Understanding Dubai Metro fares are essential for traveling around the city with public transportation. However, you could have been paying the extra fares if you were unaware of the tickets and fares.
Dubai has seven zones for public transportation, and the Dubai metro prices depend entirely on how many zones you visit. In addition, the rates of metro tickets are much cheaper than other modes of transit, and nol cards can pay for them.
This Dbd guide covers Dubai’s metro fares and payment options.
From Nol cards to Dubai metro tickets price, you’ll learn all the essential information to navigate public transportation effectively.
You can also find how a metro pass can get you around at an affordable rate.
NOL cards
Nol cards are smart cards used to pay for travel on the Dubai Metro and other public transportation services in Dubai, including buses, metro, water taxis, and the Dubai Tram.
In addition, you can also pay RTA’s Parking fee using your nol card.
Types of NOL cards
Four Nol cards are available for paying fares on the Dubai Metro and other public transportation services in Dubai.
There are several nol cards to choose from. Check them below: [1]Government of Dubai, “Nol Cards, https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/Nol-Home#carddeati:~:text=/%20nol%20Home-,nol%20Cards,-nol%20Silver%20Card”
Silver Nol card
The Silver Nol card is a primary and easy-to-purchase card from any ticket office.
It is a smart card with an e-purse that can be topped with up to AED 1000 while registering the card.
Using this card, you can conveniently pay for your travels on the Dubai Metro and other public transportation, as well as entry to public parks, Etihad Museum, and over 2000 stores in Dubai.
Gold Nol card
The Gold Nol card offers access to the Gold Class cabin on the Dubai Tram and the Dubai Metro.
In addition to access to the Gold Class cabin, the Gold Nol card also offers the same features as the Silver card, including the ability to pay for travel on Dubai public transportation and other public parks and stores in Dubai.
Blue Nol card
The Nol Blue Card is a fantastic way for students, seniors, and people of determination to save on their fares.
Not only is your balance safe if you misplace the card, but this card also offers online services.
In addition, it sends SMS and email notifications about your travel expenses, so you know exactly how much money you’re spending.
Moreover, the Nol Blue Card is an excellent solution for anyone who appreciates a bargain with extra features.
Nol red ticket
Dubai’s Nol Red Ticket helps you to get around the city. It costs just two AED, and you can find it at any ticket vending machine.
This is great for anyone who doesn’t use the public transportation system regularly, like tourists or occasional visitors.
Similarly, you don’t have to worry about buying tickets each time with the Nol Red Ticket. You only need one key for your metro, bus, and tram rides in Dubai.
Here is the comparison of different types of nol cards:
| NOL card type | Unit Prices | Max balance | Validity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | AED 25 including AED 19 balance | Anonymous: AED 1000 Registered: AED 5000 | 5 years | Regular card Can be used in metro, tram, buses and water buses |
| Gold | AED 25 including AED 19 balance | Anonymous: AED 1000 Registered: AED 5000 | 5 years | Access to the Metro & Tram Gold class cabin for twice the standard cost. Can be used in metro, tram, buses and water buses |
| Personal | AED 70 credit AED 20 | AED 5000 | 5 years | Recover your card balance if it’s stolen Needed for reduced fares Secure online credit top-ups |
| Red Tickets | AED 2 | Rechargeable for 10 trips or 5-day passes. | 90 days or 10 trips | Paper ticket One transport modality only. |
See also: Interactive Map of Dubai
Benefits of NOL cards
Using your NOL card offers you convenience and savings, allowing you to travel on public transport without cash or physical tickets.
You only need a single card to pay for different transportation across Dubai.
Here are some of the benefits of utilizing nol cards if you frequently use Dubai’s public transportation system: [2]Government of Dubai, “ Main Features of Nol Cards, … Continue reading
Convenience
NOL cards are easy-to-use cards that you can use to pay for multiple modes of transportation, including the metro, bus, and water buses in Dubai. You can also use the card to pay for paid parking, public parks, and many stores in Dubai.
Discounts
With an NOL card, you may be eligible for discounts on the cost of transportation, such as reduced fares for children or seniors. Individuals with special needs can travel free of charge on any public transport utilizing a nol blue card. Additionally, senior citizens, students, and UAE residents are eligible to receive 50% off when they use the nol blue card.
Easy to use
You can recharge your NOL card at any ticket vending machine, top-up machine, or online through the RTA website. Placing your nol Card over the card reader will automatically validate and deduct the corresponding fares for each journey.
Time-saving
Instead of purchasing a ticket each time you travel, you can tap your NOL card on the card reader at the start of your journey.
Dubai metro fares
The fare is one of the most important things to consider when using the Dubai Metro.
The Dubai metro fares are based on a zone system, which means that the distance traveled and the number of zones crossed determine the cost of the journey. And Dubai is organized into seven distinct zones featuring bus stops, metro tram stations, and water buses.
Also, passengers can switch from one mode of transportation to another, from the metro to the bus.
And if a passenger transfers within 30 minutes will only be charged for one journey. The fare is based on how many zones the passenger travels in total for both trips combined.
See the metro fares using various nol cards depending on the zones: [3]Government of Dubai, “Compare Fares, https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/Nol-Fares#:~:text=17-,Compare%20Fares,-Compare%20Cards%20by”
| Type | Silver Card | Personal Card | Gold Card | Red ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inside one zone | AED 3 | AED 3 | AED 6 | AED 4 |
| 2 Adjacent Zones | AED 5 | AED 5 | AED 10 | AED 6 |
| More than 2 Zones | AED 7.5 | AED 7.5 | AED 15 | AED 8.5 |
| Senior citizens, residents, students | N/A | 50% | N/A | N/A |
| Children below 5 years | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| People of Determination | N/A | Free | N/A | N/A |
Dubai metro fares using a pass
The Metro pass is the perfect way to explore Dubai.
