Public transportation in the UAE is well-developed, but each emirate has its own payment system. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, selecting the right transport card is essential for seamless travel. This guide provides detailed information on all available transport cards in the UAE, including their coverage, types, costs, and top-up methods.
1. Nol Card (Dubai – RTA)
Issuing Authority: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai
Coverage
- Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines)
- Public buses and trams
- Water buses (ferries)
- Selected taxis and parking meters
- Some intercity buses (e.g., Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah)
Card Types and Fees
| Type | Description | Cost (AED) | Maximum Balance |
| Red Nol Card | Disposable, anonymous, ideal for short-term use | 2 (plus loaded credit) | 50 |
| Silver Nol Card | Reloadable, standard choice for daily commuters | 25 (includes 19 AED credit) | 5,000 |
| Gold Nol Card | Grants access to Gold Class metro/tram cabins | 25 (includes 19 AED credit) | 5,000 |
| Blue Nol Card | Personalized (requires Emirates ID), supports auto-top-up and discounts | 70 (includes 20 AED credit) | 5,000 |
Top-Up Methods
- Metro and bus stations
- RTA website and mobile app
- Authorized retail partners (Carrefour, Zoom, etc.)
- Minimum top-up amount: AED 10
Key Features
- The most widely accepted card, even on select intercity routes.
- Blue Nol Card offers discounts for students and senior citizens.
2. Hafilat Card (Abu Dhabi – DoT)
Issuing Authority: Department of Transport (DoT), Abu Dhabi
Coverage
- Abu Dhabi public buses
- Some intercity buses (e.g., Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Al Ain)
Card Types and Fees
| Type | Description | Cost (AED) |
| Standard Hafilat Card | Reloadable, general public use | 10 (includes 5 AED credit) |
| Student Hafilat Card | Discounted fares for registered students | 5 (eligibility required) |
| Senior Citizen Card | Free or discounted travel for eligible seniors | Free (with verification) |
Top-Up Methods
- Bus stations
- Darb mobile app
- Online via DoT portal
- Minimum top-up amount: AED 5
Key Features
- Exclusively for Abu Dhabi buses (not applicable for metro or trams).
- Replaced the older “Darb Card” for public transport (now primarily used for toll gates).
3. Sayer Card (Sharjah – SRTA)
Issuing Authority: Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA)
Coverage
- Sharjah public buses
- Some intercity buses (e.g., Sharjah to Dubai)
Card Types and Fees
| Type | Description | Cost (AED) |
| Standard Sayer Card | Reloadable, general use | 10 (includes 5 AED credit) |
| Student/Senior Card | Discounted fares for eligible users | 5 (with verification) |
Top-Up Methods
- SRTA offices
- Bus stations
- Minimum top-up amount: AED 5
Key Features
- Mandatory for bus travel in Sharjah (cash payments not accepted).
4. Darb Card (Abu Dhabi – Integrated Toll & Bus System)
Note: This card combines the previous Hafilat system with toll gate payments.
Coverage
- Abu Dhabi public buses
- Toll gates (Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Mussafah Bridge, etc.)
How It Works
- Functions similarly to Dubai’s Salik system but for Abu Dhabi.
- Single balance used for both buses and toll payments.
Fees
- Card cost: AED 50 (includes AED 40 credit).
- Toll charges: AED 4 per pass during peak hours.
5. Transport Cards in Other Emirates
Currently, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain do not have fully developed smart card systems.
| Emirate | Current System | Payment Method |
| Ajman | Under development (planned) | Mostly cash payments |
| Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) | Limited prepaid cards | Primarily cash payments |
| Fujairah & Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) | No smart card system | Cash only |
Which Transport Card Should You Use?
| Primary Location | Recommended Card |
| Dubai | Nol Card (Silver for daily use, Gold for premium travel) |
| Abu Dhabi | Hafilat Card (Standard for buses) + Darb Card (for tolls) |
| Sharjah | Sayer Card (Mandatory for bus travel) |
| Intercity Travel (Dubai-Sharjah-Abu Dhabi) | Nol Card (works on select RTA buses) |
| Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, UAQ | Cash payments (no smart cards available yet) |
Recommendations
- Tourists in Dubai: Opt for a Red Nol Card (inexpensive and disposable).
- Frequent Dubai commuters: Use a Silver or Blue Nol Card for reloadable convenience and discounts.
- Abu Dhabi residents: Obtain a Hafilat Card for buses and a Darb Card for toll payments.
- Sharjah commuters: A Sayer Card is mandatory for bus travel.
Future of UAE Transport Cards
While there is no nationwide unified transport card yet, increasing integration (such as Nol Cards working on select intercity routes) suggests that a unified system may be introduced in the future.
Choosing the right transport card depends on your primary location and travel needs. For Dubai, the Nol Card is the most versatile. In Abu Dhabi, the Hafilat and Darb Cards are essential, while Sharjah requires the Sayer Card. Other emirates still rely on cash payments, but developments are underway. For further assistance, check official transport authority websites or visit ticket offices in major stations.
