NOL Card Balance Check – Credit for your public transport Dubai journeys

If you’re living in Dubai and depend on public transport for your daily commute, you’ll need a Public Transport NOL Card. It is a smart card that allows you to make payments for public transport-related services, such as buses, metro, trams, and even parking machines.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the NOL Card, including how to check your balance, how to top up your card, and the different types of cards available.

What is the Public Transport NOL Card?

The Public Transport NOL Card is a smart card issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to facilitate payment for public transport-related services in Dubai. It is a convenient and safe way to make payments and eliminates the need for cash payments.

How to check my NOL Card balance online?

You can check the balance of your NOL card online by following these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai: https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home
2. Click on the “Public Transport” tab, located at the top of the page.
3. From the drop-down menu, select “NOL Card”.
4. Click on the “NOL Services” link, and select “NOL Card Balance” from the list.
5. Enter the 16-digit card number printed on the front of your NOL card, as well as the security code printed on the back of the card.
6. Click on the “Submit” button to view your card balance.

Alternatively, you can also check your NOL card balance by using the RTA Dubai app on your smartphone. Simply download the app, create an account, and add your NOL card to your account. From there, you can easily view your card balance, as well as your transaction history and other important details.

Using the NOL Card on the Dubai Metro – Know this beforehand to save money

If you’re planning to use the NOL Card on the Dubai Metro, there are a few things you should know to save money:

1. Fare Zones: The Dubai Metro is divided into zones, and the fare you pay depends on the number of zones you travel through. Make sure you know which zone your destination is in and purchase a NOL Card with enough credit to cover your trip.
2. Peak and Off-Peak Hours: The fare on the Dubai Metro varies depending on the time of day you travel. If you can avoid traveling during peak hours (between 7 am and 9 am, and between 5 pm and 7 pm on weekdays), you can save money.
3. Switching Lines: If you need to switch between the Red and Green lines of the Dubai Metro, you will need to pay an additional fare. However, if you do this within 30 minutes of tapping out of the first line, you will only be charged the difference between the two fares.
4. Using Public Buses: If you use the NOL Card on a public bus within 30 minutes of using it on the Dubai Metro, you can get a discounted fare. Make sure you tap in and tap out on both the metro and the bus to get the discount.
5. Maximum Fare: If you use the NOL Card on the Dubai Metro and don’t tap out when you reach your destination, the system will charge you the maximum fare for that zone. Make sure you tap out at your destination to avoid overpaying.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can make the most of your NOL Card and save money when using the Dubai Metro.

RTA mobile apps

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has developed several mobile apps to provide convenient access to a range of transportation services. Here are some of the RTA mobile apps:

1. Dubai Drive: This app provides access to various services related to vehicles, including paying fines, renewing registration, tracking vehicle status, and more.
2. Wojhati: This app helps you plan your journey on public transport in Dubai, including bus, metro, and tram routes. You can also view real-time information about the schedules and locations of the different transport options.
3. S’hail: This app is similar to Wojhati and helps you plan your journey on public transport. However, it also allows you to book and pay for taxi services through Careem.
4. RTA Dubai: This app provides a range of services related to transportation, including paying for parking, topping up your NOL card, and accessing information about the different modes of transport in Dubai.
5. Dubai Metro: This app provides information about the Dubai Metro, including real-time train schedules, station locations, and fares.

All these apps are available for free download on both iOS and Android devices, and they offer a convenient way to access a range of RTA services from your mobile

How to Top Up Your NOL Card

If you need to top up your NOL Card, you have several options. You can top up your card at any ticket office, online, or through the RTA Dubai app. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit any ticket office or RTA customer happiness center.
2. Tell the customer service representative the amount you want to top up your card with.
3. Pay the amount and the representative will add it to your card.
4. Alternatively, you can top up your card online or through the RTA Dubai app.

Customer happiness center locations

• Customer Happiness Center – Al Barsha
• Customer Happiness Center – Al Kifaf
• Customer Happiness Center – Al Manarah
• Customer Happiness Center – Al Twar
• Customer Happiness Center – Deira
• Customer Happiness Center – Ramool

Different Types of NOL Cards

There are four types of NOL Cards available, each with its own features and benefits. They are:

1. NOL Silver Card: This is the most popular card and is suitable for most users. It costs AED 25 and comes with an initial balance of AED 19.5. The card can be loaded with up to AED 1000 and is valid for five years. The NOL Silver Card can be used for all public transport-related services, including buses, metro, trams, and parking machines.
2. NOL Gold Card: This card comes with all the features of the NOL Silver Card and gives you access to premium seats in the metro’s gold class for a small surcharge. It costs AED 25 and comes with an initial balance of AED 19.5.
3. NOL Personal Card: This is a personalized smart card with an e-purse that can be loaded with up to AED 5000. It costs AED 70 and comes with an initial balance of AED 20. The NOL Personal Card can be used for all public transport-related services, including buses, metro, trams, and parking machines.
4. NOL Red Ticket: This is a cheaper alternative to the regular ticket, as it only costs AED 2. It is more convenient because it can be bought from any ticket vending machine and does not expire. However, it can only be used for buses and not for other public transport services.

