How to Get a Metro (Nol) Card in Dubai
To ride the Dubai Metro you need a Nol card — the tap-in/tap-out smart card used across all RTA transport. Getting one takes about two minutes. Here's exactly how.
Step 1: Choose Your Card
| Card | Cost | Choose it if… |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | AED 25 (AED 19 credit) | You're a tourist or regular rider — the default choice |
| Gold | AED 25 (AED 19 credit) | You want Gold Class cabin access |
| Blue (Personal) | AED 70 (AED 20 credit) | You're a student, senior or want a registered, recoverable card |
| Red Ticket | AED 2 + fare | You'll make only one or two trips |
Step 2: Buy It
- Any metro station: ticket machines (cash/card, English interface) or the staffed ticket office.
- Elsewhere: RTA Customer Happiness Centres, many Carrefour/Spinneys/Waitrose branches, and the airport metro stations right after arrivals.
- Blue card: apply online at nol.ae with Emirates ID/passport photo — it's personalised, so it's issued rather than sold off the shelf; students apply through their institution for the concession.
Step 3: Top Up & Go
Load credit at machines, ticket offices, nol.ae or the Nol Pay app. Keep at least AED 7.50 on the card — that's the minimum to tap in. Tap the gold pad at the gate on entry and exit; the correct zone fare is deducted automatically. Cards are valid for five years and also work on the tram, buses, water bus — even for parking meters and some retail payments.
Lost Card?
Silver/Gold balances are not recoverable — treat them like cash. Blue (Personal) card balances can be transferred to a replacement card because the card is registered to you: report the loss at nol.ae or an RTA centre.
Planning more journeys? Start from the Dubai train map — every line, station and fare zone on one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nol card cost in Dubai?
A Silver or Gold Nol card costs AED 25 including AED 19 of travel credit. The registered Blue (Personal) card costs AED 70 including AED 20 credit. A disposable Red paper ticket costs AED 2 plus the fare.
Can I buy a Nol card at Dubai Airport?
Yes. The metro stations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have ticket machines and offices selling Nol cards, so you can buy one as soon as you land and ride into the city.
Do I need a separate card for the bus and tram?
No. The same Nol card works across the metro, tram, public buses and water buses, and transfers within 30 minutes are counted as one journey.