Fare per trip
| Card | 1 zone | 2 adjacent zones | more than 2 zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver nol | AED 3 | AED 5 | AED 7.50 |
| Blue nol (personal) | AED 3 | AED 5 | AED 7.50 |
| Gold nol (Gold Class) | AED 6 | AED 10 | AED 15 |
| Red Ticket (paper) | AED 4 | AED 6 | AED 8.50 |
Dubai's network is divided into seven fare zones; the fare depends on how many zones the journey passes through (1 zone, 2 adjacent zones, more than 2 zones). Changing between the Red and Green lines does not start a new fare. Not sure how many zones your trip crosses? Use the calculator below.
Fare calculator: choose your stations
Pick two stations to see the route, the number of stops, where to change lines and the estimated fare.
nol card types and prices
Full details in our guides: nol card, balance check, top-up, weekly and monthly passes and lost cards.
| Card | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Red Ticket | AED 2 | Paper-based ticket for single/multiple journeys, aimed at visitors (validity details pending). |
| Silver | AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit) | Anonymous, 5-year validity, max balance AED 1,000. |
| Gold | AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit) | Gold Class access on Metro and Tram; fares double the Silver fare. |
| Blue (Personal) | AED 70 (AED 20 credit + AED 50 application fee) | Linked to Emirates ID; max balance AED 5,000 for registered cards; personal Gold version AED 80; special designs AED 100/110. |
- Silver is the standard card for residents and visitors. Anyone can buy it, no ID needed.
- Gold gives access to the Gold Class cabin, at double the Silver fare.
- Blue is personal, linked to your Emirates ID, and is the card needed for student and senior discounts.
- Red Ticket is a paper ticket for occasional travellers; each trip costs more than with a card.
One-Day Pass
| Pass | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular nol One-Day Pass | AED 22 | Unlimited Metro Red and Green lines, Tram and RTA buses within applicable zones; valid 90 days from purchase, works for one day once activated. |
| Gold nol One-Day Pass | AED 42 | Includes Gold Class on Metro and Tram. |
With a Silver card, the regular pass pays off from the third long trip (AED 7.50 each) or the fifth two-zone trip (AED 5 each) in the same day. Some older guides quote AED 44 for the Gold pass; the most recent report (Khaleej Times, September 2026) gives AED 42.
Minimum balance and top-up
- Minimum balance of AED 7.50 required to travel (Silver).
- For airport round trips RTA advises AED 15 balance on Silver and AED 30 on Gold.
- Metro station ticket offices: minimum top-up AED 50 (effective 17 august 2024).
- Ticket vending machines: minimum top-up AED 20.
- rta.ae / nol Pay / S'hail: minimum top-up AED 5.
Discounts and free travel
| Who | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Students (5-23) | 50% on bus and Metro fares with personal (blue) card; valid 1 year, renewable |
| Senior citizens (60+) | 50% on bus and Metro fares with personal card |
| People of determination | Travel free on Metro and bus |
| Children under 5 | Travel free |
Where to buy a nol card
- Buy at Metro ticket offices and vending machines, RTA customer service centres, Zoom stores, Al Ansari Exchange, Europcar, Rayna Tours.
- Digital nol: Samsung (Samsung Wallet + nol Pay, Silver and Gold cards) and Huawei (Huawei Wallet) phones; Apple Wallet/iPhone not supported. Physical card becomes inactive once digitised.
At the airport, nol cards and Red Tickets are sold at the ticket offices and machines in the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 metro stations. See the airport and visitor guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Dubai Metro ticket?
With a Silver or Blue nol card a trip costs AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 across two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 for more than two zones. With a paper Red Ticket it is AED 4, AED 6 or AED 8.50, and Gold Class costs double the Silver fare.
Which nol card should a tourist buy?
For a short stay with several trips, the Silver nol card (AED 25 including AED 19 credit) is usually cheaper than Red Tickets, because each trip costs AED 1 less. For a day of sightseeing, the One-Day Pass (AED 22) gives unlimited Metro, Tram and bus rides.
What is the minimum balance to enter the Metro?
You need at least AED 7.50 on a Silver card to start a trip. For a return trip to the airport RTA advises keeping AED 15 on Silver or AED 30 on Gold.
How do I top up a nol card?
At ticket vending machines (minimum AED 20), at Metro ticket offices (minimum AED 50) or online through rta.ae, the nol Pay app or the S'hail app. Online top-ups must then be activated by tapping the card at a gate or parking meter, except with nol Pay by NFC. Full guide.
How much is a monthly metro pass?
A 30-day Silver pass costs AED 140 (1 zone), AED 230 (2 zones) or AED 350 (all zones). All pass prices.
Can I use my phone instead of a nol card?
Yes on Samsung (Samsung Wallet with nol Pay) and Huawei (Huawei Wallet) phones. Apple Wallet and iPhone are not supported. Once you digitise a card, the physical card stops working.
Can I use the Dubai Metro without a nol card?
You need either a nol card or a paper Red Ticket; both are sold at the ticket offices and machines in every station. A digital nol card on a Samsung or Huawei phone also works.
Who travels free or with a discount?
Children under 5 and people of determination travel free. Students (5 to 23) and senior citizens (60+) get 50% off Metro and bus fares with a personal (Blue) nol card.
Fares reviewed 1 October 2026. No fare change has been reported for 2026.