What is the Nol Card and which one should tourists buy?

The Nol Card is the universal contactless smart card for all Dubai public transport — Metro, tram, bus, water bus and Dubai Trolley. For tourists, the Silver Nol Card (AED 25,00 with AED 19,00 stored value + AED 6,00 non-refundable card fee) is the right choice. Buy it at any Metro station ticket office or vending machine. Use Nol Pay app on your phone as a digital alternative — no physical card needed.

Do I need to tap in and tap out on Dubai Metro?

Yes — always tap both in and out on the Metro and tram. Fares are zone-based and calculated between entry and exit stations. If you don't tap out, the maximum fare is automatically charged and you'll need to visit a customer service centre to refund the difference.

How do I get from Dubai Airport (DXB) to the city?

Dubai Metro Red Line runs directly through DXB with stations at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. A single ride to most central destinations costs AED 3,00-7,50 (Silver Nol) and takes 25-45 minutes. Taxi from DXB to downtown costs around AED 60-90 and takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. The Metro starts at 05:00 daily including Fridays.

What is Gold Class on Dubai Metro?

Gold Class is a premium first-class carriage at the front of every Metro train, with leather seats, more space and panoramic windows. It costs double the standard fare (AED 6,00-15,00 per ride) and requires a Gold Nol Card or paying double on the Silver. Worth it during rush hour when standard carriages are crowded.

Is there a women and children carriage on Dubai Metro?

Yes — every Metro train has a designated Women & Children carriage (typically the second carriage). Men found inside this carriage are fined AED 100. Look for the pink markings on the platform showing where the women's carriage will stop.

Are there fines for eating or drinking on Dubai Metro?

Yes — RTA fines are strict. Eating or drinking on the Metro/tram = AED 100 fine. Sleeping on the Metro = AED 300 fine. Travelling without a valid ticket = AED 200 fine. Sitting on the floor or in restricted areas = AED 100 fine. Even chewing gum is technically prohibited.

When does Dubai Metro stop running?

Dubai Metro runs Monday-Thursday 05:00-00:00, Friday 05:00-01:00, Saturday 05:00-00:00 and Sunday 08:00-00:00. Friday now operates on the regular morning start of 05:00 since the UAE moved its weekend to Saturday-Sunday in 2022. After Metro closes, RTA night buses (N1, N2, N3, N4) run hourly along major routes.

Can I use my contactless bank card on Dubai Metro?

Not at the gate. Dubai Metro does not currently accept contactless bank cards or Apple Pay/Google Pay at the gate — you must have a Nol Card or use the Nol Pay app. Bank cards ARE accepted at vending machines and at the ticket office to top up your Nol Card.

Public Transport in Dubai: Apps, Tickets & Tips 2026

Last updated: 29 April 2026
The world's longest fully automated metro, connecting downtown to the airport in 30 minutes

Dubai's public transport is run by RTA (Roads & Transport Authority) and combines a fully automated, driverless Metro (Red Line + Green Line + Route 2020 extension), a tram, buses, water buses and the historic abra boats across Dubai Creek. The Nol Card is the universal payment method — works on every mode of public transport. Critical tip: Dubai's Metro has strict rules — fines for eating, drinking, sleeping, men entering the women's carriage or travelling without a Nol Card range from AED 100 to AED 300.

iOS: Nol Pay | Android: Nol Pay | Journey planner: S'hail (RTA, replaces Wojhati)

Essential Info

Main Form of Payment Nol Card (Silver for tourists) or Nol Pay app Multiple people No (1 person per Nol Card) Check-in/validate NFC tap at gate (Metro, tram) — always tap in AND out Payment methods Nol Card, Nol Pay app, ticket machines (cash/card) Fine for fare evasion AED 200 + fare Gold Class carriage Front of every Metro train — double fare, requires Gold Nol Women & Children carriage Second carriage from front — AED 100 fine for men entering Eating/drinking on Metro AED 100 fine — even water and gum Real-time info Yes (S'hail app, Nol Pay, Google Maps, Citymapper) Airport → Centre Metro Red Line: AED 3,00-7,50, ~25-45 min

CRITICAL INFO FOR DUBAI!

