Can You Use a NOL Card in Abu Dhabi?
A NOL card cannot be used on regular public buses within Abu Dhabi. Local bus services in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra use a separate payment card called Hafilat.
There is one major exception. You can use a NOL card on selected Dubai Roads and Transport Authority intercity buses operating between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including routes E100 and E101.
Quick Answer
| Journey | Card or payment method |
|---|---|
| Local bus within Abu Dhabi city | Hafilat card |
| Local bus within Al Ain | Hafilat card |
| Local bus within Al Dhafra | Hafilat card |
| E100 between Abu Dhabi and Al Ghubaiba | NOL card or accepted intercity ticket |
| E101 between Abu Dhabi and Ibn Battuta | NOL card or accepted intercity ticket |
| Dubai Metro, tram, and RTA buses | NOL card |
| Local connection after arriving in Abu Dhabi | Hafilat card |
Passengers who regularly travel in both emirates should carry both cards. NOL and Hafilat belong to different transport networks and cannot replace each other on local services.
What Is a NOL Card?
The NOL card is a contactless payment card issued for Dubai’s transport network. It stores travel credit and automatically deducts the correct fare when the passenger taps in and out.
A NOL card can be used for:
- Dubai Metro
- Dubai Tram
- Dubai RTA buses
- Marine transport services
- Selected RTA intercity buses
- RTA paid parking
- Some taxis, retail outlets, and private transport services
A Silver NOL card costs AED 25 and includes AED 19 in travel credit. It is valid for five years and can be purchased from ticket offices, vending machines, authorised agents, and selected RTA service channels.
Before travelling, check your Nol Card Balance to make sure you have enough credit for the full intercity fare. A low balance may prevent you from boarding E100 or E101, so recharge your card in advance to avoid delays at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
Can You Use a NOL Card on Abu Dhabi Local Buses?
No. Abu Dhabi local buses do not accept NOL cards because they are operated through the Abu Dhabi Mobility transport system.
Passengers travelling within Abu Dhabi must use a Hafilat card. This applies to standard public bus journeys across:
- Abu Dhabi city
- Khalifa City
- Mohammed Bin Zayed City
- Mussafah
- Baniyas
- Al Shahama
- Al Ain
- Al Dhafra
- Other areas served by Abu Dhabi Mobility
Having sufficient NOL balance will not make the card work on these services. The bus reader is designed to recognise Hafilat cards.
Where Does a NOL Card Work in Abu Dhabi?
A NOL card is accepted on Dubai RTA intercity buses that begin or end their journey in Abu Dhabi. These buses remain part of the Dubai RTA network even when passengers board them from Abu Dhabi.
The two main services are E100 and E101.
E100 Bus: Abu Dhabi to Al Ghubaiba
The E100 connects Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station with Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai.
This route is generally more convenient for passengers travelling to:
- Bur Dubai
- Deira
- Al Fahidi
- Al Ghubaiba
- Dubai Creek
- Older parts of central Dubai
The journey commonly takes around two hours, although traffic entering Dubai can increase the travel time.
E101 Bus: Abu Dhabi to Ibn Battuta
The E101 connects Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station with Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai.
It is usually the better option for passengers travelling to:
- Dubai Marina
- Jebel Ali
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers
- Discovery Gardens
- Dubai Investment Park
- Locations connected through the Dubai Metro Red Line
Ibn Battuta Bus Station is beside Ibn Battuta Metro Station, allowing passengers to continue their journey by metro using the same NOL card.
Abu Dhabi to Dubai Intercity Bus Comparison
| Route | Abu Dhabi stop | Dubai stop | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| E100 | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Bur Dubai, Deira, Dubai Creek |
| E101 | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station | Ibn Battuta Bus Station | Dubai Marina, JLT, Jebel Ali |
| E201 | Al Ain Bus Station | Al Ghubaiba Bus Station | Passengers travelling from Al Ain |
Passengers should check the latest departure time before travelling. Intercity schedules may change during public holidays, major events, Ramadan, and transport network updates.
Is the E102 Bus Still Operating?
The E102 is no longer listed as an active Dubai to Abu Dhabi service. RTA journey information states that the route was discontinued from 29 June 2026, with passengers directed to alternative services.
Older travel guides may still describe the E102 as operating between Ibn Battuta, Mussafah, and Zayed International Airport. Travellers should not rely on those instructions when planning a current journey.
Passengers travelling from Zayed International Airport should check current airport transport options before departure. Depending on the destination, alternatives may include an airport bus, taxi, private transfer, or a connection through Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
How Much Is the Abu Dhabi to Dubai Bus Fare?
Intercity bus fares depend on the route and current RTA pricing. Recent RTA journey results have displayed a fare of approximately AED 30 for the E100 between Al Ghubaiba and Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
Passengers should confirm the fare before travelling because prices shown in older guides may no longer be accurate. Keep extra balance on your NOL card rather than loading only the expected fare.
RTA intercity services may also offer ticket-office payments or online e-tickets. A NOL card is therefore accepted on these routes, but it may not be the only available payment method.
How to Pay for an Intercity Bus with a NOL Card
Follow these steps when using NOL on an Abu Dhabi to Dubai RTA bus:
- Check the latest route and departure time.
- Confirm that the service is operated by Dubai RTA.
- Check your NOL card balance before reaching the boarding gate.
- Add enough credit to cover the full intercity fare.
- Place the card firmly on the reader when boarding.
- Wait for the green light or confirmation sound.
- Keep the card until the journey is complete.
A Dubai travel pass loaded on a NOL card does not normally include intercity buses. The intercity fare is deducted separately from the card’s stored balance.
What Is a Hafilat Card?
Hafilat is Abu Dhabi’s contactless public transport card. It is used to pay bus fares within Abu Dhabi Emirate, including services in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
Passengers tap the card on the reader when boarding and again when leaving the bus. The system calculates the fare based on the journey.
The anonymous Hafilat card currently costs AED 10 and is valid for 16 years. It does not require an application or Emirates ID, although linking it to an Emirates ID can help protect the balance if the card is lost or damaged.
NOL Card vs Hafilat Card
| Feature | NOL card | Hafilat card |
|---|---|---|
| Transport authority | Dubai RTA | Abu Dhabi Mobility |
| Main service area | Dubai | Abu Dhabi Emirate |
| Local buses | Dubai RTA buses | Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra buses |
| Metro access | Dubai Metro | Not applicable |
| Tram access | Dubai Tram | Not applicable |
| Abu Dhabi to Dubai buses | Accepted on selected RTA routes | Not normally used on Dubai RTA routes |
| Standard card price | AED 25 for Silver NOL | AED 10 for anonymous Hafilat |
| Included balance | AED 19 with Silver NOL | Balance added separately |
| Card validity | Five years for Silver NOL | 16 years for anonymous Hafilat |
| Tap when boarding | Yes | Yes |
| Tap when leaving | Required on relevant services | Required |
| Best for | Dubai travel and RTA intercity buses | Local Abu Dhabi bus travel |
Where to Buy a NOL Card in Abu Dhabi
Passengers travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai can ask at the ticket office serving RTA intercity buses at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Depending on the available payment system, passengers may be able to purchase a NOL card, buy a bus ticket, or use an advance e-ticket.
Do not assume every Abu Dhabi bus station sells NOL cards. NOL sales are mainly connected to Dubai RTA services, while most local Abu Dhabi transport locations focus on Hafilat.
The Silver NOL card is usually the most practical option for occasional travellers. Its AED 25 purchase price includes AED 19 of usable balance.
Where to Buy a Hafilat Card
Hafilat cards are widely available across Abu Dhabi Emirate. Purchase locations include:
- Sales and recharge machines
- Abu Dhabi bus stations
- Customer Happiness Offices at bus stations
- Customer Happiness Offices at the airport
- SPAR and Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society locations
- Al Ain Cooperative Society
- Lulu Hypermarket branches
- Lulu Exchange branches
- Approved outlets in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra
An anonymous Hafilat card can be purchased without providing personal documents. Residents who want better balance protection should consider linking the card to their Emirates ID.
How to Use a Hafilat Card on Abu Dhabi Buses
Using Hafilat correctly is essential because the fare depends on where you board and leave the bus.
- Add sufficient credit before travelling.
- Enter the bus through the designated door.
- Place your Hafilat card on the reader.
- Wait for the confirmation sound or green light.
- Keep the card with you during the journey.
- Tap the same card again before leaving.
- Check the displayed balance after the fare is deducted.
Do not hold several contactless cards against the reader together. The machine may fail to recognise the correct card or charge another payment card stored in your wallet.
Abu Dhabi Bus Fares and Hafilat Passes
The standard Abu Dhabi bus fare starts with an AED 2 boarding charge. An additional AED 0.05 is calculated for each kilometre travelled, with the standard journey fare capped at AED 5.
Children aged 10 and below can travel free on standard public bus services.
| Hafilat option | Price | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Standard journey | AED 2 plus AED 0.05 per kilometre | Local and suburban public buses |
| Maximum standard fare | AED 5 per journey | Longer standard-service journeys |
| Seven-day pass | AED 35 | Unlimited eligible local and suburban journeys |
| Thirty-day pass | AED 95 | Unlimited eligible local and suburban journeys |
Seven-day and thirty-day passes do not include intercity services. They cover eligible trips within Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, and their suburbs.
How Hafilat Bus Transfers Work
Passengers can transfer between eligible Abu Dhabi public buses without paying another AED 2 boarding charge when the transfer conditions are met.
To qualify:
- Tap into the next bus within 60 minutes of tapping out
- Do not travel back in the opposite direction
- Use no more than two transfers
- Complete the journey using a maximum of three buses
The distance-based part of the fare may still apply. Intercity services are not included in the free-transfer arrangement.
