The Dubai Metro Card, also known as the Nol Card, is an essential travel accessory for residents and visitors in Dubai. This smart card serves as an integrated ticketing system, allowing seamless access to various modes of public transportation, including the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and water buses.
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The Nol Card comes in different types, such as Silver, Gold, and Blue, each catering to specific travel needs. The Silver card is a standard option suitable for all modes of public transport, while the Gold card offers additional benefits like VIP cabin access and discounts. The Blue card is designed for frequent users of public transportation, offering discounted fares and convenient top-up options.
Users can easily recharge their Nol Cards at various locations, including metro stations, bus stations, and online portals. The introduction of the Nol Card has significantly contributed to the efficiency and convenience of public transportation in Dubai, promoting a sustainable and well-connected urban mobility system.
Dubai Metro Card [Nol Card]
Types of Cards:
- Nol Blue Card: The most popular option, this rechargeable card can be used for travel on the Metro, buses, trams, water buses, and even paid parking areas. You can top it up at stations, online, or through mobile apps.
- Nol Silver Card: Similar to the Blue Card, but personalized and offering added security in case of loss or theft.
- Day Pass: Provides unlimited travel for 24 hours on all public transport modes within selected zones. Ideal for tourists or short-term visitors.
- Red Ticket: A single-journey paper ticket, offering a cheaper option for occasional riders.
Benefits:
- Convenience: Cashless travel with easy top-up options.
- Multiple Modes: Use one card for various public transport options.
- Discounts: Enjoy special offers and discounts on fares.
- Travel Information: Check your balance and travel history through online portals and mobile apps.
Buying and Top-up:
- Purchase cards at all metro stations, ticket offices, convenience stores, and vending machines.
- Top-up through stations, online portals, mobile apps, or SMS.
- The minimum top-up amount is AED 20.
Things to remember:
- A valid card is required for travel, to avoid fines.
- Maintain sufficient balance before boarding.
- Tap at the entry and exit gates for validation.
- Check card validity before purchase, as they expire after five years.
- Keep your card safe, report loss or theft immediately.
Metro Card Balance Check
Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to check your Dubai Metro Card balance:
1. At a Metro Station:
- Locate a Nol Card reader, usually found near ticket vending machines or the station entrance/exit gates.
- Hold your Nol Card flat against the reader for a few seconds.
- Your remaining balance will be displayed on the reader’s screen.
2. Using the RTA Smart Salik App:
- Download the RTA Smart Salik app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android).
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Register your Nol Card by entering its serial number.
- Tap on “Nol Cards” within the app.
- Your card balance will be displayed along with other details like travel history.
3. Online:
- Visit the RTA website (https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home).
- Click on “Public Transport” and then “Nol.”
- Choose “Check Nol Card Balance.”
- Enter your Nol Card number and the security code displayed on the screen.
- Click “Check Balance.”
- Your card balance will be displayed on the web page.
4. Via SMS (for UAE-registered mobile numbers only):
- Send an SMS to 5566 with the following format:
- BAL <space> 14-digit Nol Card Number
- For example: “BAL 12345678901234”
- You’ll receive an SMS back with your card balance.
5. At Ticket Vending Machines:
- Approach a ticket vending machine at any Metro station.
- Tap your Nol Card on the designated card reader.
- Select “Check Balance” on the touchscreen.
- Your balance will be displayed on the screen.
Dubai Metro Gold Card Price
there’s no dedicated Gold Class monthly pass for the Dubai Metro. However, you can still access the Gold Class cabins in two ways, each with its own pricing structure:
1. Purchasing Individual Gold Class Tickets:
- This option offers flexibility to use Gold Class only when you need it, but the cost can add up for frequent users.
- The price depends on two factors:
- Travel distance: The further you travel, the higher the Gold Class fare.
- Number of zones crossed: Crossing additional zones increases the fare.
- Minimum fare: Regardless of distance or zones, the minimum Gold Class fare is around AED 20 (approximately USD 5.40).
- Example: For a short single-zone journey on the Red Line, a regular ticket might cost AED 5 (USD 1.35), while a Gold Class ticket for the same route could cost around AED 10 (USD 2.70).
2. Purchasing a Regular Monthly Pass and Upgrading to Gold Class Occasionally:
- This option can be cost-effective if you primarily use the metro within specific zones and only occasionally want to upgrade to Gold Class.
- Regular monthly pass: Prices vary depending on the number of zones you need access to. For example, a Red Line monthly pass for one zone costs AED 100 (USD 27.15), while a pass for all six zones costs AED 300 (USD 81.45).
- Gold Class upgrade: You can pay the difference between the regular and Gold Class fare for your specific journey at the station before boarding.
Nol Gold Card Dubai Metro
- Nol Gold Card is a premium option for Dubai Metro users.
- Offers exclusive benefits and privileges for frequent commuters.
- Provides access to Gold Class cabins with more comfortable seating.
- Allows unlimited travel on Dubai Metro, Tram, and buses within selected zones.
- Offers discounts on various attractions and services across Dubai.
- Can be reloaded with funds easily at metro stations or online.
- Ideal for travelers seeking enhanced comfort and convenience during their journeys.
Nol Silver Card Dubai Metro
- Nol Silver Card is a standard option for Dubai Metro users.
- Provides access to standard cabins on Dubai Metro trains.
- Allows unlimited travel on Dubai Metro, Tram, and buses within selected zones.
- Offers convenient payment for fares through a prepaid system.
- Can be reloaded with funds easily at metro stations or online.
- Suitable for regular commuters and tourists exploring Dubai on a budget.