Dubai Metro, buses and the Nol card
Card types, zones, fares and rules on public transport in Dubai.
In short
One Nol card pays for metro, tram, buses and water buses. Fares depend on zones crossed. Eating, drinking and sleeping on transport are fined.
- Card
- Nol Silver / Gold / Blue
- Min. fare
- about AED 3
- Metro hours
- 5am–midnight (later on weekends)
- Women & kids
- Dedicated carriages
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Silver card at any station.
5 min
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Keep minimum AED 7.5 balance for metro
Don’t
- Don’t eat or drink – AED 100 fine
- Don’t enter women-only cabins (men)
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Gold class carriages need a Gold card or upgrade; otherwise fined.
Common questions
Can I pay with a bank card?
Contactless bank cards are accepted at many metro gates. Check the RTA app for current coverage.
Official links
Background and more detail
One Nol card pays for metro, tram, buses and water buses. Fares depend on zones crossed. Eating, drinking and sleeping on transport are fined.
Key facts
- Card: Nol Silver / Gold / Blue
- Min. fare: about AED 3
- Metro hours: 5am–midnight (later on weekends)
- Women & kids: Dedicated carriages
Steps
- Buy a card – Silver card at any station.
- Top up – Ticket machines, RTA app or supermarkets.
- Tap in and out – Missing a tap-out charges the maximum fare.
Watch out
- Gold class carriages need a Gold card or upgrade; otherwise fined.
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