) Tap your NFC-enabled phone on the card, (4) Use a metro station TVM, or (5) Visit any RTA service centre. To check your NOL card expiry date, visit nol.ae and go to "Card Details," or check the printed date on the back of your card. Cards must be renewed every 5 years — your balance is preserved during renewal.
What is the NOL card monthly pass price?
The NOL card monthly pass gives unlimited metro, bus, and tram rides for a fixed monthly fee. The 2025 pricing is: 1 Zone: AED 170, 2 Zones: AED 290, All Zones: AED 350. A Gold Class monthly pass is also available at higher rates. The monthly pass requires a registered Personal NOL card linked to Emirates ID. It can be purchased via nol.ae, the NOL Pay app, or at any metro station TVM or RTA customer service centre.
