NOL Silver Card | Key to easy & Smart Traveling in Dubai

The Nol Silver Card is widely used by commuters in Dubai for easy, cashless travel across the city’s public transportation system. It suits daily riders, tourists, and residents who want a simple way to pay.

This guide explains how to use the Nol Silver Card, its benefits, fees, and extra features you might not know about.

How to check nol card balance

What Is a Nol Silver Card?

The Nol Silver Card is a contactless smart card launched by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It belongs to the Nol Card system, which includes Red, Silver, Gold, and Blue cards—each made for different users. The Silver Card is ideal for the general public, offering flexible and affordable travel for regular commuters.

Key Features

Prepaid Use: Load credit and pay per trip.
Multi-Transport Access: Use on Dubai Metro, buses, trams, water buses, and select parking zones.
Lower Fares: Costs less than buying single tickets.
Tap-and-Go: Fast check-ins save time.

Why Choose the Nol Silver Card?

Here’s why the Nol Silver Card is a smart choice:

Cost-Effective: Save up to 30% compared to buying single tickets.
Widely Accepted: Use it on all RTA transport services (except taxis).
No Expiry: The card stays valid—just keep the balance updated.
Easy Replacement: Lost your card? Block it and move your balance to a new one.

How to Apply for a Nol Silver Card

Step 1: Purchase the Card

Where to Buy the Nol Silver Card:

Metro stations (ticket offices or machines)
Bus stations
RTA-approved supermarkets like Carrefour
Online at the RTA Dubai website

Cost: 25 AED (includes 19 AED balance + 6 AED card fee)

Step 2: Top Up Your Balance

Recharge Options for Nol Silver Card:

Use ticket machines at metro and bus stations
Recharge through the RTA mobile app (Dubai Metro)
Visit selected retail outlets like ENOC petrol stations
Top up online via the official RTA portal or app

Minimum Top-Up: 5 AED

Using the Nol Silver Card: A Simple Guide

Tap In: Hold your Nol Silver Card on the reader at metro gates, bus doors, or tram stations.
Tap Out: Do the same when exiting to ensure the correct fare is charged.
Check Balance: Use metro ticket machines, the RTA mobile app, or visit the official RTA website.

⚠️ Important: Always tap out! Forgetting can result in a maximum fare charge (up to 15 AED).

Nol Card Fares and Zones Explained

Dubai’s public transport is divided into 7 zones. Fares depend on:

Number of zones crossed
Transport type (metro, bus, tram, etc.)

Sample Metro Fares (Silver Card):

Zones Crossed	Standard Fare (AED)
1 Zone	3.00
2 Zones	5.00
3+ Zones	7.50

Buses charge a flat rate of 3 AED per trip, regardless of zones.

Top Nol Silver Card Benefits

Daily/Weekly Capping:
After spending 14 AED/day or 50 AED/week, travel is free for the rest of that period.

Parking Payments:
Pay for RTA parking zones using SMS or the RTA app.

Swipe for Retail:
Use your Nol Silver Card at select stores like Zoom or Costa Coffee for snacks or groceries.

Student Discounts:
Registered students get up to 50% off fares (requires a Nol Blue Card).

Nol Silver vs. Other Nol Cards

Feature	Silver Card	Red Card (Tourist)	Gold Card (VIP)	Blue Card (Personalized)
Cost	25 AED	2 AED	25 AED	70 AED (includes 20 AED credit)
Best For	Daily commuters	Short-term visitors	Premium metro class	Students/residents
Discounts	Standard fares	None	Gold Class fares	Up to 50% off
Reloadable	Yes	Yes (limited)	Yes	Yes

Tip: Tourists can start with a Red Card but upgrade to Silver for longer stays.

Common Nol Card Issues and How to Fix Them

Problem 1: Lost or Stolen Card

Solution:

Block the card instantly using the RTA app or call 800 9090.
Buy a new Nol card (6 AED fee) and transfer the balance from the old card.

Problem 2: Card Not Working

Optimized Version:

Causes

Insufficient balance
Damaged Nol card chip

Fix:

Top up Nol card using a vending machine.
Replace Nol card at an RTA service center (fee applies).

Problem 3: Incorrect Fare Deduction

Solution:

Report via RTA’s website for a refund.

Top Tips for Nol Silver Card Users

1. Auto-Recharge:
Set up auto-top-up via the RTA app to avoid low Nol card balance issues.
2. Peak Hours:
Avoid metro travel between 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM to skip crowded rides.
3. Combine Transport:
Use your Nol card to switch between metro and buses for cheaper, faster travel.
4. Check Promotions:
RTA may offer bonus credit for Nol card top-ups (e.g., “Top up 100 AED, get 10 AED free”).

FAQs

A silver card is typically a prepaid, debit, or premium credit card offering exclusive benefits. It can be used for:

Shopping (online/offline)
Dining discounts at partner restaurants
Travel perks (lounge access, discounts)
Cash withdrawals (ATMs)
Contactless payments
Rewards & cashback
Special offers (events, subscriptions)

Ideal for mid-tier spending with enhanced privileges over standard cards.

No, but taxis accept cash/Careem app payments.

Yes! Seniors (60+) and people of determination get free travel with a personalized Blue Card.

The card itself has no expiry, but it may wear out after 3–5 years.

Yes, but personalized Blue Cards are non-transferable.

You’ll be charged the maximum fare for that transport type.

Conclusion

The Nol Silver Card is more than just a travel pass—it’s your key to stress-free commuting in Dubai. With its affordability, flexibility, and travel rewards, it’s a must-have for anyone using Dubai public transport. Whether you’re taking the metro to Downtown Dubai or riding a water taxi across the creek, the Silver Card helps you travel smarter, not harder.

NOL Silver Card | Key to easy & Smart Traveling in Dubai-2025