Did you know that you can enjoy unlimited trips on the Dubai Metro? It’s true! And the best part is, all you need to do is purchase a travel pass.
Whether you’re a resident looking to make frequent use of the Metro or a tourist exploring Dubai for a day, having a travel pass will greatly enhance your experience. With this pass, you can effortlessly travel to multiple destinations using just a single nol card or ticket.
The travel pass is conveniently issued by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), ensuring a seamless and hassle-free process. You have the option to purchase it online through the RTA’s user-friendly ‘nol Pay’ app or simply visit the nearest Metro station to get your hands on one.
What is a travel pass?
According to the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), you have the option to obtain a travel pass on any nol card you currently possess, whether it be silver, blue, or gold.
In the event that you do not possess a nol card and have no intention of acquiring one for future use, you have the alternative of purchasing a red ticket, also known as a ‘single trip ticket’. Although the red ticket is typically intended for a single journey, you have the ability to request the counter agent to convert it into a travel pass. This will grant you the convenience of utilizing the Metro for up to five trips within a single day.
If you possess a travel pass, you are entitled to embark on multiple journeys on any public transport line, with the exception of buses across the Emirates.
Note: The travel pass allows for unlimited travel within a specified time period.
Travel pass validity
- For nol red tickets – One day
• Anonymous nol silver or gold cards – Seven days
• Registered or personalized nol cards: 30 days, 90 days, or 365 days
Three ways to purchase a travel pass
- nol Pay app, which is Apple, Android, and Huawei devices.
- Ticket vending machines
- Ticket office machines
How much does the travel pass cost?
When purchasing a travel pass, you will be required to indicate the number of zones you intend to travel to.
The Dubai public transportation map is conveniently divided into seven zones, each encompassing Metro stations, Bus stations, Tram stations, and Water bus stations. With the travel pass, you are granted the flexibility to explore within a single zone, two zones, or even traverse all seven zones.
Also Read: When is the last train on Dubai Metro? Here’s how you can find out.
Here is a breakdown of the cost:
The fees vary according to the zone and the validity of the travel pass.
Red ticket (regular)
One zone: Dh4
Two zones: Dh6
More than two zones: 8.50
Red ticket (gold)
One zone: Dh8
Two zones: Dh12
More than two zones: Dh17
The cost mentioned above is applicable for a single journey. However, you have the flexibility to add additional trips to this ticket based on your travel requirements for the day, with a maximum limit of five trips.
Silver nol card
For seven days:
• One Zone: Dh50
• Two Zones: Dh80
• All zones: Dh110
For 30 days:
• One Zone: Dh140
• Two Zones: Dh230
• All zones: Dh350
For 90 days:
• One Zone: Dh330
• Two Zones: Dh550
• All zones: Dh830
For 365 days:
• One Zone: Dh1,060
• Two Zones: Dh1,770
• All zones: Dh2,670
Gold nol card
For seven days:
• One Zone: Dh100
• Two Zones: Dh160
• All zones: Dh220
For 30 days:
• One Zone: Dh280
• Two Zones: Dh460
• All zones: Dh700
For 90 days:
• One Zone: Dh660
• Two Zones: Dh1,100
• All zones: Dh1,660
For 365 days:
• One Zone: Dh2,120
• Two Zones: Dh3,540
• All zones: Dh5,340
Blue card holders (categories that receive concessions)
For seven days:
• One Zone: Dh25
• Two Zones: Dh40
• All zones: Dh55
For 30 days:
• One Zone: Dh70
• Two Zones: Dh115
• All zones: Dh175
For 90 days:
• One Zone: Dh165
• Two Zones: Dh275
• All zones: Dh415
For 365 days:
• One Zone: Dh530
• Two Zones: Dh885
• All zones: Dh1,335
How to purchase the travel pass online?
To begin, you will need an existing nol card. If you do not have one, you can easily purchase a nol card online through the RTA website – rta.ae. Alternatively, you can visit the nearest Metro station and buy a nol card from the ticket office counter. Once you have obtained your nol card, follow these simple steps:
- Start by downloading the nol Pay app and logging into the application using your UAE Pass.
- On the app’s homepage, scroll down and locate the ‘Purchase Travel Pass’ option.
- Now, place your nol card on the back of your phone. Remove the card once the app notifies you that the scanning process is complete.
- The app will then retrieve essential information from your nol card, including your balance and transaction history.
- Choose the type of ‘Travel Pass’ that suits your needs. The available options will depend on the type of nol card you possess.
- Next, select the zone type that corresponds to your travel requirements. You can choose from the following options:
– Single Zone
– Two adjacent zones
– All zones - Once you have determined the zone or zones you wish to travel in, select them on the display map provided.
- Proceed to make the payment for your selected ‘Travel Pass’ using a credit or debit card online.
- After the payment is successfully completed, scan your nol card once again to activate the newly purchased ‘Travel Pass’.
By following these straightforward steps, you can easily purchase and activate a ‘Travel Pass’ for your nol card, ensuring a seamless and convenient travel experience.
What if one has to use the nol card outside the zones covered in the travel pass?
If you travel outside the zone, regular fares will apply.