Are you still paying full fare for your daily commute to school, university, or work in Dubai? Many residents and tourists remain confused about which NOL card to choose for their travel needs. The Dubai RTA NOL card system offers multiple options designed for different users – from students to VIPs.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain all 7 types of NOL cards, their costs, benefits, and which one is perfect for you. Whether you need a student NOL card, tourist NOL card, or regular commuter pass, this article covers everything you need to know.
Pro Tip: You can easily perform a NOL card balance check online or through the RTA Dubai app anytime.
What is a NOL Card?
A NOL card is a rechargeable smart card used for paying public transport fares in Dubai, UAE. This RTA travel card works on multiple transportation modes including:
- Dubai Metro (Red Line & Green Line)
- RTA Buses
- Dubai Tram
- Water Taxi and Water Bus
- Palm Monorail
- Some parking meters
The NOL card system eliminates the need for cash payments and makes Dubai public transport hassle-free.
7 Different Types of NOL Cards in Dubai
1. NOL Silver Card – Best for Occasional Travelers
The NOL Silver Card is the most popular choice for occasional travelers and tourists visiting Dubai. This anonymous smart card doesn’t require registration and works immediately after purchase.
Key Features:
- No personal registration required
- Instant activation
- Works on Metro, buses, trams, and water taxis
- Cashless payment for all RTA services
NOL Silver Card Cost:
- Purchase Price: AED 25
- Included Credit: AED 19 (usable balance)
- Card Fee: AED 6 (non-refundable)
Maximum Balance: AED 1,000
Best For: Tourists, visitors, and people who use Dubai public transport occasionally.
2. NOL Gold Card – Best for Frequent Travelers
The NOL Gold Card is a personalized smart card designed for frequent commuters and Dubai residents. This premium NOL card offers exclusive access to Gold Class compartments on Dubai Metro.
Key Features:
- Access to Metro Gold Class cabins
- Online account management
- Transaction history tracking
- Auto-reload option available
- Same benefits as virtual NOL card
NOL Gold Card Cost:
- Purchase Price: AED 25
- Included Credit: AED 19
- Card Fee: AED 6 (non-refundable)
Maximum Balance: AED 10,000
Best For: Daily commuters, business professionals, and residents who prefer premium travel experience in Dubai.
3. NOL Blue Card – Best for Students
The NOL Blue Card (also called Student NOL Card) offers discounted fares on all public transportation in Dubai. This card is specifically designed for students between ages 5 to 22 years.
Key Features:
- 50% discount on regular fares
- Personalized with student’s name and photo
- Valid for students in UAE schools and universities
- Works on Metro, buses, and trams
NOL Blue Card Cost:
- Purchase Price: AED 70
- Included Credit: AED 50
- Card Fee: AED 20 (non-refundable)
Maximum Balance: AED 500
Requirements:
- Valid student ID
- Emirates ID
- Passport copy
- Student visa
Best For: School students, college students, and university students who commute daily to educational institutions.
4. NOL Red Ticket – Best for Single Journeys
The NOL Red Ticket is a paper-based single-use ticket perfect for one-time travelers. You can buy this disposable NOL ticket from vending machines at Metro stations.
Key Features:
- Single journey or day pass options
- No registration needed
- Can be recharged up to 10 times
- Available at ticket vending machines
NOL Red Ticket Cost:
- Single Journey: AED 2 to AED 8.50 (depending on zones)
- Day Pass: AED 22 (unlimited travel for 24 hours)
Maximum Balance: AED 20 (approximately 10 trips)
Best For: First-time visitors, tourists on short trips, and anyone needing one-time travel tickets in Dubai.
5. NOL Salik Card – Best for Drivers
The NOL Salik Card combines public transport payments with Dubai toll gate payments. This dual-purpose card works for both Salik toll collection and RTA transportation services.
