Nol Cards in Dubai
Choose the Right Nol Card. The Nol card is a prepaid card that enables commuters to access public transportation services in Dubai. This card is an initiative by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to enhance the experience of public transportation in the city.
Before choosing the right Nol card for you, you need to see the features of the cards.
Types of Nol Cards:
1. Blue Card
The Blue Nol Card is a personalized card that is registered to an individual’s name, allowing them to load credit and use it for multiple journeys on Dubai’s public transportation services. The card can be used on the Dubai Metro, buses, water buses, and trams.
The price of the personalized Blue Nol Card is AED 70, which includes AED 20 as the initial balance. This card is ideal for frequent commuters who use public transport on a regular basis. The card can be purchased at any metro station, bus station, or RTA service centre.
In addition to the personalized Blue Nol Card, there is also an anonymous Blue Nol Card available for purchase. The anonymous Blue Nol Card costs AED 25, which includes AED 19 as the initial balance. This card is ideal for occasional users of public transport who do not want to register their personal information.
It’s worth noting that the prices of the Nol cards are subject to change. You can check the latest prices on the RTA website or at any RTA service centre. Additionally, you can reload your Nol Card with credit at any RTA service centre or online through the RTA website or mobile app.
The Blue Nol Card is a convenient and cost-effective way to access public transportation services in Dubai. The personalized Blue Nol Card is ideal for frequent commuters, while the anonymous Blue Nol Card is suitable for occasional users. The prices of the Nol cards are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest prices before purchasing or reloading your card.
2. Red Card
The Red Nol Card is a limited-use card that can be used for a single journey only. This card is ideal for occasional users of public transport who do not want to purchase a personalized Blue Nol Card.
The cost of a Red Nol Card is AED 6, which includes the fare for a single journey on any mode of public transportation within Dubai. The card can be purchased at any metro station, bus station, or RTA service centre.
It’s important to note that the Red Nol Card is not reloadable. Once you have used the card for a single journey, you will need to purchase a new card for your next journey.
If you are an occasional user of public transport, the Red Nol Card can be a cost-effective option. However, if you use public transport frequently, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to purchase a personalized Blue Nol Card.
The Red Nol Card is a limited-use card that can be used for a single journey on any mode of public transportation within Dubai. The card is ideal for occasional users of public transport who do not want to purchase a personalized Blue Nol Card. The cost of a Red Nol Card is AED 6, and the card can be purchased at any metro station, bus station, or RTA service centre. If you use public transport frequently, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to purchase a personalized Blue Nol Card instead.
3. Gold Card
The Gold Nol Card is a personalized card that is registered to an individual’s name, allowing them to load credit and use it for multiple journeys on Dubai’s public transportation services. The card can be used on the Dubai Metro, buses, water buses, trams, and the Dubai Ferry.
The Gold Nol Card has several advantages over other Nol Cards. Firstly, it allows for unlimited travel on Dubai’s public transportation services for a specified period of time. Secondly, it provides access to the Gold Class cabin on the Dubai Metro, which is a more comfortable and spacious seating area. Lastly, it provides discounts on some tourist attractions and services in Dubai.
There are several options available for the Gold Nol Card, including:
- 7-Day Pass: AED 250, which includes unlimited travel on Dubai’s public transportation services for 7 consecutive days.
- 30-Day Pass: AED 350, which includes unlimited travel on Dubai’s public transportation services for 30 consecutive days.
- 90-Day Pass: AED 900, which includes unlimited travel on Dubai’s public transportation services for 90 consecutive days.
- Annual Pass: AED 3,000, which includes unlimited travel on Dubai’s public transportation services for 365 consecutive days.
It’s worth noting that the Gold Nol Card is only available as a personalized card, and the price of the card is subject to change. You can purchase a Gold Nol Card at any metro station, bus station, or RTA service centre.
