Getting a Nol card in Dubai takes about two minutes. You can buy one at any Dubai Metro station — from a staffed ticket office or a self-service vending machine — and walk away with a working card. But stations are far from your only option: RTA happiness centres, Zoom convenience stores, ENOC petrol stations, major bus stations, Dubai Airport, supermarkets and even Al Ansari Exchange branches all sell Nol cards in 2026.
This guide covers every place to buy a Nol card, what each location sells, current prices, and the important difference between places that sell cards and places that only top them up.
Nol Card Prices at a Glance (2026)
Every authorised seller charges the same official prices. If someone quotes you more, walk away.
| Card type | Price | Credit included | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Ticket | AED 2 | None (load trips separately) | Single trips, 1-day passes |
| Silver Card | AED 25 | AED 19 | Tourists & regular commuters |
| Gold Card | AED 25 | AED 19 | Gold Class cabin riders |
| Blue Personal Card | AED 70 | AED 20 | Residents (Emirates ID required) |
| Nol Travel Card | AED 100 | Check at purchase | Visitors wanting a premium option |
Not sure which one fits your trip? See our Nol card types and prices guide for a full comparison.
1. Metro Station Ticket Offices
The simplest option. Every Dubai Metro station has a staffed ticket office, open during metro operating hours. Tell the agent which card you want, pay by cash or card, and the card is handed to you ready to use — Silver and Gold cards come with AED 19 credit already loaded.
The busiest counters are at Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, Union, BurJuman, Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta. Expect short queues during rush hour; smaller stations are usually instant.
Good to know: since August 2024, ticket offices require a minimum top-up of AED 50 when recharging. Buying a new card is unaffected.
2. Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)
Every metro station also has self-service ticket vending machines. They sell Silver, Gold and Red Ticket cards on the spot and accept both cash and bank cards.
How to buy from a machine:
- Tap the screen and choose your language (English/Arabic).
- Select Buy Nol Card and pick Silver, Gold or Red Ticket.
- Pay by cash or card.
- Collect your card — it works immediately.
Good to know: since 1 March 2025, the minimum top-up at vending machines is AED 20. Our Nol card recharge guide covers all online options.
3. Bus Stations
Major RTA bus stations — Al Ghubaiba, Gold Souq, Jebel Ali and Sabkha — have ticket counters and vending machines selling the same cards at the same prices.
4. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Both Red Line airport stations — Airport Terminal 3 and Airport Terminal 1 — have ticket offices and machines right by the metro entrance inside the terminals. Most visitors buy their first card here within minutes of landing.
5. RTA Customer Happiness Centres
RTA’s full-service centres sell Nol cards and handle paperwork cases: Blue Personal card applications, card registration, refunds and lost-card reports. These are the only walk-in locations for Blue card applications with an Emirates ID.
6. Zoom Stores & ENOC/EPPCO Petrol Stations
Since 2022, Nol cards have been available at Zoom convenience stores and ENOC and EPPCO petrol stations across Dubai — authorised agents selling cards and handling cash top-ups.
7. Supermarkets & Authorised Retailers
Select Carrefour, Spinneys and Waitrose branches, plus hundreds of local grocery stores and mini-marts act as RTA-authorised agents. Look for the Nol logo at the counter.
8. Al Ansari Exchange Branches
Selected Al Ansari Exchange branches — Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, City Walk, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Marina Mall — sell the Nol Travel Card.
9. Buying Online
- rta.ae — apply for a Blue Personal card with your Emirates ID (delivered ~4 working days).
- Nol Pay app — buy a virtual Nol card on compatible Samsung and Huawei phones. See our digital Nol card guide.
Where You Can Buy vs. Only Top Up
| Location | Sells new cards | Top-ups |
|---|---|---|
| Metro station ticket office | Yes | Yes (min AED 50) |
| Ticket vending machines | Yes | Yes (min AED 20) |
| Bus station counters | Yes | Yes |
| RTA Happiness Centres | Yes | Yes |
| Zoom / ENOC / EPPCO | Yes | Yes (cash) |
| Carrefour, Spinneys, groceries | Selected stores | Yes |
| Al Ansari Exchange | Yes (Travel Card) | Check branch |
| rta.ae / Nol Pay app | Blue / virtual only | Yes (from AED 5) |
Which Card Should You Buy?
- Visiting for a few days? Silver (AED 25) — see our Nol card for tourists guide.
- Commuting daily? Silver, or Blue Personal (AED 70) with Emirates ID.
- Want the Gold Class cabin? Gold (AED 25).
- Just one trip? Red Ticket (AED 2).
After buying, check your Nol card balance anytime with the 10-digit Tag ID on the back of the card.
Tips for First-Time Buyers
- Buy at the airport if you’re visiting. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 metro stations are fastest.
- Skip the ticket office queue at rush hour — machines are quicker (7:30–9:30 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM).
- Keep your receipt. Photograph the 10-digit Tag ID as a backup.
- Don’t overpay. Prices are fixed by RTA — report sellers quoting more.
- Going cashless? Try a digital Nol card on Samsung/Huawei.
Watch: Nol Cards & Dubai Metro Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the easiest place to buy a Nol card in Dubai?
Any Dubai Metro station — staffed ticket office and vending machines, no ID needed, card works immediately.
Can I buy a Nol card at Dubai Airport?
Yes — Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 metro stations have ticket offices and machines inside the terminals.
How much does a Nol card cost in 2026?
Red AED 2, Silver/Gold AED 25 (AED 19 credit), Blue Personal AED 70 (AED 20 credit), Travel Card AED 100.
Do I need ID to buy a Nol card?
No ID for Red, Silver, Gold or Travel. Only Blue Personal needs Emirates ID.
Can I buy a Nol card at a petrol station?
Yes — Zoom stores and ENOC/EPPCO petrol stations are authorised RTA agents.
Can I buy a Nol card online?
Partly — Blue Personal on rta.ae, or a virtual card in the Nol Pay app (Samsung/Huawei). Silver/Gold are bought in person.
Do vending machines accept cash?
Yes — cash and bank cards, dispensed immediately.
What’s the minimum top-up at stations?
AED 20 at vending machines, AED 50 at ticket offices. Online top-ups from AED 5.
Can I buy a Nol card at a supermarket?
Selected Carrefour, Spinneys and Waitrose branches, plus authorised groceries and mini-marts.
Is the card usable immediately after purchase?
Yes — Silver and Gold come with AED 19 credit pre-loaded, so you can tap through a gate straight away.
Last updated: October 2026.