Which Card Should You Carry?
The correct card depends on where you intend to travel.
Travelling Only Within Abu Dhabi
Carry a Hafilat card. A NOL card will not work on normal local bus routes.
Travelling Only Within Dubai
Carry a NOL card. It can be used on the Metro, tram, Dubai buses, and other supported RTA services.
Travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
Use a NOL card on eligible RTA intercity buses or purchase an accepted intercity ticket. Check your fare and departure time before boarding.
Travelling in Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Carry both NOL and Hafilat. Use NOL for the Dubai network and selected RTA intercity services, then use Hafilat for local travel after arriving in Abu Dhabi.
Travelling from Al Ain to Dubai
Check the current E201 schedule and payment options. Local travel within Al Ain still requires Hafilat, while the RTA-operated intercity journey may accept NOL or an eligible ticket.
Common NOL and Hafilat Problems
The NOL Card Is Rejected on an Abu Dhabi Bus
You are probably boarding a local Abu Dhabi Mobility service. Use a Hafilat card instead of repeatedly tapping the NOL card.
The NOL Balance Is Too Low
Recharge before joining the boarding queue. Intercity readers may reject a card that does not contain enough credit for the complete fare.
You Forgot to Tap Out with Hafilat
Failing to tap out may result in an incorrect or maximum fare being charged. Always tap the card when leaving, even when the exit door is busy.
Your Online Recharge Is Not Showing
Some Hafilat top-ups may require activation through a bus reader or sales and recharge machine. Keep the payment receipt until the balance appears on the card.
You Planned to Use the E102
Choose another route because E102 was discontinued from 29 June 2026. Check current airport and intercity connections rather than following an older timetable.
Your Card Is Lost
Anonymous cards provide limited balance protection unless registered or linked to an identity record. Registering eligible NOL and Hafilat cards makes recovery easier if the card is lost or damaged.
Practical Travel Examples
Tourist Arriving at Zayed International Airport
Buy a Hafilat card if you plan to use local Abu Dhabi buses. If you later travel to Dubai, arrange a valid intercity ticket or obtain a NOL card before boarding an eligible RTA route.
Abu Dhabi Resident Commuting to Dubai
Keep both cards topped up. Use Hafilat to reach Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, NOL or an accepted ticket for the intercity bus, and NOL again for the Dubai Metro or local RTA bus.
Dubai Visitor Taking a Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
Use NOL on the eligible RTA intercity journey. Purchase a Hafilat card after arriving if you plan to explore Abu Dhabi using public buses.
Final Answer
A NOL card does not work on ordinary local buses in Abu Dhabi. Those services require a Hafilat card.
NOL can be used on selected Dubai RTA intercity routes, particularly E100 and E101 between Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and Dubai. Passengers using public transport in both emirates should carry NOL and Hafilat cards to avoid payment problems when changing networks.
FAQs
Can I use a NOL card on Abu Dhabi city buses?
No. Local buses within Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra use the Hafilat card, not NOL. The NOL card Abu Dhabi exception applies only to selected Dubai RTA intercity services that connect the emirate with Dubai, such as routes E100 and E101.
Can I use a NOL card from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
Yes, a NOL card can be used on Dubai RTA intercity buses operating between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. For most travellers, the NOL card Abu Dhabi routes are E100 to Al Ghubaiba and E101 to Ibn Battuta. A valid intercity e-ticket may also be accepted where available.
Which Abu Dhabi buses accept NOL cards?
The main NOL card Abu Dhabi services are the RTA-operated E100 and E101 intercity buses. E100 connects Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station with Al Ghubaiba, while E101 connects it with Ibn Battuta. Ordinary Abu Dhabi Mobility buses do not accept NOL and require a Hafilat card.
How much is the bus fare from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
The fare can vary by route and current RTA pricing. Recent journey results have shown around AED 30 for E100, but passengers should confirm the amount before travelling. For a NOL card Abu Dhabi trip, keep enough balance for the full fare and avoid relying on an old price.
Can I buy a NOL card at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station?
NOL cards or intercity bus tickets may be available from ticket offices serving Dubai RTA routes at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Availability can change, so buying an e-ticket may be easier. For a NOL card Abu Dhabi journey, arrive early if you need to purchase or recharge before departure.
Is Hafilat the same as a NOL card?
No. Hafilat is Abu Dhabi’s public bus payment card, while NOL is issued for Dubai’s transport network. The NOL card Abu Dhabi exception covers selected RTA intercity routes only. Travellers using local buses after arriving in Abu Dhabi normally need a separate Hafilat card.
Do I need both NOL and Hafilat cards?
Carry both cards if you regularly use public transport in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. NOL covers Dubai transport and selected intercity buses, while Hafilat covers local Abu Dhabi services. For frequent NOL card Abu Dhabi travel, keeping both cards topped up prevents delays when changing between transport networks.
