The Complete Guide to NOL Cards in Dubai : Check, Recharge, Transfer & Use
Enter your Dubai travel pass ID below to check your balance
Using public transport in Dubai is easy, efficient, and stress-free when you have a NOL Card. Whether you’re taking the Metro to work, hopping on a bus, using the tram, or paying for parking, your NOL Card is your trusted companion. But it can do much more than pay for your rides. It can also help you shop for groceries, buy coffee, and even refuel your car at select petrol stations across Dubai.
A Dubai travel pass is a smart contactless card issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, allowing you to pay for:
Public transport (Metro, bus, tram, water bus)
Public parking
Small purchases at partner retailers
Your RTA Card in Dubai stores credit, which is deducted automatically when you tap your card at gates or readers. Max recharge limit: AED 1,000 (anonymous), AED 5,000 (registered)
| Card Type | Best For | Details |
| Red Ticket | Tourists or occasional travelers | AED 2 cost, valid for 90 days or 10 trips & Valid on all public transport |
| Silver Card | Most popular card for residents | AED 25 cost (includes AED 19 credit) & Valid for 5 years |
| Gold Card | Gold Class cabin access | Same as Silver card but offers Gold Class cabin access on Metro and Tram & Fares are double for Gold Class travel. |
| Blue (Personal) Card | Register users | Personalized card linked with Emirates ID, AED 70 cost (includes AED 20 credit), Offers discounted fares for students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities & Enables balance recovery if lost |
| Virtual NOL Card | Anyone | Digital smart card available on Samsung and Huawei phones via the NOL Pay App & Convenient NFC tapping without a physical card |
Using Your RTA Card Beyond Transport
Your RTA card isn’t just for public transport! You can also:
- Pay for groceries, coffee, and snacks at over 2,000 partner retailers in Dubai
- Use it for RTA public parking.
- Pay for fuel at ENOC and EPPCO petrol stations.
- Earn rewards with the Nol Plus Loyalty Program, redeemable for travel and retail discounts.
Where to Buy an Smart Card in Dubai
This card is a key component of Dubai’s cashless program and offers a safe and effective way to handle everyday transactions and travel expenses.
Dubai Metro Stations
One of the easiest places to buy a card is any Dubai Metro station. Both through ticket vending machines and ticket offices
Bus Stations
You can also find these cards at central bus stations across Dubai. Have ticket vending machines for card purchases and can assist you with your purchase.
RTA Customer Service Centers
RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) customer service center for more personalized assistance. Here, you can ask questions about different types of these cards and get help with buying your card.
Retail Outlets
Cards are also available for purchase at many shops, convenience stores, and supermarkets across Dubai. Look for stores that have RTA signs indicating they offer transportation cards.
Online Purchase
If you prefer to avoid crowds, you can purchase this card online through the RTA website or their mobile app. This method is easy and lets you have your card ready for use as soon as you arrive in Dubai.
How to Recharge (Top Up) Your Travel Card
Running out of balance can be frustrating, especially when rushing to catch the Metro or bus. Here’s how you can recharge your Travel card easily:
1: Online Recharge:
- Use the RTA website or the Nol Pay app.
- Pay using debit/credit cards or Apple Pay.
- After payment, your recharge status shows as “Pending”
- Tap your card on any Metro gate or parking machine within 45 minutes to 4 hours to activate the recharge.
2: At Station Kiosks & Parking Machines:
- Visit any Metro or parking machine.
- Pay using cash or a card.
- Top-up activates instantly
3: At Retail Outlets:
- ENOC petrol stations, Zoom stores, Lulu, Carrefour
- Staff can recharge your NOL card while shopping
4: Recharge with Emirates ID:
- For Blue/Personal cards linked to Emirates ID
- Recharge via the Nol Pay app, the RTA website, or at the ticket office.
Advantages of the RTA Card | Benefits of the RTA Card
Let’s break down the key benefits of using the RTA Card.
1. One card, multiple uses
2. Saves time and effort.
3. Cost-effective travel
4. Easy balance management
5. Flexible top-up options
6. Works for tourists and residents.
7. Safe and secure
8. Promotes a cashless lifestyle.
9. Eco-friendly
10. Integrated with other RTA services
How to Transfer Balance, Refund & Manage Lost Cards
Balance Transfer:
You can transfer your smart card balance to another registered smart card:
- Use the RTA website or the Nol Pay app
- Requires both cards to be registered
- No transfer fee
Refunds & Lost Card:
If your card is lost or damaged:
- Report the card as lost using the Nol Pay app, RTA website, or at a kiosk to block it.
- Pay AED 70 to get a new Blue card.
- Request to transfer your previous balance or receive a refund in cash or on your new card.
Pending Top-Up Activation:
After online recharge, tap your card at any Metro gate or parking machine to activate within 4 hours to avoid recharge expiration.
Dubai Travel Card Quick Guide: All You Need to Know.
Get a Dubai travel card:
• Available at ticket offices, the RTA app, and the RTA website.
• Options include Red, Silver, Gold, Blue, and Virtual cards.
Check your card balance:
• Check via RTA website, Nol Pay app, SMS, kiosks, and retail outlets.
• Always keep at least AED 7.50 for travel.
Recharge / Top-Up your smart card:
• Recharge online, at kiosks, or retail outlets.
• After recharging, tap your card on a Metro gate or kiosk to activate.
Transfer NOL balance:
• Use the Nol Pay app or RTA website for transfers.
• Transfers are free between registered cards.
Refund or lost card:
• Manage via the Nol Pay app, RTA website, or kiosk.
• Replacement fee for Blue card is AED 70.
Use for payments:
• Pay at cafes, groceries, parking, and fuel stations.
• Accepted at over 2,000 retail locations in Dubai.
Pending top-up activation:
• Tap your card on a Metro gate or machine after recharging.
• Activation occurs within 45 minutes to 4 hours after top-up.
Ready to Master Your smart travel Card?
Start managing your card like a pro to make your Dubai travel stress-free and efficient.
Conclusion:
Your Dubai NOL card is your key to exploring Dubai with ease. By checking your balance regularly, whether online, through the App, at the station, you can travel without delays and enjoy every ride worry free.
It only takes a moment to check but it keeps your day Smooth. If you ever feel unsure about recharging or managing your card, remember we’re here to help. Drop your question any time, and let’s keep your journey in Dubai simple and stress free.