Where I buy an NOL Card for Public transport?

You can buy an NOL Card for Public transport from various places, including ticket offices, machines, RTA customer happiness centers, authorized sales agents, or online.

What type of NOL Card can I choose?

There are several types of NOL Cards that you can choose from, depending on your needs and frequency of travel. Here are the main types of NOL Cards:

1. Red Ticket – A single-use card that can be loaded with a one-way or round-trip journey, depending on your travel needs.
2. Silver Card – A personalized reusable card that can be loaded with up to AED 500 credit and used for multiple journeys on all modes of public transport.
3. Gold Card – A personalized reusable card that can be loaded with up to AED 5,000 credit and offers additional benefits such as access to Gold Class cabins on the Dubai Metro.
4. Blue Card – A personalized reusable card for students that offers discounted fares on all modes of public transport.
5. Personalized NOL Card – A customized reusable card that can be loaded with up to AED 500 credit and personalized with your name or photo.
6. NOL Ticket Vending Machine Card – A disposable card that can be loaded with a one-way or round-trip journey, and can be purchased from NOL ticket vending machines located at metro stations.

It is recommended to choose a card that best suits your needs to avoid paying extra fees for single-use tickets.

How to use NOL Card when using transport?

To use your NOL Card when using public transport in Dubai, follow these steps:

1. Tap the card on the electronic reader located at the entrance of the metro station or bus.
2. The fare for the journey will be automatically deducted from the card balance. Make sure that you have sufficient balance on your card before boarding the transport.
3. When exiting the metro station or bus, tap the card on the reader again. The fare for the journey will be calculated based on the distance traveled, and the remaining balance on the card will be displayed on the screen.
4. If you are using the NOL Card on a feeder bus service, remember to tap the card when boarding and again when getting off the bus.
5. If you are using the card on a water bus, tap it on the electronic reader when boarding and getting off the boat.

Metro Penalties	Fine
Failure to present the Unified Card upon request.	AED 200
Using a card designated for others.	AED 200
Using an expired card.	AED 200
Using an invalid card.	AED 200
Selling Unified Cards without prior permission from the Authority.	AED 200
Using Counterfeit cards.	AED 500
Causing a disturbance or inconvenience in any way to users of Public Transport and Public Facilities and Services.	AED 100
Accessing or sitting in areas designated for specific categories.	AED 100
Eating and Drinking in areas where eating and drinking are not allowed.	AED 100
Sleeping in passenger shelters or any place where sleeping is prohibited.	AED 300
Damaging, vandalizing or destroying equipment or seats on Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services.	AED 2000
Parking vehicles in areas designated for metro users for a period exceeding the permitted period.	AED 100 per day & Up to 1000
Entry into restricted areas inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services in violation of posted warning signs and boards.	AED 100
Standing or sitting in non-passenger areas inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services.	AED 100
Putting feet on seats.	AED 100
Selling or promoting, in any way goods and commodities inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities.	AED 200
Failure to comply with the instructions of the inspectors or authorized personnel of the Authority or obstructing the performance of their duties.	AED 200
Using Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services contrary to the Authority’s instructions posted on signboards.	AED 200
Bringing animals into Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services, except guide dogs for blind persons.	AED 100
Spitting, littering, or performing any act that would compromise the cleanness of Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services.	AED 200
Smoking inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services.	AED 200
Misusing lifts or escalators.	AED 100
Boarding the Public Transport Facilities and Services by climbing or jumping.	AED 100
Opening the doors or attempting to access or leave Public Transport while it is moving between stations and stops.	AED 100
Carrying or using materials or equipment that may cause inconvenience to users of Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services or endanger their safety.	AED 100
Causing any distraction or obstruction to the driver of Public Transport Facilities and Services while he is driving.	AED 200
Carrying Alcoholic beverages inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services.	AED 500
Carrying hazardous items, including weapons, sharp tools or inflammable materials, inside Public Transport and Public Transport Facilities and Services.	AED 1000
Using any security or safety device or tool, including emergency exits where it is not necessary.	AED 2000
Misuse of the emergency buttons	AED 2000

Remember to keep your NOL Card safe and not share it with anyone.