1. ALWAYS TAP OUT ON THE METRO! Fares are zone-based — if you don't tap out, the maximum fare is charged automatically. To get a refund, you must visit a customer service centre.

2. Buy a Silver Nol Card on arrival. AED 25,00 (AED 19,00 stored value + AED 6,00 non-refundable card fee) at any Metro station. The cheaper Red Ticket (paper) is single-trip-only and a hassle for multi-day visits.

3. RTA fines are real and enforced. Eating, drinking or chewing gum on the Metro/tram = AED 100 fine. Sleeping = AED 300. Sitting on the floor = AED 100. Men in the Women's carriage = AED 100. Inspectors regularly check.

4. Friday Metro now starts at 05:00. The pre-2022 Friday-morning prayer pause was scrapped when the UAE moved its weekend to Saturday-Sunday — Friday is now a regular service day. Around Jumu'ah (12:30-13:30) frequencies may dip slightly, but trains still run.

5. The "Gold Class" carriage at the front of every train requires a Gold Nol Card OR AED 6,00-15,00 surcharge per ride. Worth it during 07:30-09:30 and 17:30-19:30 rush hours when standard carriages are extremely crowded.

Quick Check before boarding

Silver Nol Card purchased (AED 25,00) — or Nol Pay app activated
Sufficient balance on Nol (top up at any vending machine — minimum AED 7,50 per ride)
S'hail app downloaded for real-time journey planning
Right carriage identified — pink markings = Women & Children, gold = First Class
Nothing to eat, drink or chew on the platform OR on board

Which Ticket to Choose?

ROAMMATE ADVICE: For most tourists → buy a Silver Nol Card (AED 25,00) on arrival, top up with AED 30-50 for a 3-4 day visit. The Day Pass (AED 20,00) only beats pay-as-you-go if you make 4+ rides in one day. The Gold Nol (AED 25,00 with same value, but unlocks Gold Class) makes sense during rush hour at extra AED 6-15 per ride.

Ticket Type	Price (2026)	Validity	When to choose?
Silver Nol Card	AED 25,00 (AED 6,00 fee + AED 19,00 value)	Stored value, 5-year expiry	BEST CHOICE! Standard fare, all transport modes
Nol Pay (digital)	Free app, top up AED 10+	Stored value	If you'd rather not carry a card — same fare as Silver
Day Pass (loaded on Silver)	AED 20,00 / day	Unlimited rides Metro/tram/bus, 1 day	4+ rides in one day
Gold Nol Card	AED 25,00 (same as Silver)	Stored value — unlocks Gold Class	Rush-hour comfort + business travellers
Single Metro ride (Silver Nol)	AED 3,00-7,50 (zone-based)	Single trip	Standard fare
Single Metro ride (Gold Class)	AED 6,00-15,00	Single trip	First-class carriage at front
Red Ticket (paper)	AED 2,00 fee + zone fare	Up to 10 rides, 90 days	AVOID — only useful for 1 single ride
Abra (water taxi) Dubai Creek	AED 1,00 cash per ride	Single crossing	Old Dubai (Bur Dubai ↔ Deira) — cash only

Avoid travel stress and fines. Receive a free Dubai public transport update in your inbox 2 weeks before departure.

Age Limits & Prices

Age	Price	Card needed?
0-4 years	FREE	No ticket needed (1 child per fare-paying adult)
5-10 years	50% adult fare	Blue Nol with proof of age (passport)
11+ years	Full adult fare	Standard Silver Nol Card
Senior 60+ (UAE residents)	FREE	Senior Nol — UAE residents only

Tips for Families

Up to 2 children under 5 travel free per fare-paying adult — no card or registration needed
For 5-10 year olds, get a Blue Nol Card at the customer service centre — bring the child's passport. Online tourists can usually use the standard Silver Nol and pay full fare to keep it simple
Strollers ride free; the Metro and tram have wide doors and dedicated space near the centre of each carriage
The Women & Children carriage is the practical choice for parents during rush hour — quieter, more space, designated seating
Gold Class (first carriage) accepts children with a Silver Nol if accompanied by an adult on Gold

Tourists usually skip the Blue Nol

The Blue Nol requires personalised registration and a passport copy — only worth it for stays of 2+ weeks. Most tourist families just use Silver Nol for everyone aged 5+ and accept the full fare. Total cost is small (AED 6,00 per child per day at most).

