Types of NOL Cards And Their Uses [2025]

A NOL card is a smart card used for public transportation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The term “NOL” means “fare” in Arabic, and these cards make cashless payments easy for the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, water buses, taxis, and RTA parking meters. You can also use them at over 2,500 locations, including ENOC fuel stations, Carrefour stores, pharmacies, and restaurants.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched NOL cards in August 2009 to streamline urban mobility. In 2025, over 2.2 million commuters use them daily, processing 3.5 million transactions monthly across Dubai’s transit system. With four card types Red, Silver, Gold, and Blue each serves specific commuter needs, from tourists to residents.

NOL Card Types (Quick Summary)

NOL cards make Dubai public transit easy. Red Card (2 AED, 10 trips) fits tourists. Silver Card (25 AED, 1,000 AED max) suits daily riders. Gold Card (25 AED) offers fancy Gold Class. Blue Card (70 AED) gives discounts for students, seniors. Pick your RTA card for smooth city travel.

Why Use a NOL Card?

NOL cards eliminate the need for cash, ensuring quick, secure payments for public transit and parking. They offer:

Convenience: Pay for multiple RTA services with one card.
Cost Savings: Enjoy low transit fares and flexible transfers between Metro, buses, and trams.
Accessibility: Use at retail outlets for small purchases, like snacks or fuel.
Special Fares: Blue Card holders, including students and seniors, get discounted rates.

A minimum balance of 7.50 AED is required to board any RTA transport. In 2024, 15% of commuters faced 200 AED fines for low balances, highlighting the need to choose the right card and keep it funded.

Types of NOL Cards and Their Uses

The RTA offers four NOL card types, each designed for different urban transit needs. Below, we detail their features, costs, uses, and ideal users, helping you select the best card for your Dubai commute.

1. Red Card: Tourist-Friendly Paper Ticket

The Red Card is a disposable, paper-based ticket for short-term visitors or occasional public transit users. It’s ideal for tourists exploring Dubai’s Metro, buses, or trams.

Features and Uses:

Purpose: Pays for one transit mode at a time (e.g., Metro or bus, not both).
Cost: 2 AED per ticket, with no preloaded balance.
Maximum Balance: Rechargeable for up to 10 single trips or 5 daily passes.
Validity: 90 days from purchase or until 10 trips are used.
Where to Use: Dubai Metro, buses, trams, or water buses; not valid for taxis, parking, or retail.
How to Get: Buy at Metro ticket offices, bus stations, or TVMs (ticket vending machines).

Who Should Use It?

Tourists or infrequent travelers benefit most. For example, a visitor riding the Metro twice daily for three days can recharge a Red Card for six trips. In 2024, the RTA sold 1.2 million Red Cards, mainly to visitors.

Tip: Keep your Red Card safe, as it’s not replaceable if lost. Check your balance at TVMs to avoid running out mid-trip.

2. Silver Card: Everyday Commuter Choice

The Silver Card is a durable, rechargeable smart card for regular public transit users, offering flexibility for Dubai’s urban commuters.

Features and Uses:

Purpose: Pays for all RTA transport modes (Metro, buses, trams, water buses, taxis) and RTA parking meters, plus retail purchases.
Cost: 25 AED, including 19 AED preloaded balance.
Maximum Balance: 1,000 AED (anonymous) or 5,000 AED (registered with an RTA account).
Validity: 5 years from purchase.
Where to Use: All RTA services, plus 2,500+ retail outlets like Zoom and Spinneys.
How to Get: Purchase at Metro ticket offices, bus stations, RTA Customer Service Centers, or online at www.rta.ae.

Who Should Use It?

Daily commuters, such as office workers or residents, find the Silver Card cost-effective. For instance, a commuter using the Metro and bus daily can top up 100 AED monthly. In 2025, 60% of NOL card users chose Silver Cards, per RTA data.

Tip: Register your Silver Card on the RTA website to track transactions and recover balances if lost. Top up online or at TVMs to stay ready.

3. Gold Card: Premium Transit Access

The Gold Card provides access to Gold Class cabins on the Dubai Metro and trams, offering a luxurious public transit experience with extra comfort.

Features and Uses:

Purpose: Covers all RTA transport, RTA parking, and retail, with Gold Class access at double the regular transit fare.
Cost: 25 AED, including 19 AED preloaded balance.
Maximum Balance: 1,000 AED (anonymous) or 5,000 AED (registered).
Validity: 5 years.
Where to Use: Metro Gold Class, trams, buses, water buses, taxis, parking, and retail outlets.
How to Get: Available at Metro ticket offices, RTA Customer Service Centers, or online.

Who Should Use It?

Business travelers or commuters seeking premium urban transit prefer the Gold Card. For example, a professional commuting in Gold Class can enjoy spacious seats for 12 AED per trip. In 2024, 10% of NOL card transactions were Gold Card-related, per RTA.

