Dubai’s public transport system is counted among the world’s best. The efficiency of the system and convenience delivered by different means of communication are difficult to match. The public transport system comprises of Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, Dubai Bus, Dubai Taxi and Dubai Marine Transport. Here we have answered all the common FAQs for Dubai Public Transport.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Dubai Public Transport
Travelling in Dubai is never a hassle even for tourists. Public transport in Dubai provides all the facilities to commute from metropolitan areas to the outskirts. We have divided FAQs for Public Transport in Dubai into different sections for your convenience.
Nol
What does a Nol card do?
The Nol card in Dubai is used to pay fares of different public transports. The key features of the Nol card are:
- Automatically fare calculation and deduction from the account
- Valid for all modes of public transport
- Available at economical prices and immediate use
- Valid for Museum and shops across Dubai
What are the types of Nol Cards?
There are four types of Nol cards: nol Silver Card, nol Gold Card, nol Blue Card (Personalized Card) and nol Red Ticket.
What is a Personalised Nol card?
The Blue or Personal nol Card has similar features of Gold/Silver nol Cards. However, it provides different concessions and facilities for adults, students, senior citizens and people of determination.
How to apply for a Nol card?
Nol cards can be obtained online and from physical stores.
Steps to apply online
- Visit the official website or App of RTA
- Log-in to your account
- Enter the card details
- Provide required personal information
- Upload the required documents
- Confirm the details and pay for the card
Purchase from Physical Stores
- You can purchase Nol cards from ticket stores located at Dubai Metro and Bus stations
- Nol Silver and Red is available at ticket vending machine
- Selected RTA customer service centers
How to use a Nol card?
You can use these multi-purpose Nol cards for paying fares or any related service with a cap amount of AED 200. Using Nol cards in stores is easy, you just have to scratch it like a debit or credit card.
See the following process for public transport:
- Reach the entrance point of transport
- Place your Nol card on the card reader
- Wait for a beep sound or green light
- Repeat the same process while alighting
The fare will be deducted automatically when you exit from the gate.
How to top up a Nol card?
You have the following options to top up your Nol card:
Website and Apps
- RTA Website
- RTA smart apps such as RTA Dubai (Android | iOS), Nol Pay app (Android | iOS) or S’hail app (Android | iOS)
Ticket Vending Machines
- Metro and bus stations
- Bus Solar
- Self Service machines at RTA Happiness Centres
What is the maximum top-up limit of a Nol card?
The maximum top-up limit for anonymous cards is AED 1,000 and for registered one, it is AED 5,000.
What is the minimum balance for operating a Nol card?
You must have at least AED 7.5 in your account to operate the card.
What are the fares of Nol cards?
Following are the Nol card fares as per the category of card:
Zones | Fare of Silver Card (AED) | Fare of Gold Card (AED) | Fare of Personal Card (AED) | Fare of Red Card (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zones Within 1 zone | Fare of Silver Card (AED) 3 | Fare of Gold Card (AED) 6 | Fare of Personal Card (AED) 3 | Fare of Red Card (AED) 4 |
Zones 2 adjacent zones | Fare of Silver Card (AED) 5 | Fare of Gold Card (AED) 10 | Fare of Personal Card (AED) 5 | Fare of Red Card (AED) 6 |
Zones More than 2 zones | Fare of Silver Card (AED) 7.5 | Fare of Gold Card (AED) 15 | Fare of Personal Card (AED) 7.5 | Fare of Red Card (AED) 8.5 |
Children (under 5 years), senior citizens, people of determination and students are exempted from fares. However, if any student has a personal Nol Card he/she has to pay 50% of the total fare.
Who is eligible for a Nol card concession fare?
The Nol card concession fare can be availed by: senior Emiratis, adults, students and people of determination.
Metro
What is the maximum fine on Dubai Metro ?
AED 2000 is the maximum fine on the Dubai Metro. You can be fined 2000 for damaging seats or other accessories, and using emergency tools when it is not required.
Can I get fined for sleeping in the Dubai Metro?
Yes, you can be fined AED 300 if found sleeping in a passenger shelter or anywhere at the stations where sleeping is prohibited.
Is Wi-Fi available in Dubai Metro?
Yes, Dubai Metro provides complete Wi-Fi and network coverage across all routes.
What are the etiquette policies of the Dubai Metro train?
Here we have mentioned all etiquette guidelines you need to know about Dubai Metro.
- Respect personal space
- Do not push other passengers
- Commute along with the platform
- Move down into the cabins
- Provide a way to other passengers
- Give way to the alighting passengers first
How much luggage is permitted in Dubai Metro?
Two bags are allowed per passenger. One small and one large with specified dimensions:
- Large suitcase: 81cm✕58cm✕30cm (max)
- Small suitcase: 55cm✕38cm✕20cm (max)
Tram
What is the Gold class in the Dubai Tram?
