Metro & Bus top-up UAE — NOL card guide
Quick, practical instructions to top up your NOL card for Dubai metro, tram, and buses — for tourists and residents.
- Top-up at machines & kiosks across stations
- Use RTA app, online portals, and authorized retailers
- Understand fares, zones, and balance protection
Need quick help? Call + (971) 52 837-46-15
How to top up — step by step
1. Ticket machines
Station machines accept cards and cash — select 'Top Up', choose amount, tap your NOL card on the reader.
2. RTA App & Online
Use the RTA app or website to top up with credit/debit cards. Link card or use instant top-up features where available.
3. Retailers & Kiosks
Authorized retailers, convenience stores, and kiosks accept cash for immediate reloads.
NOL card types and who should use them
| Card | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Silver NOL | Residents & visitors (pay-as-you-go) | Reusable, refundable balance; top-up by any method |
| Gold NOL | Frequent travellers who prefer more comfort | Higher ride priority on some services; costs more |
| Red (Personal) | Monthly pass holders & personalised concessions | Registered to holder, recoverable if lost |
| Blue (Visitor) | Tourists using short-term day passes | Sold with preloaded travel passes (day/week) |
Top-up options (details)
Use touch-screen machines at every metro station. Cash and card accepted, choose top-up amount, then tap your NOL card to load credit.
The RTA app supports balance top-ups and pass purchases. Registering your card in-app enables auto top-up and online recovery for lost cards (where supported).
Many shops and kiosks provide top-up service. For large balance adjustments or card issues, visit customer service centers at major stations.
Typical fares & quick lookup
Fares depend on number of zones and card type. Silver NOL fares are lower for registered passes. For accurate fare, check station zone map or RTA fare calculator.
Quick examples
- Short trip (1 zone) — approx AED 3.00–4.00
- Two zones — approx AED 5.00–7.50
- Airport to city (multi-zone) — AED varies by route and card
Frequently asked questions
Yes — station machines and many retailers accept cash. Keep change or use card payments for faster service.
If registered, contact RTA customer service to block and recover your balance. Unregistered cards may not be recoverable.
Yes — tourist day passes and multi-day options are available on visitor cards and the RTA app. Check offers before purchase.
Support & useful links
Contact
Customer service centers at major metro stations handle card issues and bulk top-ups.