All you need to know about nol cards in Dubai
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, navigating Dubai often requires public transportation. Fortunately, the city boasts a modern system designed for comfort and ease. For the convenience of commuters, the government has introduced RTA nol cards, which you can use to pay for public transportation. In addition, these Dubai metro cards offer amazing deals and discounts at various retail shops.
Let’s learn the features and benefits of RTA nol cards, how to obtain one and how to perform a nol card balance check.
WHAT IS A NOL CARD?
nol card Dubai is a contactless smartcard capable of holding prepaid credit. It is used to pay for fares on public vehicles, including:
- Trams
- Ferries
- Buses
- Metro
- Abras
- Taxi
- Water Buses
Customers with an nol card must check in and check out their card at different electronic gates at the metro station or the electronic terminals on buses. The best feature of the nol cards is the online top-up facility. There are ticket offices and ticket vending machines in all metro and bus stations where you can buy or top up your nol card.
FEATURES OF DUBAI RTA NOL CARDS
The nol Dubai cards enable you to pay for various modes of public transport in Dubai with a single tap. Let’s take a look at the key features of these cards.
- Transactions via nol cards are secure, reliable and fast. It contains a temper-proof chip and an antenna to prevent fraud. It also helps in accurate fare calculation.
- The cards are easy to top up.
- You can purchase weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual bundles to enjoy unlimited travel via public transport in Dubai.
- Dubai bus card allows you to also pay for RTA paid parking, public parks, Etihad Museum and more than 2,000 shops around the city.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF NOL CARDS IN DUBAI
Let’s take a detailed look at the different nol card types. The Dubai nol card prices depend on the type of card you pick.
SILVER CARD
The nol Silver Card is useful for frequent travellers in the city. The Silver Card is valid for all RTA transportation in Dubai.
- nol Silver card price: AED 25 with credit worth AED 19
- nol Silver maximum limit: AED 5,000
- Anonymous limit: AED 1,000
- nol Silver card validity: 5 years
GOLD CARD
The Gold nol card is ideal for passengers who want access to gold-class seats on any RTA public transport. The card can be used on all modes of transport registered with RTA, including buses, ferries, trams, metro, etc.
- nol Gold card price: AED 25 with credit worth AED 19
- nol Gold card maximum limit: AED 5,000
- Anonymous limit: AED 1,000
- nol Gold card validity: 5 years
BLUE (PERSONAL) NOL CARD
The Blue nol card in Dubai allows you to recover your balance if you accidentally lose your card or it’s stolen. Moreover, you can enjoy concessions on fares and secure online service for easy credit top-up through blue cards.
The Nol Blue Card allows People of Determination to travel for free on the metro and by bus. The card also offers national senior citizens, residents and students from all nationalities a 50% off.
- Personal nol card price: AED 70 with credit worth AED 20
- Blue nol card maximum limit: AED 5,000
- Personal nol card validity: 5 years
RED TICKET
The Red Ticket is primarily for those who need a temporary card. It is the best option for tourists visiting the city for more than three days.
The ticket is valid for metro, buses and trams. Other modes of RTA transport such as ferries, abras and taxis cannot be paid for with the Red card. With a Red card, users can use a single mode of transport at a time.
- Ticket price: AED 2
- Top-up limit: Rechargeable use for a maximum of 10 journeys or 5 daily passes
- Red Ticket validity: 90 days
NOL TRAVEL CARD
RTA recently introduced the ‘nol Travel’ card, which will allow cardholders to pay for metro rides, trams, buses and water taxis and enjoy discounts on taxis, parking and 100 exclusive promotions across Dubai.
These promotions include savings at hotels, restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and even adventure activities, with a total value exceeding AED 70,000! Essentially, the ‘nol Travel’ card combines the convenience of the regular nol card with a treasure trove of discounts for residents, visitors and tourists alike.
The package will be available at multiple outlets such as Zoom, Al Ansari Exchange, Euro Car at the airport, and Rayna Tours offices.
Anyone above five requires a nol card to ride Dubai’s public transportation system. There’s only one exception to paying fares: “People of Determination.” While they can ride for free, they must apply for a personal nol card.
Choosing the right nol card depends on your commuting needs and whether you are a tourist here for a short stay or a Dubai resident.
HOW TO OBTAIN A DUBAI RTA NOL CARD
You can obtain a nol Dubai card or a Dubai bus card via one of the following methods:
- Available in all Dubai Metro stations and some Dubai Bus stations. You can pay with cash or debit/credit card.
- Purchase nol silver cards and nol red tickets at select Ticket Vending Machines.
- Buy nol silver cards from RTA Customer Service Centres and RTA-authorised sales agents.
- Purchase nol blue cards online only.
- Buy your nol card online using the nol Pay Application.
NOL CARD BALANCE CHECK
There are two main ways to check your nol card balance: online or at a physical location. For those who prefer a physical check, head to any ticket vending machine at metro or bus stations. The official RTA website and Nol Pay app can be helpful if you’d rather check your balance online.
NOL CARD RECHARGE
If you want to recharge your nol card, go to any RTA ticket machine or ticket counter and top up the account with at least AED 20. Other options include downloading the app and topping the account with your debit/credit account.
You can also visit the RTA official website, enter the nol tag ID and email address and recharge the account online.
RTA launched the digital nol cards to make the commute easier. It allows the users to top up their balance at any time hassle-free through the nol app.
FAQS ABOUT NOL CARDS IN DUBAI
HOW TO RECHARGE NOL CARD DUBAI?
You can top-up the card via the NOL Pay app, ticket offices, ticket vending machines and authorised sales agents.
HOW CAN I PAY THE FARE THROUGH NOL CARD?
Paying your fare via nol card in Dubai is easy. All you have to do is hold your card over the card reader, and the reader will automatically validate your card. The fare for the journey you took will be deducted.
WHERE TO BUY NOL CARD IN DUBAI?
You can purchase nol cards from the ticket offices, ticket vending machines at the metro stations, RTA Customer Happiness Centres in Dubai and authorised sales agents.
CAN I PURCHASE THE NOL CARD ONLINE?
Yes, you most definitely can. All you have to do is download the nol Pay application using your UAE pass. Select Buy Virtual nol card, settle the fee by debit or credit directly or pay to the authorised sales agents later.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO GET MY NOL CARD?
The nol Pay app and the vending machines give you the card instantly. And if you’re applying through a sales agent or a ticket office machine, it takes about 3 minutes.
WHICH NOL CARD IS BEST FOR TOURISTS?
A red nol card or ticket is the best for tourists.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM CREDIT LIMIT ON A CARD?
To avoid hassle, ensure your nol card has a minimum balance of AED 7.5, and the Red Ticket should have one single strip.
With this, we sum up our guide to nol cards in Dubai. Now you know which Dubai metro card is for you, how much each Dubai nol card costs and its validity. Furthermore, checking the credit on your nol card is simple. You can refer to our online balance enquiry in Dubai guide to learn how to check your nol card balance.
If you want to learn more about RTA Dubai, our guide contains all the necessary details.
Dubai has an excellent network and infrastructure for public transport. Several public transport apps in Dubai assist locals and tourists in their commute to popular locations and attractions in the city.
If you’re new to the city, Dubai Metro is convenient for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable commute. If you don’t rely on public transport and prefer to drive, familiarise yourself with RTA parking charges in Dubai.
