Dubai Metro Tickets & Prices (2026)
Every Dubai Metro journey is paid with Nol — the RTA's smart-card system covering metro, tram, buses and water transport. Here is every ticket type, its 2026 price, and which one you should actually buy.
Ticket Types Compared
| Ticket / Card | Price | Includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Ticket (paper) | AED 2 + fare | Up to 10 trips or 5 day-passes, one transport mode | Single trips, very short visits |
| Nol Silver | AED 25 (AED 19 credit) | All transport modes, pay-as-you-go | Most tourists and residents |
| Nol Gold | AED 25 (AED 19 credit) | Gold Class cabin access at double fare | Premium travel — see Gold Class |
| Nol Blue (Personal) | AED 70 (AED 20 credit) | Registered card, balance protection, concessions | Students, seniors, People of Determination |
Single Fares
With a Silver card: AED 3 (1 zone), AED 5 (2 adjacent zones), AED 7.50 (3+ zones). Red Tickets cost slightly more per trip (AED 4 / 6 / 8.50) and Gold Class is double the Silver fare. Use the fare calculator for any station pair. A day of unlimited standard-class travel never costs more than the AED 14 daily cap.
Where to Buy Tickets
- Ticket machines at every station (English/Arabic, cards and cash accepted).
- Ticket offices at station gates.
- Online / app: top up via nol.ae or the Nol Pay app; new cards from RTA Customer Happiness Centres and many supermarkets.
A minimum balance of AED 7.50 is required to enter the gates. See how to get a Nol card and how to check your balance.
Weekly, Monthly & Annual Passes
Frequent riders save with unlimited passes loaded onto a Silver or Blue card — from AED 110 for a 7-day all-zones pass. Full prices are in our monthly passes guide.
Planning more journeys? Start from the full Dubai Metro map — every line, station and fare zone on one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Dubai Metro ticket is best for tourists?
The Nol Silver card (AED 25 including AED 19 credit) is best for most visitors: it works on metro, tram, buses and water buses, and pay-as-you-go fares are cheaper than Red Tickets. Staying a week or more of heavy travel? Consider the AED 110 weekly pass.
Can I buy a Dubai Metro ticket with a credit card?
Yes. Ticket machines and offices accept cards, and you can top up online at nol.ae or in the Nol Pay app. Contactless bank-card entry has also been progressively rolled out by the RTA — check the gate signage.
What is the minimum Nol balance to ride the metro?
You need at least AED 7.50 on your card to tap in at the gates, even if your actual journey costs less.