Dubai: Bus, ferry, Metro or tram – regardless of which mode of public transport you choose in Dubai, a nol card is necessary to ensure you can pay for your trip.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers nol cards, that can be purchased at bus stations, or even online, if you are applying for a personalised card.

There are four options to choose from – Gold, Silver, Blue and Red – and if you’re wondering which one is the best for you, here is all you need to know.

What is the nol card?

The nol card is a payment card provided by the RTA. While it helps you pay for public transport, it can also be used at retail outlets that accept the nol card as a payment option. You can also use it to pay for public parking, taxi rides and for petrol at ENOC petrol stations.

Which card should I get?

Depending on your frequency of travel and the kind of experience you are looking for, you can choose any one of the four card options available.

1. nol silver card

The silver card is a good option for regular commuters and everyday users – it is a standard card, which allows you to travel on the bus, Metro, tram or ferry. Once you buy it, it is valid for five years and can be topped up as and when required. The maximum amount that you can top up the card for is AED 1,000.

You don’t need to provide any identification documents to get the card, which can be purchased at any RTA Metro station, or at certain bus stations that are equipped with nol card machines.

Cost: AED 25 (includes AED19 balance)

Validity: Five years

2. nol gold card

The gold card holds the same features as the silver card, but it gives you the access to gold class seats on the Metro and Tram, which are available for a premium fare.

You can purchase the card at any RTA Metro station. You will have the option to buy a Gold card without providing any ID proof. However, if you’d like to register the card to your name – which is helpful in case you lose the card and would like to get it reissued – you can provide your identification documents to purchase a ‘registered gold card’.

Cost: AED 25 (includes AED19 balance)

Validity: Five years

3. Blue nol card

nol card shail Phot credit Government of Dubai Media Office

The blue card is a personalised card, which has your photograph, name and passenger category (for example: student or Person of Determination) on it.

This card is needed if you’re looking to apply under any of the special discounted categories like a student, Person of Determination or Senior Citizen. However, even if you are not a

traveller that comes under these categories, a personalised nol card helps if you use your nol card regularly, as it can be topped up to a maximum limit of AED 5,000.

You will need to provide your Emirates ID to apply for the card, which can be done at Metro stations, or online at www.rta.ae.

If you are applying for a special category card, these are the documents you will need to submit:

1. Students:

A letter of enrolment or enrolment certificate

A recent photograph with a white background

A valid Emirates ID

2. Person of Determination:

A valid PoD card issued by the Ministry of Community Development

A recent photograph with a white background

3. Seniors:

Emirates ID

A recent photograph with a white background

Cost: AED 70 (includes AED 20 balance)

Validity: Five years

4. nol red ticket

A red ticket is ideal for occasional users, as it is a trip ticket, which you can top up based on the route you wish to take. Unlike the gold, silver and blue cards, this is a paper ticket, which

can be purchased at any Metro station or bus stations equipped with a nol ticket machine. However, it can only be used for one mode of transportation when purchased.

Cost: AED 2

Usage limit:

Up to 10 journeys

Or 5 daily passes

Validity: 90 days or 10 trips

Cost: If you are at a ticketing counter, simply speak to the agent about the trip you wish to take. The ticket will be topped up accordingly.

How is the trip cost calculated?

RTA has divided Dubai's public transportation system into seven zones and your trip fare depends on how many zones you cover, as well as the type of card you are using. For example, the same trip will cost more if you are using a gold nol card, instead of a blue nol card, as you will have access to gold class seats with the former category.

Fares for travelling between zones:

Within one zone

Red ticket - AED 4

Blue (Personal) - AED 3

Silver - AED 3

Gold - AED 6

Within two adjacent zones

Red ticket - AED 6

Blue (Personal) - AED 5

Silver - AED 5

Gold - AED 10

More than two zones

Red ticket - AED 8.50

Blue (Personal) - AED 7.50

Silver - AED 7.50

Gold - AED 15

At the end of your journey, you will be charged according to the total number of zones you have passed.

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