In Dubai Tram, the Gold Class is a designated area in the tram where only Gold ticket holders can enter. This section has wider leather seats and more panoramic views.
Is there wheelchair access in the Dubai Tram?
Yes, the tram has dedicated spaces for wheelchair access on all the platforms and trains.
What are baggage policies for the Dubai Tram?
One large and one small suitcase per passenger is permitted in trams. The large suitcase should be 81cm✕58cm✕30cm and the small suitcase should be 55cm✕38cm✕20cm.
Can I get fined for putting feet on seats in the Dubai Tram?
You can be fined AED 100 for putting feet on the tram seat. Standing or sitting in non-passenger areas is also prohibited.
Bus
Are there any vending machines at Dubai bus stops?
All the major bus stops in Dubai have vending machines for passenger facilitation.
What are E-Card machines at the Dubai bus stops?
These are the vending machines that provide e-cards to travellers. E-cards were issued to replace cash payments gradually. It costs AED 18 and lasts for 10 trips.
How many bags are allowed on the Dubai bus?
It is prohibited to put your baggage on the gangway. Also, carrying bulky luggage, hazardous objects and pets are not permitted on the bus.
How many bus stations are there?
Dubai bus has 17 fully equipped bus stations and 2,185 bus stands, including 554 air-conditioned waiting umbrellas.
What are the health and safety violations for Dubai buses?
The RTA buses in Dubai have strict policies regarding health and safety in the bus.
- Eating and drinking in prohibited areas-AED 100
- Attempting to leave the vehicle while it’s moving-AED 100
- Try alighting from inappropriate ways-AED 100
- Using equipment or material that causes inconvenience to other passengers-AED 100
- Smoking inside bus-AED 200
- Littering, spitting or doing any act that would affect the cleanliness-AED 200
- Causing disturbance that directly affects the driver of public transport-AED 200
- Sleeping in passenger shelters or other places where sleeping is not permitted-AED 300
- Carrying any type of alcoholic beverage-AED 500
- Carrying weapons, sharp tools or inflammable objects-AED 1000
- Using safety or security devices including emergency exit, without any emergency situation-AED 2000
Taxi
How to book a taxi in Dubai?
You can book a taxi through DTC’s Smart APP (Android | iOS) or by calling 80088088. Other ways include hailing it from specific destinations or using the Careem app (Android | iOS). If you book a taxi from DTC, it will provide you free Wi-Fi along the way.
Is taxi service expensive in Dubai?
Dubai taxi service costs more than metro and buses, but the rates vary according to the type of taxi you choose.
- Hatta Taxi: It is a 7 seater vehicle charging AED 25/person.
- Airport Taxi: Operates from the airport with an opening fare of AED 25+1.75/km.
- Ordinary Taxicabs: Depends upon the distance travelled.
- Special Needs Taxi: Fares depend upon location and time.
- Ladies Taxi: AED 6 during daytime and AED 7 after 10:00 pm.
What is the minimum taxi fare in Dubai?
The minimum taxi fare in Dubai is AED 12. It is the least amount that every passenger has to pay.
Do all taxis accept credit cards?
Yes, all the taxis accept credit cards in Dubai. However, these machines can be out of order, so ask the driver prior to hailing the taxi. According to recent statistics provided by RTA, 10,800 of their vehicles accept contactless payments.
Which cars are use as taxis in Dubai?
Dubai Taxi fleet consists of Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Innova, Hyundai Sonata, Mercedes-Benz Vito Pro, Toyota Hiace MPVs and Hyundai H1 Vans.
Marine
How much is the fare of Abra?
The fares of Dubai Abra are different as per the model of Abra.
- Motorized Traditional Abra will cost AED 1/person. If you book it as a private charter to cruise across the creek, it will cost AED 120/hour.
- Air-Conditioned Abra will cost AED 2/person.
- Petrol Heritage Abra charges AED 2/person.
How many people can sit in a Dubai water taxi?
Dubai water taxi has a seating capacity of 10 passengers at a time with deluxe 45 degree reclined seats.
How to book a Dubai water taxi?
To book a Dubai water taxi you can call 8009090, or alight from 44 stations located at different places.
What are the routes and fares of Water bus?
- AED 11 for Marina Promenade to Marine Terrace
- AED 5 for Dubai Marina Walk to Dubai Marina Mall
- AED 3 for Dubai Marina Mall to Marina Promenade
- AED 3 for Dubai Marina Walk to Marina Terrace
These were all the FAQs for Public Transport in Dubai. Any individual would appreciate the luxury and convenience that the Dubai transport system provides. However, owning a car in Dubai has its own privilege. If you are planning to do so, check out our listings of used car for sale in Dubai.
Stay tuned to UAE’s best car blog for more information on public transport.
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