Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about nol cards, fares, and Dubai public transport.
💳 Card Types & Pricing
How much does a nol card cost?
nol Silver Card: AED 25 (includes AED 19 e-purse value)
nol Gold Card: AED 25 (includes AED 19 e-purse value)
nol Blue Card (Personal): AED 70 (includes AED 20 e-purse value)
nol Red Ticket: AED 2
What's the difference between Silver and Gold cards?
Both cost AED 25 and have the same features, except the Gold card gives you access to metro and tram gold class cabins for double the regular fare.
Source: RTA Choose nolWhich nol card should I buy?
Tourists/Short visits: Red Ticket (AED 2)
Regular travelers: Silver Card (AED 25)
Want premium comfort: Gold Card (AED 25)
Need security/higher balance: Blue Personal Card (AED 70)
🔄 Top-Up & Balance
How do I top up my nol card?
You can top up through: nol Pay app (instant), ticket offices (instant), vending machines (instant), authorized agents (instant), RTA website (45 min - 4 hour activation), or mobile apps (45 min - 4 hour activation).
View All Top-Up MethodsWhat is the maximum balance I can have?
Anonymous Silver/Gold: AED 1,000
Registered Silver/Gold: AED 5,000
Personal (Blue) Card: AED 5,000
Red Ticket: Up to 10 trips
Why do I need to activate my top-up?
If you top up via RTA website or mobile apps, you must tap your card at a metro gate, parking meter, or bus solar machine within 45 minutes to 4 hours to activate the balance.
Source: RTA nol HowHow do I check my nol balance?
Check your balance at metro gates (displays after tap), through nol Pay app, RTA Dubai app, ticket vending machines, or RTA website.
🎫 Usage & Validity
How long is a nol card valid?
nol Silver, Gold, and Blue cards are valid for 5 years from the date of purchase.
Source: RTA Choose nolCan I use one nol card for all transport?
Yes! Use your nol card on metro, buses, trams, water buses, RTA parking, and at over 2,000 retail outlets.
How do transfers work?
You have 30 minutes to transfer between metro, bus, and tram. If done within 30 minutes, both trips are charged as a single journey based on total zones traveled.
Source: RTA nol Fares📍 Purchase & Registration
Where can I buy a nol card?
Purchase at ticket offices (all stations), ticket vending machines, RTA authorized sales agents, or download nol Pay app for virtual card.
View All Purchase LocationsHow do I register my nol card?
Register anonymous Silver/Gold cards online through RTA portal or at ticket offices. After approval, tap card at metro gates to activate registration. Registered cards unlock AED 5,000 balance limit and balance protection.
Source: RTA nol HowHow do I apply for a personal (Blue) card?
Apply online through RTA portal or RTA Dubai app. Requires Emirates ID and photo. Special concession categories have specific requirements.
Apply on RTA Website💵 Fares
How are fares calculated?
Fares are based on the number of zones you travel through. Dubai has 7 transport zones. The more zones you cross, the higher the fare.
Use Fare CalculatorWhat are the minimum and maximum fares?
Silver/Blue Card: AED 3 (1 zone) to AED 9.50 (7 zones)
Gold Card: AED 6 (1 zone) to AED 19 (7 zones)
Red Ticket: AED 4 (1 zone) to AED 11.50 (7 zones)
❓ Lost Cards & Refunds
What if I lose my nol card?
If registered/personal, report it lost through RTA website or smart kiosks. You can get a refund of the remaining balance or transfer to a new card.
Source: RTA nol HowCan I get a refund for my balance?
Yes, for registered/personal cards. Choose cash collection or balance transfer to another card when requesting refund through RTA website or smart kiosks.
Can't find your answer?
Visit the official RTA website for more detailed information or contact RTA customer service.
Visit RTA Official Site