Dubai nol card guide for tourists: How to save money and travel smart

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.

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.

There are four types of nol cards available, each suited for different needs.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

Two Adjacent Zones

More Than Two Zones

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.

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 .

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.

The Dubai Metro runs seven days a week:

The Dubai Tram operates: