How much is a Nol card in Dubai? Anywhere from AED 2 to AED 100 — it depends entirely on which card you pick. Dubai’s RTA issues five Nol products (Red Ticket, Silver, Gold, Blue Personal, and the NOL Travel card), and choosing the wrong one can quietly cost you double the fare on every trip.
This guide compares every Nol card type side by side — price, included credit, validity, maximum balance, fares, and who each card is actually for — so you can buy the right one the first time. Prices below reflect the current 2026 RTA fare structure.
All Nol Card Types Compared (Quick Table)
| Card | Price | Credit included | Max balance | Validity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Ticket (paper) | AED 2 | None — you load fares per trip | Up to 10 trips | 90 days | 1–3 day visitors |
| Silver | AED 25 | AED 19 | AED 1,000 (AED 5,000 if registered) | 5 years | Residents & most tourists |
| Gold | AED 25 | AED 19 | AED 1,000 | 5 years | Gold Class cabin fans |
| Blue (Personal) | AED 70 | AED 20 | AED 5,000 | 5 years | Residents, students, seniors |
| NOL Travel card | AED 100 | AED 19 | AED 1,000 | 5 years | Tourists wanting attraction offers |
1. Red Ticket — AED 2 (The Paper Ticket)
The Red Ticket isn’t really a “card” — it’s a paper ticket aimed at occasional travellers and short-stay visitors. You pay AED 2 for the ticket itself, then load the exact fare for each journey on top.
- Price: AED 2 + fare per trip
- Validity: 90 days or up to 10 trips, whichever comes first
- Works on: Metro, tram, and buses — not the Palm Monorail
- Catch: Per-trip fares are higher than Silver (AED 4 / 6 / 8.50 vs 3 / 5 / 7.50)
2. Silver Nol Card — AED 25 (The Default Choice)
The Silver card is Dubai’s standard stored-value card and the right choice for most residents and tourists. It’s anonymous — no ID needed.
- Price: AED 25, including AED 19 of usable credit
- Validity: 5 years
- Max balance: AED 1,000 (AED 5,000 if registered)
- Fares: AED 3 / 5 / 7.50 by zone
Buy it if: you’re a resident, a new arrival, or a tourist staying 4+ days. You can recharge a Silver card online or offline in minutes, and check the balance anytime.
3. Gold Nol Card — AED 25 (The Premium Cabin)
The Gold card costs exactly the same as Silver — AED 25 with AED 19 credit. The only difference: it unlocks the Gold Class cabin on the Metro and Tram. Every Metro/Tram fare is doubled.
- Fares: AED 6 / 10 / 15 by zone (double Silver) on Metro and Tram
- Daily cap: AED 20 (vs AED 14 on Silver)
4. Blue Nol Card (Personal) — AED 70 (The Registered Card)
The Blue card is the personalised, registered card — linked to your Emirates ID. It’s the only card with balance protection and concession fares.
- Price: AED 70 — includes AED 20 credit
- Fares: standard AED 3 / 5 / 7.50, but 50% off for students (5–23), seniors (60+)
- Gate threshold: only AED 3.50 minimum balance (vs AED 7.50)
- How to get it: apply online at nol.rta.ae or via the Nol Pay app with UAE Pass. See our student Nol card guide for the ISIC variant.
5. NOL Travel Card — AED 100 (The Tourist Bundle)
A Silver-class card bundled with tourist offers and discounts at Dubai attractions. Buy it if: you’ll use the bundled offers — otherwise Silver (AED 25) does the same transport job. Our Nol card for tourists guide breaks down the math.
Fares by Card Type (2026)
| Card | 1 zone | 2 adjacent zones | More than 2 zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver / Blue Personal | AED 3 | AED 5 | AED 7.50 |
| Gold (Metro/Tram) | AED 6 | AED 10 | AED 15 |
| Red Ticket | AED 4 | AED 6 | AED 8.50 |
Two cost-savers apply automatically: the 30-minute transfer rule and the daily cap — max AED 14/day on Silver/Blue, AED 20/day on Gold.
Which Nol Card Should You Buy?
- Visiting 1–3 days, few trips? → Red Ticket (AED 2).
- Visiting 4+ days, or a new resident? → Silver (AED 25).
- Want the quiet Gold Class cabin? → Gold (AED 25).
- UAE resident wanting loss protection? → Blue Personal (AED 70).
- Student aged 5–23? → Blue Personal with student concession — 50% off.
Where to Buy Each Card
Red, Silver, and Gold at every Metro station ticket office, vending machines, and retailers. Blue Personal: apply online via nol.rta.ae or the Nol Pay app. Full details in our where to buy a Nol card guide.
Watch: Nol Card Explained
Last updated: October 2026. Fares and card prices are set by Dubai’s RTA and can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Nol card in Dubai?
A Nol card costs between AED 2 and AED 100: Red Ticket AED 2, Silver and Gold AED 25 each, Blue Personal AED 70, NOL Travel card up to AED 100.
What is the difference between a Silver and Gold Nol card?
Both cost AED 25 with AED 19 credit and 5-year validity. The only difference: Gold unlocks the Gold Class cabin but charges double the fare (AED 6/10/15 vs 3/5/7.50).
Which Nol card is best for tourists?
1–3 days: Red Ticket (AED 2). 4+ days: Silver (AED 25) — beats Red after ~4 journeys. See our Nol card for tourists guide.
How long is a Nol card valid?
Silver, Gold, Blue Personal, and Travel: 5 years. Red Ticket: 90 days or 10 trips.
What is the maximum balance on a Nol card?
Anonymous Silver/Gold: AED 1,000. Blue Personal or Emirates-ID-registered: AED 5,000.
Is the Gold Nol card worth it?
Only for the quieter Gold Class cabin at rush hour — you pay double fare per trip. Off-peak, it’s a more expensive Silver.
Do I need an ID to buy a Nol card?
No ID for Red, Silver, or Gold. Blue Personal requires Emirates ID / UAE Pass (registered card).
Can two people share one Nol card?
No. Each traveller needs their own card — sharing violates RTA rules and risks a fine.
Can I get a refund on unused Nol card balance?
Yes, at an RTA Customer Happiness Centre for balances above AED 20 (minus admin fee). Red Ticket is non-refundable.
Can I use a Red Ticket on the Palm Monorail?
No. Red Ticket works on Metro, Tram, buses — not the Palm Monorail. Silver, Gold, Blue, Travel all work there.
Keep exploring the Nol cluster: Nol Card Balance Check · Nol Card Recharge · Minimum Balance · Nol Pay App · Nol Card for Tourists
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