🧮 Cost Estimate for a 3-day Family Trip (2 adults + 2 kids aged 6 and 9)

4× Silver Nol Cards: 4 × AED 25,00 = AED 100,00 (~€25,00) — kept after trip
Typical loading: AED 50,00 per adult, AED 25,00 per child = AED 150,00 (~€37,50)
Total transport budget: ~AED 250 (~€62) for 4 people, 3 days

DXB — Dubai International Airport

The Metro Red Line passes directly through DXB with two stations: Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3. Both stations are inside the terminal and connect via walking. Metro is by far the cheapest and often fastest option for downtown destinations.

Option	Time to Downtown	Price	Frequency
Metro Red Line	25-45 min	AED 3,00-7,50	Every 5-7 min
Taxi (RTA cream-coloured)	25-40 min	AED 60-90	Always available
Careem / Uber	25-40 min	AED 50-110 (surge during peak)	5-10 min wait
Airport bus C1/F55A	40-70 min	AED 3,00-5,00 (Silver Nol)	Every 30 min

Dubai Metro Red Line (RECOMMENDED)

Stations: Airport Terminal 3 and Airport Terminal 1 (Terminal 2 is served only by bus/taxi)
Time: ~30 min to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, ~25 min to Deira, ~45 min to Marina
Price: AED 3,00 (1 zone), AED 5,00 (2 zones), AED 7,50 (3+ zones) — pay with Silver Nol
Frequency: every 5-7 minutes, 05:00 - 00:00 (Mon-Thu/Sat), 05:00 - 01:00 Fri, 08:00 - 00:00 Sun
Friday: Metro now runs from 05:00 — the old pre-2022 Friday-morning prayer pause was dropped when the UAE shifted its weekend to Saturday-Sunday

Buy your Nol BEFORE you exit the Metro station: Right inside the airport Metro station are RTA ticket machines and a customer service desk. Pick up your Silver Nol with AED 50-75 loaded and you're set for the entire visit — no queueing later.

DWC — Al Maktoum Airport (secondary)

Dubai's second airport in Jebel Ali. Mostly low-cost carriers and cargo. NO direct Metro connection in 2026. Reachable by:

Bus F55: from Energy Metro Station (Red Line), ~60 min to DWC, AED 5,00
Taxi: AED 100-160, 40-60 min from downtown
The planned DWC Metro extension is targeted for late 2027 — not yet operational in 2026

When does the Metro stop?

Metro hours vary by day. Last departures from central stations are between 23:30 and 00:30 most nights (later on Friday). After Metro closes, the night bus network and 24/7 taxis cover the city. Note: there is no nightlife district in Dubai with the same density as European cities — most venues are inside hotels.

Day	Metro hours	Tram hours
Mon-Thu / Sat	05:00 - 00:00	06:30 - 01:00
Friday	05:00 - 01:00	09:00 - 01:00
Sunday	08:00 - 00:00	06:30 - 00:00
Public holidays	Often extended to 02:00	Often extended to 02:00

Night Buses (N1-N4)

Four night bus routes operate hourly between approximately 23:30 and 06:00. They cover the main arterial roads — useful for getting back to a hotel from a late dinner.

Line	Route	Fare
N1	Gold Souk → Al Karama → DXB Terminal 3	AED 3,00-5,00
N2	Gold Souk → Bur Dubai → Burj Khalifa → Mall of the Emirates	AED 3,00-5,00
N3	Al Ghubaiba → Jumeirah → Marina → Ibn Battuta Mall	AED 3,00-7,50
N4	Gold Souk → Al Quoz → Mall of the Emirates → Marina	AED 3,00-7,50

Night Transport Tip: If you're at a late dinner or club inside a hotel (Atlantis, Address, etc.), grab a Careem or Uber — they're abundant and reliable 24/7. Expect AED 30-60 for most city-centre rides at night.

Smart moves

Take the Metro at sunset — the elevated track gives panoramic views of the skyline. The stretch between Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall and DMCC stations is especially scenic.
Use the abra (AED 1) across Dubai Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira — pay cash to the operator. Iconic, fast and almost free.
Tram + Metro combo for the Marina/JBR area: Metro Red Line to DMCC, then switch to the tram for door-to-door coverage of Marina, JBR and Al Sufouh.
S'hail app is the official RTA journey planner — much better than Google Maps for bus/water-bus connections.

