Are you confused about finding the accurate fare of the metro in Dubai? Depending on the type of Nol card and the number of zones you cover, fares begin at AED 3 and increase to AED 15. When you find yourself at the metro booth and swipe your NOL card, yet you do not know how much you are going to pay, this guide is designed especially for you. The metro network of Dubai may seem complicated, but with the ability to comprehend the structure of fares and zones.
In this guide, I will provide all the fares, Nol card options, and money-saving hints that you require in this 2026 guide, as well as provide you with a free Dubai Metro Fare Calculator that calculates your exact ticket cost before you tap in.
Dubai Metro Fare System
Dubai Metro uses a fare system that is based on zones, which are operated by RTA (Roads and Transport Authority). The cost of your trip depends on:
- How many zones do you cross
- Type of NOL card (Red, Silver, Gold, or Blue)
- And on the peak or non-peak time.
Here’s a quick breakdown
| NOL Card Type | 1 Zone | 2 Zones | 3+ Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Ticket | AED 4 | AED 6 | AED 8.5 |
| Silver Card | AED 3 | AED 5 | AED 7.5 |
| Gold Card | AED 6 | AED 10 | AED 15 |
Always tap in and tap out. If you forget to tap out, you’ll be charged the maximum fare.
How to Check Your Fare Online
Checking your fare manually is super easy:
Step-by-step guide
- Visit the Dubai Metro Fare Calculator.
- Navigate to Metro Services → Fare Calculator
- Select your start and end stations
- Click Calculate to view fare and zones crossed
- Look at the map from the initial point to the end.
It is faster, mobile-friendly, and will be updated to 2026.
Types of NOL Cards & Which Ones Are Best for You
Types of NOL Cards
There are four basic Nol cards available in Dubai:
Silver Card
- Ideal for daily commuters
- AED 3- 7.5 per journey, by zone.
- Rechargeable either through the app or the station.
Gold Card
- Premium cabin, two times the Silver fare.
- Ideal for travellers after comfort on the hectic routes.
Red Ticket
- Tourist trips that are single or short-term.
- Price: AED 4–8.5
Blue Card
- Personalized card for residents
- Provides internet-based top-up and auto-reload.
NOL Card Pricing
Not all Nol cards are created equal. All of them suit various types of passengers, like a tourist, a commuter, or a rider who takes a ride only occasionally.
| Nol Card | Price | Ideal For | Top-Up Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Card | AED 25 (includes AED 19 balance) | Daily commuters | RTA app, metro stations |
| Gold Card | AED 25 (includes AED 19 balance) | Premium cabin users | RTA app, metro stations |
| Red Ticket | AED 2 (buy per trip) | Tourists or one-time rides | Ticket machines |
| Blue Card | AED 70 (includes AED 20 balance) | Residents (registered) | Online, auto top-up |
In case you are staying longer than a week, you should have a Silver Nol Card; it is cheaper in the long run and can be used on the metro, bus, tram, and water bus.
Dubai Metro Fare Zones
Dubai has three major fare zones, which include the Red and Green lines.
- Zone 1: Central Dubai (Deira, Bur Dubai, Karama).
- Zone 2: It covers Sheikh Zayed Road, Marina, and JLT.
- Zone 3: Publications in the outer regions, such as Expo City, Jebel Ali, and the like.
The more the areas you cover, the higher the fare.
Save Money on Metro Rides
- Gold Class: Excessive only when necessary.
- Take Day or Monthly Tickets when traveling many times.
- Tap out on time to avoid overcharges
- Online Nol top-ups to avoid queuing at the stations.
Dubai Metro Fare by Route
The following are the typical transit metro lines with estimated prices using a Silver Nol Card:
| Route | Fare (AED) | Zones Crossed |
|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall → Dubai Marina | 5 | 2 Zones |
| Airport Terminal 1 → BurJuman | 6 | 2 Zones |
| Mall of the Emirates → Business Bay | 5 | 2 Zones |
| Union → Expo 2020 Station | 7.5 | 3 Zones |
| Deira City Centre → JLT | 7.5 | 3 Zones |
Try this: Instead of guessing, plug your start and end stations into the Dubai Metro Fare Calculator to see your exact fare instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the calculation of the Dubai Metro fare?
Depending on the zone crossed and Nol card, the Silver card is AED 3 (1 zone), AED 5 (2 zones), and AED 7.5 (3 zones and above).
What is the most cost-effective way to travel?
Wave around with a Silver Nol Card and book tickets within the same zone. Economise and avoid Gold Class.
How much is a day pass?
AED 20 all-day unlimited rides.
Is it possible to have several people using one NOL card?
Nay, every traveler must have his or her Nol card.
Are the fares in the Green and Red lines similar?
Yes, there are no line fares, but zone fares.
Read Also: Check EVG Fine Online in UAE
Final words
Dubai Metro is the cheapest, fastest, and most technologically advanced mode of transport in the city, be it commuting from Deira to JLT or sightseeing all over Sheikh Zayed Road.
This fare guide (and your Metro Fare Calculator) will always make sure that you know how much you are paying for a specific trip, even before tapping your Nol card.