Tip: Check your balance before boarding Gold Class, as higher fares deplete funds faster. Use the NOL Pay app for quick top-ups.

4. Blue Card: Personalized for Special Groups

The Blue Card is a personalized smart card for residents, students, seniors, and people of determination, offering discounted transit fares and added security.

Features and Uses:

Purpose: Pays for all RTA transport, RTA parking, and retail, with concession fares for eligible groups.
Cost: 70 AED, including 20 AED preloaded balance.
Maximum Balance: 5,000 AED.
Validity: 5 years.
Where to Use: Metro, buses, trams, water buses, taxis, parking, and 2,500+ retail locations.
How to Get: Apply at RTA Customer Service Centers or online at www.rta.ae with required documents.

Eligibility and Documents:

Students: Valid student ID or enrollment letter.
People of Determination: Emirates ID, Sanad Card (residents), or equivalent proof (tourists), plus a white-background photo.
Social Affairs Beneficiaries: Emirates ID, Community Development Authority letter, and photo.
Seniors (60+): Emirates ID copy.

Who Should Use It?

Residents, students, seniors, and people of determination benefit from discounted fares. For example, a student pays 50% less on Metro trips. In 2025, 250,000 Blue Cards were active, per RTA records.

Tip: Apply early, as Blue Card processing takes 5-7 days. If lost, the RTA recovers your balance, unlike other cards.

Feature	Red Card	Silver Card	Gold Card	Blue Card
Best For	Tourists, occasional users	Daily commuters, residents	Premium travelers, Gold Class users	Residents, students, seniors, people of determination
Cost	2 AED (no preloaded balance)	25 AED (19 AED preloaded)	25 AED (19 AED preloaded)	70 AED (20 AED preloaded)
Maximum Balance	10 trips or 5 daily passes	1,000 AED (anonymous); 5,000 AED (registered)	1,000 AED (anonymous); 5,000 AED (registered)	5,000 AED
Transit Modes	One mode (Metro, bus, tram, or water bus)	All RTA transport (Metro, bus, tram, water bus, taxi)	All RTA transport, Gold Class (Metro, tram)	All RTA transport (Metro, bus, tram, water bus, taxi)
Concession Fares	No	No	No	Yes (students, seniors, people of determination)

Benefits of Using NOL Cards

NOL cards transform Dubai’s public transit by offering:

Single-Card Convenience: Use one card for Metro, buses, trams, taxis, parking, and retail.
No Cash Needed: Avoid carrying change or worrying about exact transit fares.
Flexible Transfers: Move between RTA transport modes within 30 minutes at no extra cost.
Concession Discounts: Blue Card holders save on fares, supporting students and seniors.
Secure Payments: RTA’s encrypted system protects transactions, with 2.8 million online top-ups in 2024.

In 2025, NOL cards accounted for 95% of Dubai Metro payments, per RTA, proving their role in cashless commuting.

How to Choose the Right NOL Card?

Selecting the best NOL card depends on your urban transit needs:

Tourists: Pick the Red Card for short visits (1-10 trips).
Daily Commuters: Choose the Silver Card for affordability and flexibility.
Premium Travelers: Opt for the Gold Card for Gold Class comfort.
Eligible Groups: Get the Blue Card for discounts and balance protection.

Check your card’s balance regularly using the RTA website, RTA Dubai app, NOL Pay app, SMS (5111), Metro TVMs, or RTA-authorized retailers like Zoom. A low balance below 7.50 AED blocks RTA transport access, risking fines.

How to Top Up Your NOL Card?

Keep your NOL card funded to avoid transit disruptions. Top-up options include:

Online: Use the RTA website or NOL Pay app (30-150 AED, activates in 45 minutes to 4 hours).
In-Person: Visit Metro ticket offices, TVMs, or retailers like Carrefour (minimum 7.50 AED).
NFC: Top up instantly via the NOL Pay app on NFC-enabled phones.

In 2024, 65% of top-ups were online, per RTA, showing preference for digital fare payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which card is cheapest for tourists?

The Red Card (2 AED) is best for short visits, covering up to 10 trips.

Q. Can I use a Silver Card for Gold Class?

No, only Gold Cards access Gold Class cabins on the Metro or tram.

Q. What if I lose my Blue Card?

Report it to the RTA to recover your balance; other cards aren’t protected.

Q. How long do NOL cards last?

Red Cards: 90 days or 10 trips; Silver, Gold, Blue: 5 years.

Q. Where can I buy NOL cards?

Get them at Metro stations, bus terminals, RTA Customer Service Centers, or www.rta.ae.

Conclusion

NOL cards power Dubai’s public transit, making urban commuting easy and cashless. The Red Card suits tourists, Silver Card fits daily riders, Gold Card offers luxury, and Blue Card supports special groups with discounts. Choose the right card for your Dubai Metro, bus, or tram trips, and top up regularly to avoid 200 AED fines. With 2.2 million daily users in 2025, NOL cards are key to Dubai’s transit system.