Mistakes to avoid

Don't eat, drink or chew gum on the Metro/tram — even a sealed bottle counts if you take a sip. AED 100 fine.
Don't enter the Women & Children carriage if you are male — it's the second carriage from the front, marked clearly in pink. AED 100 fine.
Don't sit on the floor or stairs — even briefly. AED 100 fine.
Don't forget to tap out — maximum fare deducted otherwise.
Don't assume Friday is a weekend day — since the UAE moved its weekend to Saturday-Sunday in 2022, Friday is now a normal working day with full Metro service from 05:00.

Metro line cheat sheet

Red Line (52 km, longest fully automated metro line in the world): DXB → Deira → Bur Juman → Burj Khalifa → Dubai Marina → Expo 2020 (Route 2020 extension)
Green Line (22 km): Etisalat (north) → Deira → Bur Juman → Creek (south) — connects with Red Line at Union and Bur Juman
Tram (10 km, 11 stations): Marina → JBR → Knowledge Village → Al Sufouh — connects with Metro at DMCC

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

Dubai's RTA network is one of the most accessible in the world. All Metro stations have lifts and level boarding, the tram is fully step-free, modern buses are low-floor with ramps, and dedicated "Special Needs" Nol Cards offer free travel for People of Determination (PoD).

Metro: Excellent

Lifts: All Metro stations have multiple lifts (concourse and platform)
Tactile guidance paths: Yellow strips on every platform edge
Audio announcements: Bilingual Arabic/English on every train
Wheelchair spaces: Dedicated areas in standard and women's carriages
Visual displays: Show next station, transfers and direction in real time

Tram: Fully Accessible

100% low-floor — flat boarding from every platform
Designated wheelchair area with safety belts
Audio + visual stop announcements bilingual

Buses: Mostly Accessible

~95% of RTA buses are low-floor with kneeling function and rear ramp
Driver deploys ramp on request — wave or use the wheelchair button at the stop
One designated wheelchair space per bus

🛠️ Assistance & Discounts

People of Determination (Sanad) Card: free travel on RTA for UAE residents with PoD status
Tourists with disabilities: bring documentation; some stations offer complimentary assistance via the Customer Happiness Centre
Companion travel: 1 companion travels free with a Sanad cardholder
RTA Customer Happiness Centre: at major stations (Union, Burj Khalifa, Mall of the Emirates) — request meet-and-assist for the journey

Best Accessible Tourist Routes

1. DXB Airport → Burj Khalifa / Downtown

Metro Red Line from Airport Terminal 3 to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall — fully step-free, level boarding throughout

2. Downtown → Dubai Marina / JBR

Metro Red Line to DMCC, then transfer to Tram for Marina/JBR — both fully accessible

3. Old Dubai (Deira ↔ Bur Dubai)

Metro Green Line between Union and Bur Juman — the abra (water taxi) is NOT accessible (low boarding, no ramps)

4. Mall of the Emirates → Atlantis

Metro Red Line to Nakheel/Damac, then taxi or RTA accessible bus 88 — Palm Monorail also fully accessible

Accessibility Tip: Dubai is generally one of the easiest cities in the world for wheelchair users — wide pavements, modern buildings with ramps, and excellent transport. Heat is the main challenge: between June and September, do all sightseeing through the Metro/tram system rather than at street level.

Abra & Water Bus — Dubai Creek

The traditional wooden abra ferry across Dubai Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira is one of the cheapest and most atmospheric rides in the city — and a tourist must-do.

Abra (Dubai Creek): AED 1,00 cash per crossing — pay the operator directly
Water Bus (RTA, AC interior): AED 2,00-7,00 — pay with Silver Nol
Water Taxi (charter): from AED 75,00 per person, scenic Marina or Creek routes
Dubai Ferry: AED 50,00 (silver) / AED 75,00 (gold) — connects Marina, Al Ghubaiba, JBR; tourist scenic route

Taxis

Dubai taxis are cream-coloured (RTA) with a coloured roof identifying the operator. All are metered, generally affordable and plentiful.

