Dubai Metro Fare Calculator: Zones, Cards & Ticket Prices
Official Dubai public transport fare breakdown. Compute exact single trip fares, compare Silver versus Gold Class versus Red tickets, and master transfer rules.
Interactive Zone Fare Calculator
Select your departure zone, destination zone, and Nol card type to compute your exact RTA statutory fare.
Official Dubai Transit Fare Matrix (AED)
Standard fares apply uniformly across the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, and RTA City Buses when paid via smart Nol cards:
| Zone Tier | Silver Card | Gold Class | Red Paper Ticket | Student / Senior |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tier 1: Single Zone Within 1 zone OR distance ≤ 3 km | AED 3.00 | AED 6.00 | AED 4.00 | AED 1.50 |
Tier 2: Two Zones Crosses between 2 adjacent zones | AED 5.00 | AED 10.00 | AED 6.00 | AED 2.50 |
Tier 3: All Zones (3+) Crosses more than 2 zones | AED 7.50 | AED 15.00 | AED 8.50 | AED 3.75 |
1-Day Unlimited Pass Valid until midnight on activation day | — | — | AED 20.00 | — |
The 30-Minute Free Transfer Rule
Dubai's integrated fare system allows you to transfer seamlessly between different public transport modes (e.g. from Metro to a Feeder Bus, or from Metro to Tram) as part of a single journey without paying a new base fare:
You must check in to the next vehicle within 30 minutes of tapping out of the previous one.
A single combined journey allows up to 3 transfers (4 total travel segments).
The entire multi-leg journey from first check-in to final check-out must not exceed 3 hours.
Minimum Card Balance Entry Requirement
To pass through any Dubai Metro or Tram gate, your Nol card must have at least AED 7.50 in stored e-purse credit. Even if your intended trip is only a 1-zone ride costing AED 3.00, the gate will stay closed if your balance is AED 7.49 or lower.
Always maintain a minimum balance of AED 15.00 on your Nol card before setting out. This guarantees entry for your return journey regardless of which zone you travel to.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dubai Metro Fares
How are Dubai Metro fares calculated?
Fares are calculated based on the number of zones crossed. Tier 1 (within 1 zone or ≤3 km) is AED 3; Tier 2 (2 adjacent zones) is AED 5; Tier 3 (more than 2 zones) is AED 7.50 using a Silver Nol card.
How do transfers between Metro and Bus work without paying twice?
You have 30 minutes from checking out of your first mode (e.g. Metro) to check in to your next mode (e.g. Feeder Bus). The system combines both segments into a single journey charged only for the total zones crossed, allowing up to 3 transfers within 180 minutes.
Why does a Red Ticket cost more than a Silver Card for the same trip?
Red paper tickets carry a 25% to 33% surcharge per journey (AED 4 / 6 / 8.50 vs AED 3 / 5 / 7.50) plus an initial AED 2 paper card fee. Commuters planning more than 4 trips save money with a Silver Nol Card.
What is the maximum fare you can be charged on Dubai public transport in one journey?
On standard regular class, the maximum single journey fare across 3 or more zones is AED 7.50 on Silver card (AED 8.50 on Red ticket). On Gold Class, the maximum fare is AED 15.00.
Every fare, schedule, and rule in this guide is referenced against direct primary source documents published by Dubai transit authorities:
- RTA Dubai Metro & Bus Fares Official Registry— Official statutory tariffs published by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.
- RTA Integrated Transport Transfer Policy— 30-minute transfer window and multi-modal journey calculation rules.