nol Travel Card for Tourists
In 2024, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) introduced the nol Travel Card specifically designed for visitors. This card is much more than your average travel pass; it unlocks over Dh70,000 worth of discounts and promotions at popular attractions, hotels, restaurants, and retail stores throughout Dubai. These enticing offers can be conveniently accessed via the nol Pay app or the dedicated nol Travel website at www.noltravel.ae.
The nol Travel Card is readily available at numerous outlets, including Zoom convenience stores, Al Ansari Exchange, Europcar branches at Dubai International Airport, and Rayna Tours offices, making it easy for tourists to get their hands on it.
How are nol card fares calculated?
Dubai’s metro network is organized into seven distinct zones, and your fare is calculated based on how many zones you traverse during your journey. The amount is automatically deducted from your nol card balance once you check out at your final stop.
Each zone includes various Metro, Tram, and Public Bus stations, allowing travelers to seamlessly integrate different modes of transport within a single journey. A key tip: if you switch between different modes, make sure to do so within 30 minutes for the journeys to count as one continuous trip. For example, if you exit a Metro station and then board a bus within that half-hour window, your fare will be calculated based on the total number of zones covered.
Which nol card should tourists buy in Dubai?
If you’re in Dubai and planning to navigate the city using public transport, selecting the right nol card is essential for both convenience and cost savings. Here’s a quick overview of the fare costs associated with each card type:
- **Silver Card: Dh3**
- **Gold Card: Dh6**
- **Personal Card: Dh3**
- **Red Ticket: Dh4**
- **Silver Card: Dh5**
- **Gold Card: Dh10**
- **Personal Card: Dh5**
- **Red Ticket: Dh6**
- **Silver Card: Dh7.5**
- **Gold Card: Dh15**
- **Personal Card: Dh7.5**
- **Red Ticket: Dh8.5**
Which card offers the best value for tourists?
For most travelers, the **Silver nol card** is the most economical choice. It is reusable, can be reloaded with funds, and offers significantly lower fares compared to the Red Ticket. The Silver Card is particularly well-suited for visitors staying in Dubai for several days or weeks and planning to make multiple trips across the city.
Notably, the Silver Card isn’t just limited to metro rides; it can also be used on buses, trams, and water buses, providing more flexibility and options for exploring Dubai. In contrast, the Red Ticket is a single-use paper option intended for occasional riders, where costs can escalate quickly as a new one must be purchased for each journey.
Dubai Metro System and Stations
The Dubai Metro consists of two main lines: the **Red Line** and the **Green Line**. The Red Line stretches from Centrepoint (previously Rashidiya) to either Expo 2020 or UAE Exchange, connecting key landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Marina. An enhancement launched in 2024 means passengers benefit from direct routes that eliminate the need to switch trains at Jabal Ali for convenient travel to both Expo 2020 and UAE Exchange.
The Green Line runs from Etisalat to Creek, passing through vital cultural and commercial hotspots, including Al Fahidi, Deira, and the Gold Souk. To assist travelers in planning their journeys and schedules, platforms like Google Maps and the S’hail app provide real-time updates and information about Metro and bus services. For more detailed information on metro stations, visit the RTA’s official website at www.rta.ae.
Dubai Metro Operating Hours
The Dubai Metro operates seven days a week, with the following schedule:
- **Monday to Thursday: 5 AM to 12 AM (midnight)**
- **Friday: 5 AM to 1 AM (next day)**
- **Saturday: 5 AM to 12 AM (midnight)**
- **Sunday: 8 AM to 12 AM (midnight)**