Table of contents
Quick answer
The Nol card is Dubai's travel card for the Metro, the tram, public buses and some water buses, and it also pays for some parking. Visitors usually buy a Silver card (regular class) or a Gold card (Gold Class carriages) from machines or ticket offices at Metro stations — including at DXB Terminals 1 and 3. You tap in and out, fares depend on the zones travelled, and you top up at machines, offices or online.
1Which Nol card should you buy?
| Card | For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | ForRegular class | NotesThe usual choice for visitors |
| Gold | ForGold Class Metro carriages | NotesHigher fares |
| Blue (personal) | ForResidents | NotesRegistered to your name; can carry passes and discounts |
| Red ticket | ForOccasional trips | NotesA paper ticket for a limited number of trips, where still sold |
2Where do you buy a Nol card?
- Ticket machines and offices at every Metro station, including DXB Terminals 1 and 3.
- Some bus stations and shops.
- On some phones, a digital card in the RTA or Nol apps.
3How does the Nol card work?
- 1Tap the card on the reader at the gate as you enter.
- 2Tap again as you leave — the fare is taken for the zones you travelled.
- 3On buses, tap in and out at the readers by the doors.
- 4Keep a minimum balance, or the gate will not open.
- 5Top up at machines (cash or card), ticket offices or online.
4How much does travel cost?
A single trip costs a few dirhams, rising with the number of zones. A day pass gives unlimited travel for one day, and Gold Class costs about double the regular fare. The card itself costs a small fee, which includes some starting credit.
5Rules to know
- No eating, drinking or chewing gum past the gates or on board — there are fines.
- Do not sit in the women and children carriage or Gold Class without the right ticket.
- One card per person — two people cannot pass the gates on one card.
- Keep the card after your trip; the credit lasts for years.
Top up enough for your whole trip on day one. It saves queueing at machines at the busiest stations.
6What else can you use a Nol card for?
- Paying for public parking at some machines.
- Water buses and some ferries.
- Some shops and taxis, where a reader is fitted.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a Nol card at Dubai Airport?
At the ticket machines and offices in the Metro stations at Terminals 1 and 3.
Which Nol card should a tourist buy?
A Silver card for regular class, or a Gold card if you want Gold Class carriages.
Can two people use one Nol card?
No. Each passenger needs their own card to pass the gates.
Can I eat or drink on the Dubai Metro?
No. Eating, drinking and chewing gum are not allowed on board or past the gates, and there are fines.
How do I top up a Nol card?
At station machines and ticket offices, with cash or card, or online and in the apps.
Does the Nol card expire?
Cards stay valid for several years; the expiry is printed on the card or shown in the app.
Can I use a Nol card on the Dubai Tram?
Yes. The same card works on the Metro, the Tram, buses and some water buses.
Can tourists get a Nol day pass?
Yes, a day pass for unlimited travel on one day can be loaded on a Nol card; check the current price at the machines.
Written by the TripReview team from our own price benchmarks and the rules published by UAE authorities, and updated 22 September 2026. Figures are ranges, not quotes — check the latest rules with the official source before you travel. How we rate companies
