Dubai Metro Tickets & Fares

Complete guide to Nol card types, zone-based pricing, and the most cost-effective way to travel across Dubai's metro system in 2025

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4 Card Types

Choose from Red, Silver, Gold, and Blue Nol cards based on your travel needs and frequency

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7 Zone System

Fare calculation based on zones traveled - from AED 3 for 1 zone to AED 7.5 for 3+ zones

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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

MOST POPULAR

Silver Nol Card

AED 25

Includes AED 19 credit + AED 6 card cost

  • Standard class metro access
  • All buses and trams
  • Daily cap AED 14
  • 5-year validity
  • Water buses included
Zone Fares:
1 Zone: AED 3.00 | 2 Zones: AED 5.00 | 3+ Zones: AED 7.50
PREMIUM

Gold Nol Card

AED 25

Includes AED 19 credit + AED 6 card cost

  • Gold Class cabin access
  • Premium seating & comfort
  • Less crowded carriages
  • All transport modes
  • 5-year validity
Zone Fares (Double Silver):
1 Zone: AED 6.00 | 2 Zones: AED 10.00 | 3+ Zones: AED 15.00
PERSONAL

Blue Nol Card

AED 70

Includes AED 20 credit + AED 50 card cost

  • 50% discount for eligible users
  • Students & seniors
  • People of determination
  • Replaceable if lost
  • Daily cap AED 7
Zone Fares (50% Off):
1 Zone: AED 1.50 | 2 Zones: AED 2.50 | 3+ Zones: AED 3.75
TOURIST

Red Nol Ticket

AED 2

Paper ticket + journey fare

  • Single-use paper ticket
  • Perfect for tourists
  • Up to 10 trips loadable
  • 90-day validity
  • No registration needed
Zone Fares (Higher Rate):
1 Zone: AED 4.00 | 2 Zones: AED 6.00 | 3+ Zones: AED 8.50

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.

Transfer Window: 30 minutes
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

Pass Duration Silver (1 Zone) Silver (2 Zones) Silver (All Zones) Gold (All Zones)
7 Days AED 50 AED 80 AED 110 AED 220
30 Days AED 140 AED 230 AED 350 AED 700
90 Days AED 330 AED 550 AED 830 AED 1,660
365 Days AED 1,060 AED 1,770 AED 2,670 AED 5,340

💡 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

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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
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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
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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

Minimum Balance:
Keep AED 7.50 minimum for seamless travel
Balance Check:
Check via app, website, or vending machines
Card Validity:
Silver/Gold cards valid for 5 years
Lost Card:
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 FAQs

Start Your Dubai Metro Journey

Choose your Nol card, plan your route, and explore Dubai's world-class metro system

🚇 Quick Travel Tips

Peak Hours:
7:00-9:30 AM & 5:00-7:30 PM
Free WiFi:
Available in all trains and stations
Accessibility:
Elevators and tactile guidance
Women & Children:
Dedicated cabins available
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