Complete Guide to Dubai Bus Card & Nol Card
Which Nol card is best for you? From prices and zones to retail payments and student discounts, here is the ultimate guide to the Dubai bus and metro card.
By Rifat Hossain
The Dubai bus card, officially known as the Nol Card, is the foundation of getting around the city. Operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), this unified smart card is not just for buses—it is your key to the metro, trams, water taxis, and even retail payments.
Whether you are a resident or a short-term visitor, understanding how the dubai bus and metro card works is essential. This guide covers card types, prices, registration benefits, and usage rules.
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💳 Understanding Nol Card Types
There are four main types of Nol Cards. Choosing the right one depends on your stay duration and travel frequency.
1. Silver Nol Card (Best for Tourists & Regular Commuters)
This is the most popular choice. It is economical and offers unlimited access to all transport modes.
- Cost: AED 25 (includes AED 19 travel credit).
- Validity: 5 years.
- Best For: Tourists and frequent visitors.
- Key Feature: The AED 19 credit covers roughly 4-6 bus journeys immediately.
2. Gold Nol Card (Premium Comfort)
Ideally for those who want a more comfortable journey.
- Cost: AED 25 (includes AED 19 travel credit).
- Fares: Double the standard rate (e.g., AED 6 for a single zone instead of AED 3) when using Gold Class cabins.
- Perk: Access to spacious, less crowded Gold Class cabins on Metro and Tram.
- Flexibility: You can still use standard class transport at regular rates if you don't tap the Gold Class readers.
3. Blue Nol Card (Personalized for Residents)
A secure, personalized card with your photo and name.
- Cost: AED 70 (includes AED 20 balance).
- Best For: Residents and long-term expats.
- Security: Balance is recoverable if lost/stolen.
- Discounts: Required for students, seniors, and People of Determination to get 50% off or free travel.
4. Red Nol Ticket (Paper Ticket)
A temporary paper solution.
- Cost: AED 2 base fee + fare.
- Best For: Tourists making only 1-2 journeys.
- Limit: Valid for only 90 days or 10 journeys. Cannot transfer between different transport modes (e.g., Bus to Metro).
📍 Where to Buy Dubai Bus Card
You can find where to buy dubai bus card easily across the city:
- Metro Stations: Ticket vending machines (cash/card) and staffed counters.
- Bus Stations: Major hubs like Al Ghubaiba, Gold Souk, Al Satwa, and Al Rashidiya have vending machines.
- Retail Outlets: Available at Zoom, Carrefour, Spinneys, and Waitrose.
- Online: Via the RTA Website, Nol Pay App, or S'hail App.
- Dubai Airport: Ticket offices are available immediately upon arrival.
💰 Dubai Bus Card Price & Fares
Can I use nol card in dubai bus? Yes, it is the only way to pay. Fares are calculated based on the number of zones you cross.
Standard Fares (Silver/Blue Card)
| Zones Traveled | Fare | Daily Cap |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Zone (< 3 km) | AED 3.00 | AED 14 |
| 2 Zones | AED 5.00 | AED 14 |
| 3+ Zones | AED 7.50 | AED 14 |
Note: Gold Card fares are double these rates.
Monthly Passes
For frequent travelers, passes offer great value:
- 1 Zone: AED 140
- 2 Zones: AED 170
- All Zones: AED 225
Concessions (50% Off or Free)
Students (5-23 years), Seniors (60+), and Social Welfare holders get 50% off. People of Determination and children under 5 travel Free.
🔒 Registered vs. Anonymous Cards
Should you register your card? Here is the comparison.
| Feature | Anonymous (Unregistered) | Registered (Silver/Gold) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Balance | AED 1,000 | AED 5,000 |
| Lost Card | Balance is lost forever | Balance is recoverable |
| Security | None | SMS notifications & PIN code |
| Loyalty | Limited Nol Plus access | Full Nol Plus rewards |
How to Register: Visit a metro station or the RTA website. You will receive an SMS with a PIN. You must activate the registration by using the card at a metro gate or Nol Pay app within 4 hours.
🛍️ Using Nol Card for Shopping (Nol Plus)
Your Nol Card is also a payment card accepted at over 5,000 locations in Dubai.
- Retailers: Zoom, Carrefour, Lulu, Waitrose, Daiso.
- Food: McDonald's, Subway, Costa Coffee, Burger King.
- Services: Fuel stations (ENOC/EPPCO), parking meters, RTA taxis.
Nol Plus Loyalty Program: Link your card to an RTA account to earn points on transport and retail spend. Points can be redeemed for card top-ups or discount vouchers.
👶 Rules for Children & Students
RTA has strict safety and fare rules for young travelers:
- Under 5: Free travel (No card needed; must be accompanied).
- 5-8 Years: Need a Nol Card. Must be supervised.
- 8-11 Years: Can travel alone only with a parental permit (except on inter-city buses).
- 12+ Years: Can travel independently.
Student Cards: Students aged 5-23 can get a Blue Card with 50% discount. Requirements include a valid Emirates ID and an authorized enrollment letter from a UAE school.
⚠️ Troubleshooting & Limits
- Minimum Balance: You must have at least AED 7.50 to tap in.
- Tap In/Out: Always tap out to avoid being charged the maximum fare.
- Top-Up Activation: If topping up online, you must "activate" the balance by tapping your card at a station or using the Nol Pay app within 45 minutes to 4 hours.
- Card Errors: If the reader shows a red light, check your balance or ensure you are holding the card flat and steady.
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