Recharge and purchase nol card
Where to buy a Nol card
Metro and Tram stations (ticket offices and machines
In every Dubai Metro and Tram station, a ticket vending machine is installed which offers you to purchase nol card. After submitting the required documents, you have to pay an initial fee. You can use cash, debit, or credit. Those stations also have staffed ticket offices where you can get any NOL-related helpMetro and Tram stations (ticket offices and machines
Airport counters and kiosks
Dubai International Airport and other major terminals have vending machines and counters\offices where you can purchase nol card. These counters also offer other non-related services. It costs an initial price, which you can pay with cash and debit\credit card also.
RTA Customer Happiness Centres
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has customer service centres at specific locations in the city where you can purchase cards. You can ask questions and get any help about nol card. Can use cash or debit\credit card to pay the initial price.
Authorised retail outlets (convenience stores, supermarkets, kiosks)
Many convenience stores, supermarkets, and small kiosks across Dubai sell basic Nol cards and can perform top-ups. Look for signs or stickers that identify them as Nol agents.
Online / RTA app
Some online ways that offer purchasing nol card. These platforms are the ways you can manage your card, also. Using just an internet connection device, you can buy and manage some NOL card services through these platforms. Online platforms which offer nol-related services are rta website, NOL Pay, and RTA Dubai. The app can also show balances, trip history, and sometimes allow top-ups.
How to recharge (top up) your Nol card
Ticket vending machines at stations
The easiest and most common way. Insert your card into the machine, choose the top-up option, and pay by cash or card. Machines show your balance and let you add any amount within the allowed limits.
Metro/tram ticket offices and RTA centres
Staffed counters can top up your card for you — useful if you have a problem with the machine or prefer paying cash.
Authorised retail outlets
Many shops that sell cards will also top them up. This is handy when a station isn’t nearby. Keep the card with you while they process the top-up.
RTA app / online top-up
If you register a personalised Nol card in the RTA app, you can often top up digitally and sometimes set automatic top-ups using a linked card. The app also lets you check balances and view recent trips.
Self-service machines in malls and airports
Self-service stations in large malls and terminals let you top up without queuing at the main station.
What you need to buy or register
Anonymous (standard) Nol card
No ID required — buy and use straight away. Ideal for visitors or casual users.
Personalised Nol card:
Requires ID or Emirates ID for registration. This lets you protect the balance if the card is lost, check detailed trip history, and (in some cases) enable online top-ups or automatic reloads.
Always keep any personal details you register up to date in the RTA app or at a customer service centre.
Quick step-by-step
1-
Visit the metro station machine, the airport kiosk, or authorised retail outlet.
2-
Choose the type of card you want (standard or personalised), and ask the staff about purchasing
3-
Pay the initial price of the card and load an initial balance.
4-
Tap the card on the gate reader to enter the metro/tram, or on the reader when boarding buses. Keep the card handy for transfers.
Practical tips and troubleshooting
Check your balance before travelling.
Don’t risk being stranded — top up at a machine or authorised outlet if the balance is low.
Keep small change or a card.
Some vending machines accept both cash and cards; some retail outlets may be cash-preferred
Register a personalised card if you’ll use it long-term.
That protects your balance if the card is lost or stolen.
If a machine fails to read your card, try another machine or visit the ticket office. Staff can usually resolve stuck transactions or refunds.
