The Silver NOL Card is one of the most popular and affordable ways to travel across Dubai’s public transportation system. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, this card offers convenience, flexibility, and cost-effective travel options.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Silver NOL Card, from its price and benefits to how to recharge and use it.
What is a Silver NOL Card?
The Silver NOL Card is a contactless smart card introduced by Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA). It allows users to pay for rides on the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, water buses, and taxis.
The card is perfect for frequent travelers who want a hassle-free and budget-friendly way to explore the city. It’s a reusable card that can be topped up easily, making it a convenient choice for daily commuters and occasional travelers alike.
Silver NOL Card Price
Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with the Silver NOL Card:
| Details | Cost (AED) |
| Upfront Cost | 25 AED |
| Initial Loaded Credit | 19 AED |
| Maximum Balance | 1,000 AED (Anonymous) / 5,000 AED (Registered) |
The card comes with an initial credit of 19 AED, which you can use immediately for travel. The upfront cost of 25 AED includes the card itself and the initial balance, making it an affordable option for everyone.
Silver NOL Card Benefits
The Silver NOL Card offers several advantages that make it a favorite among commuters:
- Affordable Travel: Fares start as low as 3 AED for one zone, making it a budget-friendly option for daily travel.
- Wide Acceptance: Use it on the metro, buses, trams, water buses, and taxis, ensuring you can travel anywhere in Dubai without worrying about carrying cash.
- Automatic Fare Calculation: The card automatically deducts the correct fare based on your journey, so you don’t have to worry about calculating costs.
- 5-Year Validity: The card remains valid for 5 years, making it a long-term travel companion.
- Easy Recharge: You can top up your card online, at vending machines, or at ticket offices, ensuring you never run out of balance.
How to Check Your Silver NOL Card Balance
Checking your Silver NOL Card balance is quick and easy. Here are the three main ways to do it:
- Online: Visit the RTA website or use the NOL Pay app to check your balance instantly.
- Ticket Vending Machines: Simply tap your card on the machine at any metro or bus station to view your balance.
- RTA Customer Service Centers: Visit any RTA office, and the staff will assist you in checking your balance.
Silver NOL Card Monthly Pass
For frequent travelers, the Silver NOL Card offers monthly passes that provide unlimited travel within specific zones. These passes are perfect for daily commuters who want to save money on transportation. Here’s the pricing:
| Pass Type | Price (AED) |
| 7-Day Pass | 110 AED |
| 30-Day Pass | 350 AED |
| 90-Day Pass | 830 AED |
| 365-Day Pass | 3,150 AED |
These passes are ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who uses public transport regularly.
Silver NOL Card Validity
The Silver NOL Card is valid for 5 years from the date of purchase. After this period, you can renew the card or transfer the remaining balance to a new one. This long validity period makes it a great investment for both residents and tourists.
How and Where to Purchase a Silver NOL Card
You can buy a Silver NOL Card from the following locations:
- Dubai Metro Stations: Available at ticket offices and vending machines in all metro stations.
- Bus Stations: Select bus stations across Dubai also sell the card.
- Authorized Sales Agents: Many retail outlets across the city offer the card.
- Online: Use the NOL Pay app to purchase a virtual card, which can be used directly from your phone.
How to Recharge Your Silver NOL Card
Recharging your Silver NOL Card is simple and can be done in multiple ways:
- Online: Use the RTA website or NOL Pay app to top up your card from the comfort of your home.
- Ticket Vending Machines: Available at metro and bus stations, these machines allow you to recharge your card in just a few steps.
- RTA Customer Service Centers: Visit any RTA office for assistance with recharging your card.
- Authorized Sales Agents: Many retail outlets across Dubai offer recharge services.
Recharge Limits
- Minimum Recharge: 5 AED (online) / 20 AED (vending machines).
- Maximum Balance: 1,000 AED (anonymous) / 5,000 AED (registered).
Silver NOL Card Fares Based on Zones
Dubai’s public transportation system is divided into zones, and fares depend on the number of zones you travel through. Here’s the fare structure:
| Number of Zones | Fare (AED) |
| 1 Zone | 3 AED |
| 2 Zones | 5 AED |
| 3 or More Zones | 7.5 AED |
This zonal system ensures that you only pay for the distance you travel, making it a fair and cost-effective option.
Special Considerations
- Maximum Travel Time: Each trip allows a maximum of 180 minutes, so make sure to complete your journey within this time frame.
- Unlimited All-Zones Pass: For 110 AED, you can get a 7-day pass for unlimited travel across all zones, which is perfect for tourists exploring the city.
What is the Difference Between Gold NOL and Silver NOL Cards?
| Feature | Silver NOL Card | Gold NOL Card |
| Fare Cost | Standard fares | Double the Silver fare |
| Class Access | Standard cabins | Gold Class cabins |
| Price | 25 AED (19 AED credit) | 25 AED (19 AED credit) |
| Best For | Budget-conscious travelers | Luxury travelers |
The Gold NOL Card offers access to exclusive Gold Class cabins, which are less crowded and more comfortable, but at double the fare cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The Silver NOL Card is a must-have for anyone traveling in Dubai. With its affordable fares, wide acceptance, and easy recharge options, it’s the perfect companion for exploring the city.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or a tourist, this card ensures a smooth and cost-effective travel experience. So, grab your Silver NOL Card today and enjoy seamless travel across Dubai.