The Gold Nol Card is a personalized card that allows for unlimited travel on Dubai’s public transportation services for a specified period of time. The card provides access to the Gold Class cabin on the Dubai Metro and offers discounts on some tourist attractions and services in Dubai. The Gold Nol Card is available in several options, including a 7-Day Pass, 30-Day Pass, 90-Day Pass, and Annual Pass, and can be purchased at any metro station, bus station, or RTA service centre.
4. Silver Card
The Silver Nol Card is a personalized card that is registered to an individual’s name, allowing them to load credit and use it for multiple journeys on Dubai’s public transportation services. The card can be used on the Dubai Metro, buses, water buses, and trams.
Unlike the Gold Nol Card, the Silver Nol Card does not offer unlimited travel for a specified period of time. Instead, it operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. The card is ideal for occasional users of public transport who do not want to purchase a Red Nol Card each time they take a journey.
The cost of a Silver Nol Card is AED 25, which includes AED 19 as the initial balance. The card can be purchased at any metro station, bus station, or RTA service center.
When using the Silver Nol Card, the fare for each journey is deducted from the balance on the card. The cost of each journey depends on the distance traveled and the mode of transportation used. The fare for each journey is calculated based on the number of zones traveled through, and the fare is capped at a maximum of AED 16 per day, regardless of the number of journeys taken.
It’s worth noting that the Silver Nol Card is reloadable, and you can add credit to the card at any metro station, bus station, or RTA service center. Additionally, you can use the card to pay for parking in Dubai.
The Silver Nol Card is a personalized card that operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, making it ideal for occasional users of public transport in Dubai. The cost of the card is AED 25, which includes AED 19 as the initial balance. The fare for each journey is deducted from the balance on the card, with a maximum fare of AED 16 per day. The card is reloadable, and you can add credit to the card at any metro station, bus station, or RTA service center.
Choosing the Right Nol Card
When selecting a Nol card, there are several factors to consider:
- Frequency of Use: If you use public transport frequently, it is recommended to get a personalized Blue Nol Card. This will allow you to load credit onto your card and use it for multiple journeys.
- Type of User: Depending on your age and status, you may be eligible for specific discounts. For instance, senior citizens and people of determination should get the Silver Nol Card, while students should get the Green Nol Card.
- Budget: Consider how much you are willing to spend on public transport. If you use public transport occasionally, a Red Nol Card is a suitable option.
- Additional Services: If you want to enjoy VIP services and additional benefits, the Gold Nol Card is the right choice for you.
How to Buy a Nol Card
- Determine the type of Nol Card you need – there are several types of Nol Cards, including Red, Gold, Silver, and Blue, each with different features and benefits. Consider which type of card is best for your needs before proceeding.
- Locate a Nol Card vending machine or RTA service centre – Nol Card vending machines are available at all metro stations and many bus stations. In contrast, RTA service centres are located throughout Dubai. You can find the nearest vending machine or service centre by checking the RTA website or using the RTA app.
- Choose your Nol Card type and payment method – at the vending machine or service centre, select the type of Nol Card you want and choose your payment method. You can pay in cash or use a debit or credit card to purchase the card.
- Pay and receive your Nol Card – follow the instructions on the vending machine or service centre screen to complete the payment process. Once payment is made, you will receive your Nol Card.
- Top up your Nol Card – after purchasing your Nol Card, you will need to add credit to it before using it for public transport services. You can add credit to your card at any Nol Card vending machine or RTA service centre, or through the RTA website or app.
It’s important to note that some types of Nol Cards, such as the Green Card for students, require additional documentation to prove eligibility. Be sure to bring the necessary documents with you when purchasing a Nol Card.
In summary, buying a Nol Card in Dubai is a straightforward process that involves selecting the type of card you need, locating a vending machine or service centre, choosing your payment method, and receiving your card. Once you have your card, you can add credit to it and start using it for public transport services in Dubai.
Note that all cards are with five (5) years validity except for the red card which is valid for 90 days or 10 trips.
