Dubai Metro Fares & Nol Card
Everything about metro fares, Nol card types, and the zone-based pricing system.
Fare Zones Explained
Dubai Metro uses a zone-based fare system. The network is divided into 7 fare zones, and the fare depends on how many zones you cross during your journey. The two interchange stations (Union and BurJuman) connect the Red and Green lines.
How Zones Work
Each zone represents a geographical segment of the metro network. Travelling within the same zone is the cheapest. Crossing more zones increases the fare, up to a maximum of 2 zone crossings for standard pricing.
| Journey Type | Nol Silver | Nol Gold | Red Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within 1 Zone (e.g. same area) | AED 3.00 | AED 6.00 | AED 4.00 |
| Cross 2 Zones (most journeys) | AED 5.00 | AED 10.00 | AED 6.00 |
| Cross 3+ Zones (end-to-end) | AED 7.50 | AED 15.00 | AED 8.50 |
Daily Cap
Nol Silver/Gold cards have a daily fare cap of AED 20.00 (Silver) and AED 40.00 (Gold). Once you hit the cap, subsequent journeys that day are free. This makes unlimited daily travel very affordable.
Nol Card Types
Nol Silver
Cost: AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit)
The most popular card for regular commuters and tourists. Valid on metro, buses, trams, and water bus. Rechargeable up to AED 5,000.
Nol Gold
Cost: AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit)
Access to the Gold Class cabin at the front of every train. Double the fare but premium seating, less crowded, and extra legroom.
Nol Blue
Cost: AED 70 (includes AED 20 credit)
Personalised card with your photo. Can be auto-recharged, linked to credit card, and used as an ID. Best for long-term residents.
Red Ticket
Cost: AED 2 (card) + fare per trip
Paper-based disposable ticket for occasional riders and tourists. Can be loaded with up to 10 trips or a 1-day pass. Not rechargeable beyond 10 uses.
Travel Passes
| Pass Type | Price | Validity | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass | AED 22.00 | 24 hours | Unlimited rides on metro and buses for one day |
| Red Ticket - 1 Day | AED 22.00 | 24 hours | Loaded onto a Red Ticket (+ AED 2 card cost if new) |
| Weekly Pass | AED 100.00 | 7 days | Unlimited metro and bus rides for a week |
| Monthly Pass | AED 350.00 | 30 days | Unlimited metro and bus rides for a month |
Where to Buy Nol Cards
- Metro Station Ticket Offices — Available at every station during operating hours
- Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) — Self-service machines at all stations accept cash and cards
- RTA Customer Happiness Centres — Full-service locations across Dubai
- Bus Stations — Major bus stations sell Nol cards
- Online — Order through the RTA website or Nol Pay app
- Supermarkets & Shops — Select convenience stores and supermarkets
Topping Up Your Nol Card
You can recharge your Nol card at:
- Ticket vending machines (cash or card)
- Station ticket offices
- RTA app and Nol Pay app
- Online banking (select banks)
- Etisalat and du stores
- Carrefour, Spinneys, and other participating retailers
Minimum Balance
You must have a minimum balance of AED 7.50 on your Nol card to enter the metro gates. If your balance drops below this after a trip, top up before your next journey.
Important Rules & Fines
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Travelling without a valid ticket/Nol card | AED 200 |
| Travelling in Gold Class without Gold card | AED 100 |
| Travelling in Women & Children cabin (men) | AED 100 |
| Eating or drinking in the metro | AED 200 |
| Chewing gum | AED 100 |
| Sleeping on seats | AED 350 |
| Placing feet on seats | AED 200 |