Types of NOL Cards and their Uses

Well, are you a student and still paying the full amount for your daily commute between school and home or university?

Or you may be a regular tourist who wants to visit Dubai on a pleasure trip and is confused about which NOL card to get.

So when it comes to Dubai RTA, many types of NOL cards have a wide range of options that can suit the everyday needs of people and offer a variety of amenities. These pieces of plastic don’t come in handy but are a great way to use them for payments for multiple services across all over the Gulf. 

For your ease I am here to guide you regarding types of NOL cards that would be perfect for you from costs to modes of transport these can be used for. 

7 Different Types of NOL Cards

If you want to navigate the public transport system in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), is made convenient through the use of NOL cards. These smart cards offer a seamless payment solution for various modes of transportation, including the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and water taxis. Understanding the different types of NOL cards available allows commuters to choose the option that best suits their travel needs and preferences.

1. NOL Silver Card

The NOL Silver Card is the basic option designed for occasional travelers or tourists visiting Dubai. It is a disposable smart card that can be purchased and loaded with credit for immediate use. The Silver Card allows users to tap and pay for individual journeys on the Dubai Metro, buses, and water taxis. It offers the convenience of cashless transactions and eliminates the need to carry exact change for fare payments.

NOL Silver Card

Cost

To buy a new NOL card a fee of DH25 is required to be paid upfront, as this comes with DH 19 credit.

Maximum balance: The maximum balance for a Silver NOL card in Dubai is AED1000, which allows users to load credit for occasional travel on public transportation.

2. NOL Gold Card

The NOL Gold Card is a personalized smart card intended for frequent travelers and residents of Dubai. Unlike the Silver Card, the Gold Card is reloadable and can be registered under the user’s name for added security and benefits. It offers discounted fares on all modes of transportation, making it a cost-effective option for regular commuters. Additionally, the Gold Card allows users to manage their accounts online, check transaction history, and auto-reload credit for uninterrupted travel.

NOL Gold Card

Cost

The cost of a Gold NOL card in Dubai is AED 25, which includes AED 19 worth of e-purse credit and AED 6 as a non-refundable card fee.

Maximum balance:  The maximum balance for a Gold NOL card in Dubai is AED 10,000, allowing frequent travelers to load a significant amount of credit for their transportation needs.

3. NOL Blue Card

The NOL Blue Card is specifically for students and offers discounted fares on public transport in Dubai. It is a personalized smart card that can be registered under the student’s name and is available for students aged 5 to 23 years old. The Blue Card provides discounted fares on the Dubai Metro, buses, and trams, making it an affordable option for students commuting to school or university.

NOL Blue Card

Cost

NOL Blue card cost in Dubai is AED 70, inclusive of AED 20 as a non-refundable card fee and AED 50 worth of e-purse credit. This personalized card offers discounted fares for students on public transportation.

Maximum balance: The maximum balance for a NOL Blue Card in Dubai is AED 500, allowing students to load credit for their transportation needs while benefiting from discounted fares on the Dubai Metro, buses, and trams.

 4. NOL Red Ticket

The NOL Red Ticket is a single-use paper ticket designed for occasional travelers who do not have an NOL card. It is available for purchase at ticket vending machines located at Dubai Metro stations and bus terminals. The Red Ticket allows users to pay for a single journey on the Dubai Metro, buses, and water taxis. It is a convenient option for tourists or individuals who prefer not to use a smart card for fare payments.

NOL Red Ticket

Cost

The cost of a NOL Red Ticket in Dubai varies based on the zone and mode of transportation. Prices typically range from AED 2 to AED 6 for a single journey on the Dubai Metro, buses, and water taxis.

Maximum balance: The maximum balance for a NOL Red Ticket in Dubai is equivalent to the fare for a single journey, which varies based on the zone and mode of transportation. Typically, the maximum balance is capped at AED 20.

5. NOL Salik Card

The NOL Salik Card combines the functionality of a NOL card with Dubai’s electronic toll collection system, Salik. It is a personalized smart card that can be registered and used to pay for toll charges on designated roads and bridges in Dubai. 

