Dubai Metro Fares (2025): Zones, NOL Cards and Accurate Estimation + Free Calculator
Learn how fares are computed on Dubai Metro using zone-based pricing, how card type affects cost (Red Ticket vs NOL Silver/Gold), when caps apply, and how transfers within a journey are treated. Use our free Metro Fare tool to estimate your trip cost.
Updated: Oct 27, 2025 · 8 min read · By ADAD Team
Quick summary
- Zone-based pricing: Fares scale with the number of zones crossed in a single journey.
- Card matters: NOL Silver/Gold often have different per-journey pricing than the Red Ticket.
- Tool: Use our Dubai Metro Fare calculator to estimate a point-to-point trip.
Zones and journey length
Dubai public transport uses zones. A single journey fare is determined by the number of zones you travel through from tap-in to tap-out (within the allowed time window). Longer trips that cross more zones cost more.
Card types: Red Ticket vs NOL Silver/Gold
- Red Ticket: Paper-based, pay-per-trip; convenient for occasional use and visitors.
- NOL Silver: Reloadable card designed for frequent riders; typically better per-trip value.
- NOL Gold: Access to Gold Class carriage with premium pricing.
- Concessions: Student, Senior citizens and People of Determination cards have special policies.
Daily/weekly caps
Depending on card type and policy, fare capping can limit total spend over a day or week. Caps help frequent riders pay no more than a maximum for unlimited travel within that period.
Transfers & time limits
A journey can allow transfers between Metro, Tram and bus within specific time windows and transfer limits. Exceeding limits may start a new journey and incur an additional fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dubai Metro ride cost in 2025?
Dubai Metro fares depend on zones crossed and card type. With a Silver Nol card: AED 4 within one zone, AED 6 for two zones, and AED 8.50 for travel across all zones. Gold class costs double. Red Ticket (tourist) fares are slightly higher. Children under 5 and seniors (60+) with a Senior Nol card ride free.
What is the daily fare cap on Dubai Metro?
RTA applies daily caps to protect regular commuters. Silver card holders have a daily cap of AED 20 (AED 40 for Gold). This means no matter how many trips you take in one day, you won't pay more than the cap. Weekly caps also apply at AED 100 for Silver. Caps reset at midnight (daily) or Sunday (weekly).
Which Nol card should I buy as a tourist?
For short visits (1-3 days), the Red Ticket (AED 2 base + fare per trip) works well. For longer stays, buy a Silver Nol card (AED 25, includes AED 19 credit) as it offers lower per-trip fares and daily/weekly caps. Gold Nol cards (AED 25, includes AED 19 credit) provide access to Gold class cabins at premium fares.
How do Dubai Metro zones work?
Dubai Metro is divided into 7 zones. Your fare is calculated based on how many zone boundaries you cross, not distance traveled. A trip within one zone (e.g., staying in zone T1) costs less than crossing into another zone. The RTA app and station maps show zone boundaries clearly.
Can I transfer between Metro, Tram, and Bus on one fare?
Yes, RTA allows free transfers between Metro, Tram, and feeder buses within 30 minutes of your first tap. This counts as one continuous journey. However, if you exceed the time limit or take a non-feeder route, a new fare is charged. Plan your connections to stay within the transfer window.
What are the Dubai Metro operating hours?
Dubai Metro runs Saturday to Wednesday from 5:00 AM to midnight, Thursday from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM, and Friday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM. During Ramadan and special events, hours may be extended. Always check the RTA app for real-time updates and any service disruptions.
What happens if I forget to tap out?
If you forget to tap out, RTA charges the maximum possible fare for that journey (typically AED 8.50 for Silver). To avoid this, always tap out at your destination station. If it happens accidentally, you can visit an RTA customer service center with your card to request a fare adjustment within 7 days.
Fares and policies may change. Check the official RTA website or app for current information.