4 Card Types
Choose from Red, Silver, Gold, and Blue Nol cards based on your travel needs and frequency
7 Zone System
Fare calculation based on zones traveled - from AED 3 for 1 zone to AED 7.5 for 3+ zones
Daily Cap AED 14
Save money with daily fare cap - unlimited rides after reaching the daily limit
Nol Card Types & Pricing 2025
Compare all four Nol card types to find the perfect option for your Dubai Metro travels
Dubai Metro Zone System & Fares
Understand how Dubai's 7-zone fare system works to calculate your metro journey costs
1 Zone Structure
Dubai Metro operates across 7 zones covering the entire city. Each zone contains multiple stations from different lines.
- Zone 1: Expo 2020, Dubai Investment Park
- Zone 2: JLT, Ibn Battuta, Marina areas
- Zone 3: Jumeirah Golf Estates region
- Zone 4: Internet City, Mall of Emirates
- Zone 5: Union, Abu Hail, Rashidiya
- Zone 6: Burj Khalifa, Business Bay
- Zone 7: Peripheral bus connections
💰 Fare Calculation
| Journey Type | Silver Nol |
|---|---|
| 1 Zone / Under 3km | AED 3.00 |
| 2 Adjacent Zones | AED 5.00 |
| 3+ Zones | AED 7.50 |
Fares automatically calculated and deducted when tapping in/out
⏱️ Transfer Rules
Smart transfer system allows seamless connections between metro, buses, and trams.
Max Transfers: 3 per journey
Max Duration: 180 minutes
Example: Metro to feeder bus within 30 minutes = single journey fare
Monthly & Multi-Day Passes
Save more with unlimited travel passes perfect for regular commuters and extended visitors
💡 Smart Savings Tips
- Daily cap at AED 14 beats single fares for 3+ trips
- 7-day pass breaks even at ~8 trips for all zones
- Monthly passes ideal for regular commuters
- Student/senior Blue cards offer 50% discount
🎫 Pass Benefits
- Unlimited metro, bus, and tram rides
- No need to maintain minimum balance
- Automatic activation on first use
- Available for registered cards only
How to Buy & Use Nol Cards
Complete step-by-step guide to purchasing, recharging, and using your Nol card across Dubai's transport network
Where to Buy
-
1
Metro & Bus Stations
Ticket offices and vending machines at all stations -
2
Authorized Retailers
Grocery stores, petrol stations, and kiosks citywide -
3
RTA Customer Centers
Full service centers for all card types and registration -
4
Online & Mobile App
RTA app and website for registered cards only
How to Recharge
-
1
Vending Machines
Tap card, select amount, pay by cash or card -
2
RTA App & Website
Online top-up using card number and credit card -
3
E-Wallet Account
Prepaid RTA account for automatic top-ups -
4
Retail Outlets
Authorized shops and customer service centers
How to Use
-
1
Tap In at Entry
Touch card on reader at station entrance gates -
2
Choose Your Cabin
Gold card holders access Gold Class, others use standard -
3
Tap Out at Exit
Touch card again at destination station gates -
4
Automatic Calculation
Fare calculated and deducted based on zones traveled
💡 Important Usage Tips
Keep AED 7.50 minimum for seamless travel
Check via app, website, or vending machines
Silver/Gold cards valid for 5 years
Blue cards replaceable, others not recoverable
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Dubai Metro fares and Nol cards
Which Nol card is best for tourists?
For short visits (1-3 days), Red tickets are convenient. For longer stays (4+ days), Silver Nol cards offer better value with daily fare caps and reusability. The Silver card breaks even after about 6-8 trips.
How do I check my Nol card balance?
Check balance via: RTA Dubai app, official website (using card number), vending machines at stations, or at ticket counters. Balance displays when tapping in/out at gates.
What happens if I don't tap out?
You'll be charged the maximum fare (AED 7.50 for Silver cards). Always remember to tap out to ensure correct fare calculation. Repeated failures may result in penalties.
Can I use one Nol card for multiple people?
No, each person must have their own Nol card. Cards are designed for individual use only and cannot be shared between travelers.
What's the difference between Gold and Silver cards?
Both cost AED 25, but Gold cards provide access to Gold Class cabins with premium seating and less crowding. Gold fares are double Silver fares (e.g., AED 6 vs AED 3 for 1 zone).
How do metro-to-bus transfers work?
Transfers between metro and buses within 30 minutes count as a single journey. The system automatically calculates the total fare based on all zones traveled across both modes.
Need More Help?
Visit our comprehensive FAQ section for detailed answers to all your Dubai Metro questions
View All FAQsStart Your Dubai Metro Journey
Choose your Nol card, plan your route, and explore Dubai's world-class metro system
🚇 Quick Travel Tips
7:00-9:30 AM & 5:00-7:30 PM
Available in all trains and stations
Elevators and tactile guidance
Dedicated cabins available