Additionally, the Salik Card can be used for fare payments on the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and water taxis, providing a seamless travel experience for commuters.

Cost

The cost of an NOL Salik Card in Dubai is AED 26, inclusive of AED 16 as e-purse credit for transportation and AED 10 as a non-refundable card fee. This card combines the functionality of NOL with Dubai’s electronic toll collection system, Salik.

Maximum balance: The maximum balance for an NOL Salik card in Dubai is AED 500, allowing users to load credit for both transportation fares and Salik toll charges.

6. NOL Platinum Card

The NOL Platinum Card is a premium option that offers enhanced benefits and privileges for frequent travelers and VIP customers. It is a personalized smart card that provides exclusive access to VIP lounges, priority boarding, and additional discounts on transportation services. The Platinum Card is designed for high-net-worth individuals, business travelers, and tourists seeking luxury and convenience in their travel experience.

NOL Platinum Card

Cost

The NOL Platinum card cost in Dubai varies depending on the specific privileges and benefits included. As a premium option, pricing is determined based on personalized services and exclusive access.

Maximum balance: The maximum balance for a NOL platinum card in Dubai varies based on the mode of transportation and travel distance. In most cases, the maximum balance is equivalent to the cost of the highest-priced single-journey ticket available.

7. NOL VIP Card

The NOL VIP Card is an exclusive option tailored for government officials, diplomats, and other VIPs visiting or residing in Dubai. It is a personalized smart card that offers special privileges, including complimentary upgrades, priority services, and dedicated customer support. The VIP Card is designed to cater to the unique needs and preferences of VIP customers, ensuring a seamless and luxurious travel experience.

Moreover, the NOL card system in Dubai offers a range of options to cater to the diverse needs of commuters and travelers. From basic disposable cards for occasional use to personalized smart cards with added benefits and privileges, the NOL cards provide a convenient and efficient payment solution for navigating Dubai’s public transport network. So if you understand the different types of NOL cards available allows you to choose the option that best fits your travel requirements and preferences.

Cost

The cost of a NOL VIP card in Dubai varies depending on the specific privileges and services included. As a premium option tailored for government officials, diplomats, and VIPs, the cost typically encompasses personalized services, priority benefits, and exclusive access, with pricing determined on a case-by-case basis.

Maximum balance: The maximum balance for a NOL VIP card in Dubai is typically determined based on the specific privileges and services included in the card. As a premium option offering personalized services and exclusive access, the maximum balance may vary accordingly.

FAQs

What are the different types of Nol cards?

There are 7 different types of nol cards mainly, silver, gold, VIP, platinum, and Salik card. 

Which Nol card is best for tourists in Dubai?

For tourists in Dubai, the Silver NOL card is often recommended as it provides the flexibility of a disposable smart card. It allows tourists to easily load credit for occasional travel on public transportation without the need for registration.

Can two people use one Nol card in Dubai?

No, two people cannot use one NOL card in Dubai simultaneously. Each passenger must have their own NOL card to tap and pay for their journeys on public transportation, including the Dubai Metro, buses, and water taxis.

Does Dubai Taxi accept Nol cards?

Yes, Dubai taxis accept NOL cards as a mode of payment for taxi fares. Passengers can simply tap their NOL card on the card reader inside the taxi to pay for their taxi ride, providing a convenient cashless payment option for commuters.

Final thoughts

The variety of NOL cards available in Dubai fulfills the diverse needs of commuters, residents, and visitors alike. From basic options like the Silver card for occasional travelers to premium choices like the Platinum card offering exclusive privileges, the NOL card system provides a comprehensive and convenient payment solution for navigating Dubai’s public transport network.

So you should understand the different types of NOL cards as it allows you to select the option that best fits your travel requirements and preferences.

Aabdar Malik

I am Aabdar Malik, an Emirati engineering student with a profound interest in travel and technology. My expertise in the technical aspects of Nol Cards, coupled with my passion for exploration, has driven me to share valuable insights and tips, making travel more accessible and efficient for both residents and tourists in the region.