Where to pay with Nol transport card in Dubai, UAE

Where to pay with Nol transport card in Dubai, UAE - Makebiz

The Nol Card is a contactless smart card designed primarily for travelling on public transport in Dubai for all passengers over the age of 5. It can be used to pay on buses (including intercity buses), trams, metro, monorail and even taxis. Nol is not only for paying for Dubai fares, but also for some other services.

The fare depends on the type of card and the zones you travel through. Dubai is divided into 7 zones. The number of zones you have been in at one time determines the fare to be charged on your card. These zones apply when travelling by metro and tram. 

There are only three fares available:

  • Level 1 / 1 zone: travelling within 1 zone or less than 3 km, crossing two zones.
  • Level 2 / 2 zones: starts in one zone and ends in a neighbouring zone.
  • Level 3 / 3 + Zones: crosses three or more zones.

The amount you pay for the journey is calculated automatically when you enter and exit at stations / stops.

The cost of the physical card and ticket depends on the colour of the card you buy. There are four options:

1. Red — can be purchased from vending machines for just AED 2. It is anonymous (meaning it does not require registration). It is best suited for casual/rare travellers and tourists. In addition to the cost for the card itself, you need to deposit money on it for the desired number of journeys. It can be used for up to ten single trips or five-day passes.

Features:

  • You can top up the balance with a minimum of AED 7.50.
  • Valid for 90 days.

2. Silver fits with an e-wallet where up to AED 1,000 can be deposited, suitable for regular use. The cost is AED 25 in advance, including the price of the e-wallet of AED 19. Ownership is also anonymous with no registration required. 

Features:

  • The fare is cheaper than the red card.
  • The maximum journey duration is 180 minutes.
  • Minimum balance is AED 7.50.
  • Valid for five years.

3. Gold is an anonymous card with the same features as the silver card. However, there is an advantage — privileged access to gold class seats in Dubai Metro at a premium rate. The cost is AED 25 in advance, including an e-wallet price of AED 19.

Features:

  • Access to gold class metro and tram carriages (it’s worth bearing in mind that seats may be occupied).
  • Maximum journey duration of 180 minutes.
  • Valid for 5 years.

4. Blue — a personalised smart card that is best suited for daily commuting. Blue Nol holders can enjoy a secure balance on the card in case of loss or theft. It costs AED 70 upfront, including the price of an e-wallet of AED 20. You can top it up with up to AED 5,000.

Features: 

  • Balance protection in case your card is lost / stolen.
  • Personalised card with a photo.
  • A variety of secure online services as well as SMS and email alerts to keep you informed.
  • Valid for five years.
  • Students, pensioners or welfare benefit holders pay 50 per cent of the normal rate.

You can purchase the card in several ways:

  • at ticket offices at all Dubai Metro stations and some bus stops;
  • Silver and Red — at some ticket vending machines;
  • Silver at RTA customer service centres and authorised sales agents;
  • Blue can only be purchased online;
  • buy online using the Nol Pay app.

You can top up your card at any RTA ticket machine or ticket booth, or online in the Nol or RTA app. To pay for a fare, simply swipe the card at the turnstile at the beginning and end of the journey. Failure to do so will result in the maximum fare being deducted. 

Currently, there are more than 2,000 outlets in the UAE where you can use Nol card payment (supermarkets, restaurants). A full list of shops can be found on the Traffic Authority’s website. 

The card can also be used in public parks, where entry is paid at the turnstiles for a small fee. In addition, the same card can be used to pay for parking, maintenance in Autopro, petrol in Enoc, medical services in the Medcare network and even small purchases in shops up to AED 20. 

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