nol top-up options compared
| Where | Minimum | When it reaches the card |
|---|---|---|
| nol Pay app (NFC) | Low (online) | Instant on the card |
| rta.ae, RTA Dubai app, S'hail app | Low (online), max AED 150 | 45 min to 4 h, then tap at a gate or parking meter |
| Ticket vending machine (metro) | AED 20 | Instant |
| Metro ticket office | AED 50 | Instant |
| Solar top-up machines at bus stops | Cash only | Instant |
| Shops: grocery agents, ENOC/EPPCO and Zoom stores | Varies by shop | Instant |
| Bank apps, Careem, Dubai Now | Varies (some banks charge a fee, e.g. AED 1) | Online: activate at a gate or meter |
Top up at a metro ticket machine
- Place the card on the reader of the ticket vending machine.
- Choose "Top up" and the amount (minimum AED 20).
- Pay by cash or bank card and wait for the confirmation before removing the card.
Top up online and activate it
- Enter the 10-digit nol tag ID on rta.ae or in the RTA Dubai or S'hail app, choose the amount and pay.
- Wait 45 minutes to 4 hours for the top-up to be processed.
- Tap the card on a metro gate, a parking meter or a solar top-up machine at a bus stop: the money is then written to the card.
Travelling soon? Use nol Pay with NFC or a station machine: the balance is available immediately.
How much should I load?
A metro trip costs AED 3 to AED 7.50 with Silver. If you ride several times a day, a One-Day Pass (AED 22) or a weekly or monthly pass can be cheaper than topping up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum nol top-up?
AED 20 at ticket vending machines in metro stations (since 1 March 2025) and AED 50 at metro ticket offices (since 17 August 2024). Online channels have a lower minimum (Gulf News cites AED 5).
Why is my online top-up not showing?
Online top-ups made on rta.ae or in the apps take 45 minutes to 4 hours to process, and then you must tap the card on a metro gate, a parking meter or a solar top-up machine at a bus stop to load the money. Top-ups made with nol Pay by NFC are applied instantly.
Can I top up with Apple Pay?
Yes, the RTA Dubai app accepts Apple Pay for nol top-ups. Some bank apps and the Careem app also top up nol cards.
Is there a maximum top-up?
Online top-ups are limited to AED 150 per transaction. The card itself can hold up to AED 1,000 (anonymous) or AED 5,000 (personal/registered).
nol card guide
Card types, prices and where to buy.
Check nol balance
Online, app, machine or ticket office.
Weekly and monthly passes
7, 30, 90 and 365-day pass prices.
Lost or expired card
Block, refund or replace your card.
Metro fares
AED 3 to 7.50 per trip by zone.
Reviewed 1 October 2026.