Dubai is known for having one of the more modern public transport networks around, and the nol Travel Card makes getting around it even easier for tourists. Issued by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the card works across several transport services and can be topped up whenever you need.
If you are planning to explore the city by Metro, bus, tram, or marine transport, the nol Travel Card is a genuinely convenient option to have on hand. It also comes packed with promotional offers, making it useful for a lot more than just your daily commute.
What is the Dubai nol Travel Card?
The nol card is a payment card built by the RTA specifically for getting around Dubai’s public transport system. Depending on which type of nol card you have, you can use it on the Metro, public buses, trams, and various marine transport services.
You can also use it for a few other things, like parking meters and fuel purchases at ENOC stations. For tourists, the RTA specifically recommends the nol Travel Card, which pairs a standard Silver nol card with a bunch of extra perks aimed at visitors.
Which nol card is best for tourists?
Dubai offers four main nol card types: Silver, Gold, Blue, and Red. While regular commuters usually pick a card based on how they travel day to day, the nol Travel Card is built specifically to give tourists both transport access and some extra deals on the side.
Introduced back in 2024, the nol Travel Card comes with a Silver nol card plus a bundle of promotions across hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail outlets, entertainment venues, car rental services, and adventure experiences.
How much does the nol Travel Card cost?
The nol Travel Card costs Dh100, and it comes loaded with Dh19 of initial credit when you buy it. It stays valid for five years, so you can hang onto it for a future Dubai trip instead of tossing it after just one holiday.
You can top it up as often as you need. If you buy it without providing any ID, the most you can load onto it is Dh1,000, but if you register the card with your passport details, that cap goes up to Dh5,000.
What transport can you use the nol Travel Card for?
One of the best things about the nol Travel Card is just how much it covers. Tourists can use it on the Dubai Metro, public buses, trams, and marine transport services.
It also works on the Dubai Ferry, water taxis, and abras. You can even use it for taxis and parking payments, which gives visitors a lot of flexibility when getting around different parts of the emirate.
What discounts does the nol Travel Card offer?
There is more to this card than just easy transport. Based on RTA’s information, tourists get access to at least 100 promotions spanning 50 brands and 65 outlets across Dubai.
Discounts run anywhere from 10% to 50% at participating venues, and the combined value of all these offers adds up to more than Dh17,000. That covers hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, tourist attractions, entertainment venues, car rentals, and adventure activities.
How to buy a nol Travel Card online
Tourists can pick up the nol Travel Card digitally through the nol Pay app. The same app also lets you top up the card, track your spending, and check out the latest offers.
To get started, download the nol Pay app on an NFC enabled smartphone and set up an account with your personal details and contact number. From there, select “Get my nol card,” choose the nol Travel Card, complete the payment, and tap “Purchase.”
Once you have bought it, you can use your phone directly at Metro station turnstiles and on compatible buses and other public transport.
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Where can tourists buy the card in Dubai?
If you would rather buy it in person, you can pick one up at ticket offices located at RTA public transport stations. The nol Travel Card is also available at select Zoom outlets, Al Ansari Exchange branches, Europcar locations at Dubai International Airport, and Rayna Tours offices.
If you want to register the card instead of buying it anonymously, bring along a valid ID like a passport. Either way, the card gets activated right at the time of purchase and is ready to use immediately.
How can tourists top up the nol Travel Card?
You can top up the nol Travel Card any time your balance starts running low. The nol Pay app makes it easy to manage the card and keep track of your spending as you get around Dubai.
The app also shows you current promotions and discounts, so you can check what benefits are available during your stay. That makes it a lot easier to combine your transport plans with sightseeing and everything else on your itinerary.