The NOL card is Dubai's unified transit payment card — one card for the metro, tram, buses, water buses, and intercity routes to Sharjah and beyond. If you commute between Dubai and Sharjah, or use RTA public transport regularly, here is everything you need to know about how the NOL card works in 2026.
What Is the NOL Card?
NOL is the RTA's contactless smart card system. You tap on and tap off at metro gates, bus card readers, and tram terminals — no cash, no queuing at ticket machines. The same card works across all RTA-operated transport, including intercity buses to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and Ajman.
Types of NOL Cards
| Card | Cost (AED) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Card | 25 (incl. 19 credit) | Casual users, tourists |
| Gold Card | 25 (incl. 19 credit) | Gold Class metro access |
| Blue Card (personalised) | Free (registered online) | Daily commuters — card replacement if lost |
| Red Ticket | 2–3 per journey | Single-trip visitors |
Silver and Blue cards are identical in price — the Blue card can be registered online so your balance is protected if it is lost.
Using Your NOL Card on Dubai–Sharjah Buses
RTA intercity buses operate on 12 routes linking Dubai with Sharjah, carrying around 17,000 passengers daily on the Dubai–Sharjah corridor alone. Since 2013, NOL cards are accepted on all of these routes — so your metro card and your Sharjah bus card are the same card.
- Route E303 — Union Square (Dubai) to Al Jubail (Sharjah)
- Route E306 — Union Square to Rolla Square (Sharjah)
- Route E307 — Al Ghubaiba to Al Nahda (Sharjah)
- Route E312 — Emirates Metro Station to Al Majaz (Sharjah)
Check the RTA website or S'hail app for full route maps and timetables.
Fares: What Does the Journey Cost?
Intercity bus fares are charged per journey zone. Dubai–Sharjah routes typically fall in the AED 4–6 range per trip using a NOL card. Cash is not accepted on RTA buses — NOL card or the RTA app are the only payment methods.
| Route type | Typical NOL fare (AED) |
|---|---|
| Dubai metro (within Dubai) | 2.00 – 7.50 |
| Dubai–Sharjah intercity bus | 4.00 – 6.00 |
| Dubai–Abu Dhabi intercity bus | 25.00 |
| Dubai–Fujairah intercity bus | 30.00 – 35.00 |
Fares are subject to RTA review. Check rta.ae for current rates.
How to Top Up Your NOL Card
- Metro station top-up machines — cash or card, available 24 hours at all stations
- RTA website — rta.ae, requires registered Blue card
- S'hail app — RTA's official app, tap-to-top-up for registered cards
- Dubai Now app — general government services app, NOL top-up included
- Carrefour, Spinneys, ENOC stations — over-the-counter top-up using your card number
Minimum Balance & Expiry
You need a minimum of AED 7.50 on your card to enter the metro. For buses, the card must have enough balance to cover the fare before boarding. Cards with no activity for 5 years are deactivated — top up or use before then to keep the balance active.
Sharjah's Own Transport App
Sharjah also operates its own bus network under SRTA (Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority). Sharjah buses do not accept NOL cards — they use a separate Nol-compatible card called the Sharjah City Card, or cash. If your commute requires both Sharjah bus and Dubai metro, you need to manage both cards.
Tips for Daily Dubai–Sharjah Commuters
- Register your card as a Blue Card online — if lost, the balance is protected and you can get a replacement
- Keep at least AED 50 loaded — intercity journeys deduct balance quickly
- Check the S'hail app for real-time bus tracking on E-routes
- Early departures (before 7am) avoid the worst of the Sharjah border traffic delays
- The metro + intercity bus combo (take metro to Union or Al Qiyadah, then bus to Sharjah) is faster during peak hours than taking the bus from inner Dubai
Where to Buy a NOL Card
NOL cards are available at any metro station, Dubai bus terminals, and selected retail outlets including Carrefour and ENOC stations. You do not need a residency visa or Emirates ID to buy a Silver Card — anyone can purchase one.