It’s cost-effective, and you can choose how long you’d like it to last.
For instance, you can buy a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual pass. However, you must purchase and load it onto your NOL card – it’s so easy.
Not only can this pass be used for metro rides, but you can also use it for riding buses or trams.
Moreover, this makes it ideal for visitors who want to discover all of Dubai and their local friends who want an in-depth experience. And with discounted fares, everyone loves the Metro Pass.
Below are the Dubai metro pass fares: [4] Government of Dubai, “Nol Product Prices, https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/Nol-Fares#:~:text=Choose%20nol%20Card-,nol%20Products%20Prices,-Product%20Type”
| Type | Silver | Gold | Students/ Senior citizens | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 zone | 2 zones | All zones | 1 zone | 2 zones | All zones | 1 zone | 2 zones | All zones | |
| 7 Days | 50 | 80 | 110 | 100 | 160 | 220 | 25 | 40 | 55 |
| 30 Days | 140 | 230 | 350 | 280 | 460 | 700 | 70 | 115 | 175 |
| 90 Days | 330 | 550 | 830 | 660 | 1100 | 1660 | 165 | 275 | 415 |
| 365 Days | 1060 | 1770 | 2670 | 2120 | 3540 | 5340 | 530 | 885 | 1335 |
Where to buy NOL cards in Dubai?
The only acceptable form of payment to purchase tickets on Dubai Metro is the Nol card.
Consequently, this is the only form of payment accepted for public transport in this area.
Dubai locals can conveniently purchase Nol Cards in a variety of ways, including:
Ticket vending machines: Dubai metro stations feature ticket vending machines that provide a convenient way to purchase both Nol Cards and nol Red tickets. These machines accept cash and credit/debit cards for your convenience, so you can instantly get the ticket you want.
Ticket offices: Customers can go to any ticket office machine, select the desired card type and pay the fee. Customers receive their cards within an average of three minutes and can use them for public transport services.
Nol Pay application: With the nol Pay application, users can purchase the Nol card instantly. Customers need to download the app and login it using a UAE pass. Moreover, they can pay for their virtual nol card either directly by credit or debit card or later at an authorized sales agent.
Additionally, you can purchase Nol cards in RTA customer happiness centers, from licensed sales representatives, or internet.
Which NOL card is best for travelers in Dubai?
If you’re in Dubai, the nol card is an absolute must! With this card, you can travel on the metro, tram, and certain buses around town.
There are several nol cards to choose from, each with unique features and benefits.
It’s essential to pick the one that best suits your needs as a traveler.
If you don’t plan on doing much traveling around Dubai but still want the ease of public transport, consider getting the nol Red Ticket.
This ticket only costs AED 2 and allows you to pay for one trip without needing extra fares – perfect for those occasional rides.
Related Stories
- Check the Dubai Metro map showing all the stations on the Red and Green lines.
- This Dbd guide will provide information about the Gold Souq metro Station guide.
- If you are on Sheikh Zayed road, check out the Sobha realty metro station.
- Similarly, check this guide on Deira city center metro station if you are planning to visit Deira.
- Also, check out the Burjuman metro station on Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Bur Dubai.
FAQs
How much is the metro ticket in Dubai?
The fare for a single ride on the Dubai Metro depends on the distance traveled and the type of ticket you purchase. As of 2024, a standard adult ticket fare ranges from AED 3 to AED 6. There are also daily, weekly, and monthly pass options available at discounted rates.
Is the Dubai metro expensive?
No, the Dubai metro is not expensive. The metro fare is cheaper than using taxis and other modes of transportation.
Can we travel by Dubai Metro without a card?
Yes, traveling on the Dubai Metro is possible without a card.
Before boarding the train, passengers can purchase a single journey ticket from the vending machines located at the metro station.
These tickets are valid for one journey only and can be used on both the Red and Green lines.
There is also an option of buying an NOL card, a prepaid card that can be used to pay for metro, bus, and other forms of public transport in Dubai.
How much is a 7-day Metro pass in Dubai?
As of 2024, the cost of a 7-day NOL card for the Dubai Metro is AED 110 for the Silver class and AED 220 for the Gold class.[5]Government of Dubai, “NOL Zone Fares, https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/Nol-Fares#:~:text=Choose%20nol%20Card-,nol%20Products%20Prices,-Product%20Type”
Can we pay cash in Dubai metro?
No, cash is no longer accepted as a form of payment for riding the Dubai Metro.
Passengers must purchase a NOL card to ride the metro, as it is the only payment form accepted on the metro system.
The NOL card is a prepaid smart card that can be used to pay for fares on the metro, buses, and other forms of public transport in Dubai. It can be purchased and reloaded at metro stations, RTA service centers, and authorized sales agents.
Final thoughts
The Dubai Metro is a great way to get around the city with its convenient and cost-efficient fares. For the Dubai metro fares, you’ll need a nol card which you can easily obtain in just a few minutes.
With the variety of passes available, you can find the perfect plan your Dubai metro prices needs. You can get daily or weekly passes, monthly cards, or single-trip tickets for your travel options.
You won’t need to worry about cash payments since they’re not accepted on the metro, so make sure you get your nol card first. Moreover, selecting the correct card will ensure your journey in Dubai will be stress-free and fun.
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About the author
Arijit Negi is an expatriate living in Dubai for 18 years. He completed his degree in Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Mumbai. Arijit focuses on providing helpful guides and information for ex-pats living in UAE and visitors to the UAE.
