What is a NOL Card? How It Helps Tourists in Dubai?

Nol Smart Card and Dubai Nol Card Guide Blog Banner By Travel Saga Tourism

Whether you are a traveller or a resident in Dubai you all need to know about NOL Card. This is a money saving formula to travel in Dubai. This card allows you to pay for transportation and other services in Dubai with discounts on fares. With the help of this card, you can travel on the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and marine transport like the Dubai Ferry, Dubai Water Taxi, and Dubai Abra. Therefore, to learn more about the NOL card, continue scrolling through this blog post. 

What is a Dubai NOL Card? 

The Dubai NOL smart card is a transit pass introduced in August 2009. It’s one of the great initiatives by the Dubai Government to make public transportation accessible and hassle-free. This transit pass is regulated by the Road and Transport Authority, and you can use them to pay for the use of various RTA transport modes in Dubai with a single tap. You can even use a NOL card to pay for RTA’s Paid Parking. 

This smart card can be used multiple times, and you only need to top up the card when it runs out of credits. Therefore, if you are a tourist in Dubai, then having this card can help manage your expenses and you can explore all the tourist places in Dubai with its vastness. Generally, every NOL card has a validity of 5 years, except the Red Ticket. In total there are 3 different types of NOL cards available, including;

Silver Card 

This card is a step up from the basic NOL Card. Especially because it offers various benefits including discounted fares and is ideal for those who use public transportation more frequently.

Gold Card 

Gold Card is a premium option for travellers seeking an enhanced experience. This card offers exclusive access to Gold Class cabins on the Metro. This certainly makes it a luxury choice for daily commuters or special occasions.  

Red Ticket

It is a single use ticket for short-term visitors or occasional users. Accessing this ticket is perfect for tourists who need a simple and cost-effective solution for travelling. For example, if you are in the city for a couple of days and want a good Dubai city tour experience, NOL cards are your magic tickets for the majority of places and services.

What are the Benefits of NOL Card Travel Pass?

Whether you are a periodic traveller or just a normal visitor, NOL cards are available in different types.

  • You can get a weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly NOL card travel pass for unlimited travel on all public transportation in Dubai. 
  • It is easy to use and you can hold your card over a card reader to automatically validate it and deduct the fare. 
  • No requirement of cash as you can easily pay for your trip without worrying about changes. 
  • You can have some special fares for different concession types, such as for students, aged citizens, or others. 
  • Your card balance remains safe and secure even if you lose it.
  • Easy to access and can be purchased from ticket officers, ticket vending machines, RTA customers, or online. 
  • Easy to top up and can be done at various Metro stations and authorised centres. 

Other than these, you can also use your NOL smart card to visit tourist attractions like Burj Khalifa, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Wild Wadi, Inside Burj Al Arab, and many more. 

How to Use a NOL Card?

You can use an NOL card for public transit, parking, paying for purchases, and many other purposes. So, here is a Dubai NOL card guide:

To Check In-

    • Make sure you have a sufficient balance of 7.50 AED on your card. 
    • Proceed toward the gates of the Metro or the entrances of buses or marine transport. 
    • Position your NOL card on the card reader. 
    • Wait to hear a beep or look for a green light which showcases a successful check-in. 
    • Pass through the gate or entrance.

To Check-out

    • Go towards the gates of the Metro or the entrances of buses or marine transport. 
    • Place your NOL card on the card reader. 
    • Wait for the beep or look for the green light that signals a successful check-out. 
    • Cross through the gate or entrance.
    • The gate will automatically calculate and the cost of your journey deducted based on the number of zones you have passed through. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right NOL card travel pass can significantly enhance your overall experience in the city. Whether you opt for a basic NOL card or other advance cards each option offers clear cut benefits tailored to different travel needs. Moreover, if you are a traveller in Dubai and looking forward to experiencing the best of Dubai, then connecting with Travel Saga Tourism is the perfect option. We are the best travel agency in Dubai offering a variety of Dubai tour packages and international visa services that aims to enhance your overall Dubai experience.Â