How to Get a Nol Card in Dubai (Complete Purchase & Activation Guide 2025)

If you’re planning to use public transport in Dubai, getting a Nol card is one of the first things you should do. This smart card lets you pay for Metro, Tram, buses, many marine services and RTA parking with a quick tap – no cash, no ticket queues.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get a Nol card in Dubai:

• Which type of Nol card you should choose
• Where to buy it (Metro, bus, airport, shops, online)
• How to get a virtual Nol card on your phone
• How to activate it and start using it on your first ride

How to Choose the Right Nol Card Type

Before you buy anything, you need to pick the right Nol card type. All Nol cards use the same system, but they target different users.

Main Nol Card Options

• Silver Nol Card
  • Best default option for most residents and long-stay visitors.
  • Reloadable, valid on Metro, Tram, buses, marine transport and RTA parking.
• Gold Nol Card
  • Same as Silver, but allows access to Gold Class cabins on the Metro and some other modes.
  • Ideal if you prefer quieter, more comfortable carriages and don’t mind paying higher fares.
• Blue / Personalised Nol Card
  • Registered to your name and Emirates ID.
  • Lets you recover balance if the card is lost or stolen.
  • Required for some concession profiles (students, senior citizens, People of Determination).
• Red Nol Ticket
  • Paper smart ticket valid for a limited number of trips and short validity.
  • Good for tourists staying a few days or for very occasional users.

Quick Comparison Table

👉 If you still don’t fully understand how each card behaves in daily use, you can read our detailed How does Nol card work? complete guide and then come back to this step-by-step purchase article.

Where to Buy a Nol Card in Dubai (Physical Cards)

You can buy Nol cards almost anywhere in the public transport network. Here’s where to go and what to expect.

Dubai Metro Stations

The easiest place to get a Nol card is any Dubai Metro station:

• Ticket vending machines (TVMs) at the station entrance
• Ticket offices / counters with staff who can help you choose

Here you can buy:

• Silver Nol cards
• Gold Nol cards
• Red Tickets (paper)

You usually pay a small card fee plus an initial balance that is loaded immediately.

Major Bus & Tram Stations

Many major bus stations and tram stations also sell Nol cards:

• Ticket machines located near bus platforms
• Service counters at big intercity or regional bus terminals

This is convenient if you mainly use buses but still want a standard Silver or Gold Nol card.

RTA Customer Happiness Centres

If you need a Blue / Personalized Nol card or support for concession fares, the best option is an RTA Customer Happiness Centre:

• Staff can help you:
  • Submit Emirates ID details
  • Take or upload a photo
  • Set your profile (student, adult, senior, People of Determination)
• You can also get help in English and Arabic with any questions about your card.

These centres are ideal for residents who want long-term, protected use of the Nol system.

Authorized Sales Agents & Shops

Nol cards are also sold by authorized agents around the city, including:

• Convenience stores and kiosks near major stations
• Some Zoom stores, petrol stations and small groceries
• Selected tourism and visitor outlets

These locations are handy if you are staying close to a tourist area and want to grab a card without visiting a large station first.

Buying a Nol Card at Dubai Airport

If you arrive by air and want to start using public transport immediately, you can get a Nol card at Dubai Airport:

• Metro stations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have ticket offices and vending machines.
• Some tourist desks or information counters in the airport also sell or explain Nol options.

For many visitors, the airport Metro station is the first and most convenient place to buy a Silver Nol card or Red Ticket.

How to Apply Online and Get Your Nol Card Delivered

If you are a resident and want a Personalized (Blue) Nol card with your name, photo and concessions, you can apply online from home and get it delivered.

Who Online Application is For

• Residents with Emirates ID
• Users who want:
  • Concession fares (students, seniors, People of Determination)
  • Card protection and balance recovery if lost
  • A named card for long-term use

Basic Online Application Process

1. Go to the official RTA Nol page or open the Nol Pay app.
2. Look for options like “Apply for Nol card” or “Get my Nol card”.
3. Choose your card type and profile:
   • Adult, student, senior, People of Determination, etc.
4. Enter your Emirates ID details, contact info and delivery address.
5. Upload any required documents and photo.
6. Pay the card fee and initial balance online.
7. Wait for approval and delivery to your home or nominated address.

Once the card arrives, you may only need to tap it at a gate or validator to confirm activation, or follow a short set of instructions included in the envelope.

How to Get a Virtual Nol Card on Your Phone

In 2025, you don’t even need plastic – you can get a virtual Nol card and ride using your smartphone.

Getting a Virtual Nol Card via Nol Pay App

The Nol Pay app (official RTA app) allows you to:

1. Download the app on a compatible smartphone.
2. Log in, often using UAE Pass or your RTA account.
3. Choose the option to purchase a virtual Nol card.
4. Select card type (e.g. Adult profile) and load an initial balance.
5. Confirm payment through your bank card/online payment.
6. After confirmation, your digital Nol card appears inside the app.

You can then tap your phone on Nol readers at Metro gates, buses and other services, as long as your device supports NFC contactless payments.

