NOL Card Types in Dubai (Complete Guide 2025)
If you live in Dubai or are visiting soon, choosing the right NOL card can save you time and money. The NOL card is the RTA’s (Roads & Transport Authority) universal travel card for Dubai Metro, buses, trams, parking and many retail payments, and there are several card types — Silver, Gold, Red (ticket), Blue (personalized) and virtual/digital — each built for different needs (daily commuters, tourists, students, seniors). In this guide you’ll get a clear comparison of NOL card types, how much they cost in Dubai, their validity and maximum balance, who should buy which card, and quick tips on recharging/top-up and protecting your balance (linked guides: [Check Nol Card Balance] and [How to Recharge Nol Card Online]). Read on and by the end you’ll know exactly which NOL card fits your travel style.
Silver NOL Card
|
Travel type / Zones |
Silver NOL Card (Standard) |
|
Within 1 zone (or < 3 km) |
AED 3.00 |
|
2 adjacent zones |
AED 5.00 |
|
More than 2 zones (3+ zones) |
AED 7.00 |
|
Dubai Tram (flat fare) |
AED 3.00 |
The Silver NOL card is the most popular choice for daily commuters in Dubai. It costs AED 25 (with AED 19 credit included) and works seamlessly across the Dubai Metro, bus, tram, water bus, and parking meters. With a validity of five years and a balance limit of up to AED 1,000 (AED 5,000 if registered with Emirates ID), the Silver card is the go-to option for residents who want a simple, affordable and reliable RTA travel card.
Gold NOL Card
|
Travel type / Zones |
Gold NOL Card (Gold Class) |
|
Within 1 zone (or < 3 km) |
AED 6.00 |
|
2 adjacent zones |
AED 10.00 |
|
More than 2 zones (3+ zones) |
AED 15.00 |
|
Dubai Tram (flat fare) |
AED 6.00 |
The Gold NOL card offers access to Gold Class cabins on the Dubai Metro and Tram, giving you a more comfortable ride with fewer crowds. Like the Silver, it costs AED 25 (AED 19 balance included) and lasts for five years, but fares are double the Silver card price. With a top-up limit of AED 5,000 for registered users, the Gold card is ideal for travelers who prefer comfort while still enjoying the convenience of cashless travel in Dubai.
Red NOL Ticket (Tourist Card)
|
Travel type / Zones |
Red NOL Card (Red Ticket) |
|
Within 1 zone (or < 3 km) |
AED 4.00 |
|
2 adjacent zones |
AED 6.00 |
|
More than 2 zones (3+ zones) |
AED 8.50 |
|
Dubai Tram (flat fare) |
AED 3.00 |
The Red NOL card is a paper ticket designed for tourists or occasional users. Priced at just AED 2, it can hold up to 10 single trips or 5 daily passes, valid for 90 days. While it doesn’t have the long-term benefits of Silver or Gold, it’s the cheapest and simplest option for short visits to Dubai. Perfect if you’re here for a quick trip and only need the Dubai Metro, tram or bus card for a few rides.
Blue (Personalized) NOL Card
|
Travel type / Zones |
Blue NOL Card (Personalized) |
|
Within 1 zone (or < 3 km) |
AED 1.25 |
|
2 adjacent zones |
AED 2.50 |
|
More than 2 zones (3+ zones) |
AED 3.75 |
|
Dubai Tram (flat fare) |
AED 1.50 |
The Blue NOL card, also called the Personalized NOL card, is linked to your Emirates ID and offers extra security. If lost or stolen, you can block it and recover your balance. Costing AED 70 (AED 20 balance included), it allows up to AED 5,000 balance and is valid for five years. It’s perfect for frequent travelers, especially those who want to track trips, recharge online, and enjoy peace of mind with balance protection.
Student NOL Card
The Student NOL card offers 50% discounted fares on the Dubai Metro, buses, and trams. Students can apply online via the RTA portal with a valid Emirates ID and student documents. The card is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. This makes it the most affordable choice for school and university students commuting daily in Dubai.
Senior Citizen NOL Card
For UAE residents aged 60 and above, the Senior Citizen NOL card provides special discounted fares across all RTA public transport services. Like the student card, it requires an application through the RTA and Emirates ID verification. With five-year validity, it’s designed to make Dubai’s transport system more inclusive and affordable for older residents.
Virtual / Digital NOL Card
The Virtual NOL card is a digital version available through Huawei Wallet, Samsung Pay, and the NOL Pay app. It lets you tap your phone to pay for metro, bus, tram, parking, and even shopping in over 2,000 outlets across Dubai. With the same balance and validity features as physical cards, the virtual option is perfect for users who prefer mobile wallets and contactless payments.
Unlimited / Monthly NOL Pass
For heavy commuters, Dubai offers an Unlimited NOL card (monthly pass) that allows unrestricted travel across metro, buses, and trams within selected zones. Prices vary depending on the number of zones (e.g., AED 140 for one zone, AED 350 for all zones). It’s the best choice if you use public transport daily and want predictable, fixed-cost travel in Dubai.
| NOL Card Type | Best For | Price (AED) | Validity | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver NOL Card | Daily commuters & residents | 25 (incl. 19 balance) | 5 years | Affordable, all-round, metro/bus/tram/parking use |
| Gold NOL Card | Travelers who want Gold Class comfort | 25 (incl. 19 balance) | 5 years | Access to Gold Class cabins, premium travel |
| Red Ticket (NOL Red) | Tourists & short-term visitors | 2 (per ticket) | 90 days / 10 trips | Cheapest option, good for metro, bus, tram |
| Blue (Personalized) | Frequent travelers needing balance security | 70 (incl. 20 balance) | 5 years | Registered with Emirates ID, recover lost balance, higher top-up limit |
| Student NOL Card | School & university students | Varies | 1 year (renewable) | 50% discounted fares |
| Senior Citizen Card | UAE residents aged 60+ | Free / minimal fee | 5 years | Special discounts for seniors |
| Virtual/Digital NOL | Tech-savvy users preferring mobile wallets | Same as Silver/Gold | 5 years | Works via Samsung Wallet, Huawei Pay, NOL Pay app |
| Unlimited / Monthly Pass | Heavy public transport users | 140–350 (zones) | 30 days | Unlimited travel within chosen zones |
If you’re not sure which NOL card type to choose, start with the Silver NOL Card. It’s affordable, widely accepted on all Dubai Metro, bus, tram, and parking services, and gives you flexibility to upgrade later. Frequent commuters can switch to the Blue Personalized card for extra benefits, while tourists will find the Red Ticket the simplest option. Students and seniors should always apply for their discounted cards to save money, and heavy users can save big with the Unlimited Monthly Pass.
Where to Buy NOL Card in Dubai?
Getting a NOL card in Dubai is quick and simple. You can purchase or recharge your card at multiple locations across the city:
Conclusion
Dubai’s NOL card system makes public transport simple, affordable, and accessible for everyone — from tourists and students to daily commuters and seniors. Each NOL card type offers unique benefits: the Silver card for everyday use, the Gold card for premium travel, the Red ticket for short stays, the Blue card for balance protection, and special cards for students and senior citizens. Even digital wallets now support virtual NOL cards, making travel even more convenient.
Before you buy, always compare your options based on price, validity, and travel needs. And once you’ve chosen, don’t forget to keep track of your balance — read our full guide on How to Check Your NOL Card Balance Online.