If you’ve already got a nol card for the Metro or bus, you might be wondering whether it works for Dubai’s marine transport too. The short answer is yes, your nol card on Dubai Ferry works the same way it does on land-based transport, with a tap in and a tap out.
This article covers how to use a nol card on Dubai Ferry, what balance you need, how fares are calculated, and what to do if you’d rather book a separate ticket.
Can You Use a NOL Card on Dubai Ferry?
Yes. RTA accepts the nol card as a valid payment method across all of Dubai’s marine transport modes, including the Dubai Ferry, Dubai Water Taxi, and Dubai Abra, in addition to the Metro, buses, and tram.
There’s no separate marine-only card needed. The same nol card you use for the Metro works on the ferry.
How to Use Your NOL Card on Dubai Ferry
Using a nol card on Dubai Ferry follows the same check-in and check-out process as the Metro.
Tapping In and Out
Before boarding, tap your nol card on the reader at the marine station or terminal. After your journey, tap out again so the correct fare is deducted based on the trip taken.
Minimum Balance Required
Your card needs a minimum balance of AED 7.50 to check in. If your balance is too low, you’ll need to top up before boarding.
Which nol Cards Work on Dubai Ferry?
Silver, Gold, and Blue nol cards all work on Dubai Ferry, along with the nol Red Ticket for single trips.
Silver and Gold Cards
These reloadable cards deduct the ferry fare from their balance automatically, the same way they do for Metro and bus trips.
Blue Card Concessions
Students, senior residents, and People of Determination using a Blue nol card receive their usual concession discount on ferry fares as well, since the discount applies across RTA’s public transport network rather than being limited to land transport.
Red Ticket
A nol Red Ticket can also be used on the ferry, though remember it only applies to one transport mode per ticket, so a ticket loaded for ferry use won’t also work on the Metro.
Alternative: Booking a Separate Ferry Ticket
If you don’t have a nol card, or prefer not to use one, RTA also allows you to purchase a standalone ferry ticket in advance.
Booking Online
You can book through RTA’s website by selecting the route, choosing the number of tickets, and paying online. The ticket is then sent to you by email.
Validating With the Deckhand
Instead of tapping a nol card, you show your printed or digital ticket to the deckhand for validation before boarding and again after arrival.
Where Dubai Ferry Operates
Dubai Ferry runs along the city’s waterways, including routes connecting areas around Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek, and other marine stations served by RTA. Using your nol card means you can move between the Metro, buses, and the ferry without switching payment methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my regular nol card on Dubai Ferry?
Yes. Silver, Gold, and Blue nol cards, along with the nol Red Ticket, all work on Dubai Ferry the same way they work on the Metro and buses.
Do I need a special marine nol card?
No. There’s no separate card for marine transport. The same nol card used for Metro and bus travel works on the Dubai Ferry, Water Taxi, and Abra.
What’s the minimum balance needed to board the ferry with a nol card?
You need at least AED 7.50 on your card to check in at a marine station or terminal.
Do student and senior discounts apply on Dubai Ferry?
Yes. Blue nol card concessions for students, senior residents, and People of Determination apply on the ferry the same way they apply on land transport.
Can I use a nol Red Ticket on Dubai Ferry?
Yes, but a Red Ticket loaded for ferry use only works on that mode. You’d need a separate ticket if you also plan to ride the Metro or bus.
What happens if I forget to tap out after a ferry ride?
Forgetting to tap out can result in being charged a higher fare than the actual trip, since the system can’t calculate the correct zones travelled without a check-out tap.
Can I book a Dubai Ferry ticket without a nol card?
Yes. You can book a standalone ticket online through RTA’s website and validate it with the deckhand instead of tapping a nol card.
Conclusion
Your nol card works on Dubai Ferry exactly as it does on the Metro and buses, as long as you tap in and out and keep a minimum balance of AED 7.50. Silver, Gold, and Blue cards, along with the Red Ticket, are all accepted, so there’s no need for a separate payment method just to travel by water in Dubai.