Flag fall: AED 12,00 (daytime) / AED 25,00 (DXB pickup) + AED 1,82/km
Booking: RTA Smart Taxi app, Careem, Uber — same metered fare
Pink-roof taxi: female driver, female + family passengers only — request via the RTA app
Tipping: not required but rounding up is appreciated

🚗 Ride-hailing

Careem: the dominant Middle East app — usually slightly cheaper than RTA street taxis
Uber: fully operational, similar pricing to Careem
Bolt: not available in Dubai

Cycling — Careem Bike

Cycling in central Dubai is heat-limited but fine in winter (Nov-Mar). Careem Bike has 60+ stations along the Marina, JBR, Downtown and Business Bay corridors.

Price: AED 20,00 / day, AED 65,00 / month
Free first 30 min: unlimited rides, just dock within 30 min to avoid charges
Dedicated paths: Marina, JBR, Al Qudra (35 km desert track)

E-scooters

Careem Scooter, Lyme: operate in Marina, Downtown and JBR zones — AED 5,00 unlock + AED 0,50/min
Helmet: legally required, sometimes provided at the rental dock
Restricted areas: Most pedestrian zones (Mall of the Emirates, Souks)

Transport Tip: Dubai summer (May-September) is too hot to walk far. Plan your sightseeing as Metro/tram + indoor stops + short taxi rides. Combine tourist attractions inside air-conditioned malls (Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall) with Metro hops.

Roammate Tip

Tip: All-in-one app for shared transport

In Dubai you can use the app umob. With this you book and pay easily for all shared transport (bikes, scooters, cars) from different providers in one handy app. Convenient, because you no longer need separate accounts.

Dubai has excellent 5G coverage from the two UAE carriers (Etisalat and du). Free WiFi is available in all Metro stations, malls, hotels and most cafés. Important: the UAE blocks most VoIP services (WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Zoom voice/video) on local networks. An eSIM lets you bypass this with a roaming-style plan.

Roammate Tip

Airalo eSIM From $4,50

Best choice for most travellers. Instant activation, excellent coverage in Dubai. Crucially: roaming eSIMs typically allow VoIP (WhatsApp/FaceTime calls) that local UAE SIMs block.

1GB / 3GB / 5GB Instant setup VoIP-friendly

View Airalo Deals →

Firsty (Free Backup) Free / Paid

Perfect safety net. Free basic data for essential apps like WhatsApp or Maps — no credit card needed.

Free basic data No credit card needed

Try Firsty for Free →

Holafly (Unlimited) From €19,00

Best for power users and content creators. Unlimited data, no throttling, ideal for navigating and streaming.

Unlimited Data Keep WhatsApp

Get Unlimited Data →

Dubai tip: Activate your eSIM before you land. Local Etisalat/du tourist SIMs work fine for data but block WhatsApp voice/video calls and FaceTime — a roaming eSIM via Airalo or Holafly typically routes around this restriction.

Dubai has fewer high-street luggage lockers than European cities, but DXB Airport offers extensive storage and major hotels typically hold bags free of charge for guests. For tourists between check-out and a late flight, dedicated storage services are widely available near the Metro.

Most Locations

Bounce Luggage Storage Typically AED 25,00/day

Store your bags in 20+ vetted shops, hotels and serviced locations. Best coverage around Downtown, Marina, JBR and the Mall of the Emirates Metro station.

$10,000 Protection Free Cancellation Vetted locations

Find Storage Near Me →

Stasher Typically AED 30,00/day

Premium storage network with vetted hotels and businesses. Fully insured and bookable in advance.

Fully Insured Vetted hosts

Book Storage with Stasher →

DXB Airport Storage

Dubai Airports offers staffed luggage storage at all three terminals, operating 24/7. Look for "Luggage Storage" signs in arrivals or departures.

Price: AED 30,00-75,00 per item per day depending on size
Note: Major hotels in Dubai will hold your luggage free of charge before check-in or after check-out — ask the concierge first

Roammate Advice: If you have a long layover (8+ hours) and want to leave the airport, use Dubai Airport's storage rather than dragging bags around in the heat. For tourists transitioning hotels mid-trip, Bounce in Downtown or Marina is convenient and cheaper.