Using Samsung Wallet / Huawei Wallet

Certain devices and wallets (for example, Samsung Wallet, some Huawei Wallet integrations) also let you:

• Add a Nol card to the wallet
• Sometimes digitise a physical Nol card (transferring it to your phone)

Note: in some cases, once a physical card is fully digitised, the physical card may no longer work at gates, so read the instructions carefully before converting.

Activation: From Purchase to First Ride

The good news is: in most cases, Nol cards are ready to use almost immediately after purchase and top-up.

Activation for Cards Bought at Stations or Shops

For Silver, Gold and Red cards bought at Metro/Tram/bus stations or authorized shops:

1. You pay the card fee (small one-time cost) plus an initial balance.
2. The agent or machine loads the card instantly.
3. You can go straight to the gate and tap in – that’s it.

There is usually no separate activation step for these anonymous cards.

Activation for Delivered Blue / Personalized Cards

For Blue / Personalized Nol cards received by mail:

• Follow the instructions included with the card.
• In many cases, you simply:
  • Check the balance via Nol Pay or RTA website.
  • Tap the card at a Metro gate or bus validator to “wake it up” on the system.

If it doesn’t work on first try, you may need to contact RTA support or visit a Customer Happiness Centre.

Activation for Virtual Nol Cards

For virtual cards created in Nol Pay or a wallet:

• After payment, wait for the app to show the card as active.
• Sometimes you need to tap the phone once at a gate or vending machine to fully sync the card.
• Make a short test trip (within one zone) to see if everything works correctly.

Quick Usage Tips Right After Getting Your Nol Card

Once you have your card (or digital card), follow these practical tips so your first journeys go smoothly:

• Keep a minimum balance
  • Aim to keep at least AED 7.50–20 on the card.
  • AED 7.50 is usually the maximum standard fare for long multi-zone trips, so having less may block entry.
• Always tap in and tap out
  • Tap in at the entrance gate or front bus validator.
  • Tap out at the exit gate or bus reader.
  • If you forget to tap out, you may be charged the maximum fare for that journey.
• Top up early
  • As soon as you get your card, learn how to top up at ticket vending machines, Nol Pay app and nearby retailers.
  • Don’t wait until you’re stuck at a gate with a queue behind you.
• Register your card (if possible)
  • For Silver and Gold cards, consider registration via RTA online services or Nol Pay.
  • This helps protect your balance and lets you access programs like Nol Plus in the future.

If you want to understand what happens technically when you tap in and tap out, read our in-depth guide How does Nol card work? for full system logic, fares and zones.

Best Places to Get a Nol Card as a Tourist vs Resident

Different users have different priorities. Here’s where we recommend getting a Nol card based on who you are.

For Tourists

If you are visiting Dubai for a short time:

• Dubai Airport Metro stations (T1 & T3) – easiest place to start.
• Major tourist metro stops (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina).
• Buy a Red Ticket if you’re staying only a few days, or a Silver Nol if you plan to use public transport more often.
• Some tourist kiosks, hotels and visitor centers also explain Nol options, but the Metro station is usually cheapest and most straightforward.

For Residents

If you live or work in Dubai:

• Get a Silver Nol card from any Metro/Tram/bus station as your daily workhorse.
• If you want concessions or extra protection, apply for a Blue / Personalized card via RTA centres or online from home.
• Consider moving to a virtual Nol card on your phone for added convenience once you’re familiar with the system.

For a broader view of all benefits, zones and use cases, check the main pillar guide:
👉 RTA Nol Card Dubai – Complete Guide

FAQ – Quick Answers About Getting a Nol Card

H3: Can I get a Nol card at Dubai Airport?

Yes. You can buy a Nol card at the Dubai Airport Metro stations (Terminal 1 and Terminal 3). Ticket offices and machines there sell Silver Nol cards and Red Tickets so you can start using public transport as soon as you land.

H3: Do I need an Emirates ID to get a Nol card?

• For Silver, Gold and Red Tickets, you do not need an Emirates ID.
• For Blue / Personalized cards and concession profiles (student, senior, People of Determination), you do need an Emirates ID and some personal details.

H3: How much does a Silver Nol card cost?

Prices can change, but typically you pay:

• A small one-time card fee plus
• An initial balance loaded at purchase

You can then top up as needed at machines, counters or via the Nol Pay app.

H3: Can tourists get a Blue / Personalized Nol card?

In most cases, tourists do not need a Personalized card. A Silver Nol or Red Ticket is sufficient for short stays. Personalized cards are mainly designed for longer-term residents and concession profiles.

H3: How long does delivery take if I apply online?

Delivery time varies based on RTA processing and your address, but you should expect a few working days from approval. Always check the estimated timeline shown during the online application process.

H3: Can I have more than one Nol card linked to my account?

Yes, many users manage multiple cards (for family members, children, etc.) through the Nol Pay app or online RTA services, especially when joining reward programs and managing balances centrally.

Ghaada Almain

Meet Ghaada Almain: A legal expert with extensive experience in UAE traffic fines, dedicated to assisting you in resolving driving fine issues and navigating the legal complexities with expertise and care. You can see my other articles about UAE information in Hubpages and Clippings.me