Types of NOL Cards in Dubai: Prices, Benefits & Validity
Are you confused about which NOL card to pick for your travel in Dubai? With several options available, it is important to understand how each card works and what benefits it offers. Whether you’re a tourist, student, or a frequent traveller, this guide will provide you with complete insights about different types of NOL Cards in Dubai and guidance for choosing the right one for you during travel around the Emirates. So, let’s dive into the details!
Is Having a NOL Card Essential in Dubai?
A NOL card is a rechargeable smart card that you must have to travel on public transport in Dubai. It’s important to note that fare payments in cash are not accepted across any public transport service in the city, making RTA’s NOL card necessary. Therefore, it is suggested to buy your card as soon as you arrive in Dubai to enjoy your visit to the fullest.
How Many Types of NOL Cards are There in Dubai? Which One to Choose?
There are seven different types of RTA NOL Cards to be used in Dubai, but 4 are more common. Choosing the right one is important for smooth and hassle-free journeys. Each NOL card type is specific to a particular group of travellers, such as tourists (seldom or frequent travellers), students, and differently abled individuals.
Therefore, you must get the one that suits your travel needs and plans. Here’s a detailed guide:
RTA’s Gold NOL Card
A NOL Gold Card is a rechargeable smart card designed for frequent travellers and the residents of Dubai. It can be used in various transportation and non-transportation services.
If you’re a regular commuter and prefer to use public transport in Dubai, the Gold NOL card is the best choice. It offers discounted fares on all means of transport across the city, such as Dubai Metro, Tram, Buses, Taxis, etc.
Moreover, the cardholder may check all the details, including transaction history and balance details, making it a perfect choice for both tourists and residents.
- Gold Card Price: A Gold smart card costs you AED 25 with a usable balance of AED 19. AED 6 is deducted as a non-refundable charge. The Gold cardholder can have a maximum balance of AED 1000 for anonymous users and AED 5000 for registered individuals.
- Validity: The card is valid for 5 years from the date of purchase.
Silver NOL Card
Most of the specifications of the Silver Card are the same as those of the Gold NOL Card, but the Gold Class costs you double per journey. The NOL Silver card is considered a preferred choice for tourists as it offers multiple discounted rates for travel and allows users to pay for individual journeys too.
- Silver Card Price: A Silver NOL card costs AED 25 with an available balance of AED 19. An amount of AED 6 is deducted as a non-refundable fee. In this card, the cardholder can top up a maximum balance of AED 1000 for anonymous users and AED 5000 for registered ones.
- Validity: The validity period of the Silver Card is 5 years from the date of purchase.
Blue NOL Card
Ideal for frequent travellers or Dubai residents, the Blue Card is a photo-personalised smart card that offers affordable fares across all modes of transport, including Metro, Trams, and Buses. Students aged 5 to 23 can register their Blue Cards using their credentials. By registering the card, a person can have the advantage of transferring the existing balance to a new card in case the original one is lost.
- Blue NOL Card Price: The price for the RTA’s Blue Card is AED 70, including a balance of AED 50. An amount of AED 20 is deducted from the e-wallet credit as a non-refundable charge. The rechargeable limit in the Blue Card is AED 5000.
- Validity: It is valid for a period of 5 years after purchase.
Red Ticket or Red NOL Card
The Red NOL Card is a paper-based, disposable ticket that allows only one mode of transport at a time. It is more suitable for occasional travellers who don’t own a NOL Card or prefer to pay in cash. This single-use ticket can be used only for one journey through the Metro, buses, or taxis, making it a convenient option for short-term commuters.
- Red NOL Ticket Price: The price of a Red Ticket in Dubai varies from AED 2 to AED 6 for a single journey, depending on the zones covered and mode of transportation. The maximum recharge amount depends on the fare for that single journey; however, typically, its recharge limit is AED 20.
- Validity: Valid for 90 days from the date of purchase, but can only be used for a single journey. When the tour completes, the ticket holder can not reuse it later.
NOL Salik Card
A personalised smart card that functions in collaboration with Dubai’s Electronic Toll Collection System, Salik. The NOL Salik Card can be used to pay toll charges as well as pay fares in Dubai’s public transport.
- NOL Salik Card Price: The Salik Card price in Dubai is AED 26, including an e-purse credit of AED 16. An amount of AED 1o is deducted as a non-refundable fee. The maximum rechargeable credit limit is AED 500.
NOL Platinum Card
A premium card with enhanced benefits and privileges, specifically designed for VIPs or frequent travellers. This Platinum NOL Card allows access to VIP lounges and priority boarding facilities, making it a perfect choice for business travellers and luxury-seeking tourists.
- NOL Platinum Card Price: The price for the Platinum Card varies as on the exclusive privileges and services it offers. Cardholders can maintain a higher balance limit, determined by the mode of transportation and distance travelled.
VIP NOL Card
A VIP Card is one of the most premium types of NOL cards, which is exclusively designed for government officials, diplomats, and other distinguished visitors or residents of Dubai. These cards provide premium benefits and special privileges to meet the unique needs of VIP customers with the highest level of professionalism.
- NOL VIP Card Price: Just like the Platinum Card, the NOL VIP card price varies based on the specific privileges and services included. Moreover, the maximum balance limit also varies as per the customer’s personalised services.