Key Features:
- Pay Salik toll charges automatically
- Use on Metro, buses, and trams
- Single card for driving and public transport
- Online top-up available
NOL Salik Card Cost:
- Purchase Price: AED 26
- Included Credit: AED 16 (for transport)
- Card Fee: AED 10 (non-refundable)
Maximum Balance: AED 500
Best For: Car owners who also use public transportation and want single card convenience for tolls and fares.
6. NOL Platinum Card – Best for VIP Travelers
The NOL Platinum Card is a premium personalized card offering enhanced benefits for high-net-worth individuals and frequent business travelers.
Key Features:
- VIP lounge access
- Priority boarding
- Special discounts
- Personalized customer service
- Luxury travel experience
NOL Platinum Card Cost: Varies based on selected privileges and services
Maximum Balance: Customized based on travel patterns
Best For: Business executives, luxury travelers, and individuals seeking premium RTA services.
7. NOL VIP Card – Best for Officials and Diplomats
The NOL VIP Card is an exclusive card issued to government officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests in Dubai.
Key Features:
- Complimentary upgrades
- Priority services on all transport modes
- Dedicated customer support
- Special privileges and benefits
- Personalized travel experience
NOL VIP Card Cost: By invitation or special application only
Maximum Balance: Customized
Best For: Government officials, diplomats, and VIP guests requiring exclusive travel privileges in Dubai.
NOL Card Comparison Chart 2026
| Card Type | Cost (AED) | Credit Included | Max Balance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 25 | 19 | 1,000 | Tourists & Occasional Travelers |
| Gold | 25 | 19 | 10,000 | Daily Commuters |
| Blue | 70 | 50 | 500 | Students |
| Red Ticket | 2-22 | Varies | 20 | Single Journeys |
| Salik | 26 | 16 | 500 | Car Owners |
| Platinum | Varies | Varies | Varies | VIP Travelers |
| VIP | Special | Special | Special | Officials & Diplomats |
Various Uses of NOL Card in Dubai
Your NOL card isn’t just for Metro rides! Here’s where you can use it:
✅ Dubai Metro – Red Line and Green Line
✅ RTA Public Buses – All routes across Dubai
✅ Dubai Tram – Marina and JBR areas
✅ Water Bus and Water Taxi – Dubai Creek and Marina
✅ Palm Monorail – Palm Jumeirah
✅ RTA Parking – Selected parking meters
✅ Some Retail Outlets – Partner stores accepting NOL payments
Learn More: Check out how to recharge NOL card online and explore the Emirates Islamic RTA Card for additional benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are 7 types of NOL cards available in Dubai: Silver Card, Gold Card, Blue Card (Student), Red Ticket, Salik Card, Platinum Card, and VIP Card. Each card serves different travel needs and budgets.
No, one NOL card cannot be used by two people simultaneously. Each passenger must have their own card. However, you can tap once for yourself and then tap again for another person on buses (not on Metro).
The NOL Silver Card or NOL Red Ticket is best for tourists. Silver card costs AED 25 with AED 19 credit and works on all transport. Red Ticket is ideal for single journeys or day passes.
You can check your NOL card balance through:
- RTA Dubai app
- NOL card readers at Metro stations
- RTA website
- Customer service centers
You can purchase NOL cards at:
- Metro station ticket offices
- Ticket vending machines
- RTA customer service centers
- Selected grocery stores and supermarkets
- Dubai airports
Yes, you can get a refund for the remaining balance on Silver and Gold cards (minus the card fee) at RTA customer service centers.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right NOL card can save you money and make your Dubai commute much smoother. Here’s a quick summary:
- Tourists: Get the Silver Card or Red Ticket
- Students: Apply for the Blue Card for 50% discount
- Daily Commuters: Choose the Gold Card for premium access
- Car Owners: Consider the Salik Card for combined benefits
Understanding the different types of NOL cards helps you select the perfect option for your Dubai travel needs. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-term resident, the RTA NOL card system offers convenient, cashless payment solutions for navigating Dubai’s public transportation network.
Ready to get your NOL card? Visit any Metro station or RTA customer service center today!
