A nol card is Dubai’s public-transport payment medium. It is separate from an attraction pass and comes in different types. Silver is a useful starting comparison for an ordinary visitor; Gold pricing relates to a different travel class.
A sightseeing pass is not a nol card. A marine excursion is also not automatically covered by the fare for an ordinary metro journey. Compare these costs as separate lines when budgeting for a full day.
Where to buy and add credit
Use an RTA ticket office, machine or authorised outlet. Add enough credit for the journeys ahead and check how an online top-up becomes available on the card. Card purchase cost and travel balance are different amounts.
How to use it
Touch in and out so the journey can be priced by the zones crossed. Use the correct cabin and keep your card available until the journey ends. When transferring between eligible services, the permitted connection time matters.
Fares, card costs and what they mean
The published Silver fares are AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 across two adjacent zones and AED 7.50 across more than two zones. RTA specifies a 30-minute transfer window for eligible connections. Different media and Gold travel have different prices.
Prices and terms checked on 9 September 2026. The linked operator tariff is the reference for your travel date.
Choose by your actual journeys
A sightseeing pass is not a nol card. A marine excursion is also not automatically covered by the fare for an ordinary metro journey. Compare these costs as separate lines when budgeting for a full day.
| Your plan | What to compare |
|---|---|
| One or two journeys | The ordinary fare against any card purchase cost. |
| Several days of travel | Stored value, eligible transfers and the relevant time-based pass. |
| Airport or regional outing | Its own fare and any explicit exclusions from a city product. |
Avoid buying the same benefit twice
Compare the zones in your planned Metro journeys and allow balance for the return before entering. Keep the same nol card ready for required exit validation. Treat a tourist pass, a special boat service and an ordinary RTA journey as separate products until their exact coverage is clear.
nol cards: common questions
Where can I buy transport tickets or a card in Dubai?
Use an RTA ticket office, machine or authorised outlet. Add enough credit for the journeys ahead and check how an online top-up becomes available on the card. Card purchase cost and travel balance are different amounts.
How do I validate my Dubai transport fare?
Touch in and out so the journey can be priced by the zones crossed. Use the correct cabin and keep your card available until the journey ends. When transferring between eligible services, the permitted connection time matters.
What should I check before choosing nol cards?
A sightseeing pass is not a nol card. A marine excursion is also not automatically covered by the fare for an ordinary metro journey. Compare these costs as separate lines when budgeting for a full day.
Written for planning, with official visitor information linked where relevant. Suggested routes and time allowances are editorial recommendations. Check current entry rules, opening notices and ticket conditions before booking. Read how we prepare and update our guides.
