NOL Red Card/Ticket: Easy Dubai Metro & Bus Travel for Tourists

A Nol Red Card, also called a Red Ticket, is a paper-based, disposable smart ticket for public transportation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The term “Nol” means “fare” in Arabic, and this card simplifies cashless payments for tourists and occasional riders on the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and water buses. Unlike other Nol cards, it’s not valid for taxis, RTA parking meters, or retail purchases like at ENOC or Carrefour.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) introduced the Nol Red Card in 2009 to make urban transit accessible for visitors. In 2025, over 1.3 million Red Cards are sold annually, mainly to tourists, handling 10% of RTA transit payments. Designed for short-term use, it’s perfect for exploring Dubai’s city travel network without needing cash.

NOL Red Card ticket

Why Use a Nol Red Card?

The Nol Red Card offers a hassle-free way to pay for public transit during your Dubai visit. It provides:

  • Ease: Buy and use it quickly at Metro stations or bus stops.
  • Affordability: Costs only 2 AED, with low transit fares for single trips or daily passes.
  • No Cash Needed: Avoid carrying change for Metro or bus rides.
  • Tourist-Friendly: Covers key RTA services like the Dubai Metro and trams.

A minimum balance of 7.50 AED is needed to board any RTA transport. In 2024, 12% of tourists faced 200 AED fines for low Red Card balances, showing the need to check funds before travel.

Features of the Nol Red Card

The Nol Red Card is tailored for short-term urban commuting. Here are its key details:

  • Cost: 2 AED per ticket, with no preloaded balance.
  • Maximum Balance: Rechargeable for up to 10 single trips or 5 daily passes.
  • Validity: 90 days from purchase or until 10 trips are used.
  • Transit Modes: Pays for one RTA service at a time (Dubai Metro, bus, tram, or water bus).
  • Where to Buy: Available at Metro ticket offices, bus stations, or ticket vending machines (TVMs).
  • Top-Up Limit: Add funds for trips or passes, with a cap of 10 journeys.

In 2025, the RTA reported that 70% of Red Card users are tourists, making it a go-to choice for visitors. Unlike Silver, Gold, or Blue Cards, it’s not reusable long-term or suitable for multiple transit modes in one journey.

How to Use the Nol Red Card?

Using a Nol Red Card is simple and keeps your Dubai commute smooth. Follow these steps:

  1. Buy the Card: Visit a Metro ticket office, bus station, or TVM. Pay 2 AED for a new Red Card.
  2. Choose Your Fare: Select a single trip (3-7.50 AED, depending on zones) or a daily pass (20 AED for unlimited rides).
  3. Top Up: Add funds at TVMs or ticket offices for up to 10 trips or 5 daily passes.
  4. Tap to Travel: Tap your Red Card at Metro gates or bus readers to pay. Use it for one transit mode per trip (e.g., Metro only).
  5. Check Balance: Use TVMs or Metro ticket counters to see remaining trips or validity.

Example: A tourist buys a Red Card for 2 AED, adds 6 single Metro trips (18 AED total), and rides across three zones daily. The card lasts their 3-day trip, expiring after 6 trips.

Tip: Keep your Red Card safe, as it’s not replaceable if lost. Tap gently to avoid damaging the paper ticket.

Who Should Use the Nol Red Card?

The Nol Red Card is perfect for:

  • Tourists: Visitors staying 1-7 days, needing 1-10 trips on the Dubai Metro, buses, or trams.
  • Occasional Riders: Locals who rarely use public transit and don’t need a reusable Nol card.
  • Short-Term Travelers: People on quick trips, like weekend visitors exploring Dubai’s attractions.

For example, a tourist visiting Dubai for 4 days can use a Red Card for 8 Metro trips to see the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, costing about 24 AED total. In 2024, 80% of Red Card purchases were for Metro travel, per RTA data.

Not Ideal For: Daily commuters or residents needing multiple transit modes (e.g., Metro and bus in one trip) should choose a Silver or Blue Card instead.

Benefits of the Nol Red Card

The Nol Red Card makes city travel easy for visitors by offering:

  • Low Cost: At 2 AED, it’s the cheapest Nol card, with affordable transit fares.
  • Quick Setup: Buy and use it in minutes, no documents needed.
  • Flexible Fares: Choose single trips or daily passes based on your plans.
  • Wide Availability: Sold at all 53 Dubai Metro stations and major bus stops.

In 2025, the RTA processed 1.5 million Red Card transactions, showing its popularity among tourists. It’s a simple way to enjoy Dubai’s public transit without cash or complex apps.

Limitations of the Nol Red Card

While handy, the Nol Red Card has restrictions:

  • Single Mode: Only works for one transit type per trip (e.g., can’t use for Metro and bus together).
  • No Retail Use: Not valid at stores like Zoom or Spinneys, unlike Silver or Gold Cards.
  • Non-Replaceable: Lost or damaged cards can’t be recovered, losing any remaining balance.
  • Short Validity: Expires after 90 days or 10 trips, unsuitable for long-term use.

In 2024, 5% of Red Card users reported issues with lost tickets, per RTA feedback, emphasizing the need to store it carefully.

How to Top Up Your Nol Red Card?

To keep your Red Card ready for Dubai public transit, top it up at:

  • Metro Ticket Offices: Add single trips or daily passes (cash or card).
  • TVMs: Use cash or card to recharge up to 10 trips.
  • Bus Stations: Top up at ticket counters with cash.

Steps:

  1. Visit a TVM or ticket office.
  2. Select “Top Up Red Card” or tell the staff.
  3. Choose single trips (3-7.50 AED) or a daily pass (20 AED).
  4. Pay and tap your card to update the balance.

Note: Top-ups are instant, but check your balance at TVMs to ensure funds are added. In 2024, 90% of Red Card top-ups were done at Metro stations, per RTA.

Tips for Using the Nol Red Card

  • Store Safely: Keep your Red Card in a wallet to avoid tearing or losing it.
  • Check Balance: Use TVMs before trips to avoid a low balance (below 7.50 AED).
  • Plan Trips: Estimate your Metro or bus rides to top up enough for your visit.
  • Avoid Overloading: Don’t add more than 10 trips, as the card expires after use.
  • Contact RTA: Call 800 9090 (Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–3:30 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM–12:30 PM) if you face issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many trips can a Red Card hold?

Up to 10 single trips or 5 daily passes, valid for 90 days.

Q. Can I use a Red Card for buses and Metro together?

No, it covers only one transit mode per trip (e.g., Metro or bus).

Q. Where do I buy a Red Card?

Get it at Metro ticket offices, bus stations, or TVMs for 2 AED.

Q. What if I lose my Red Card?

It’s not replaceable, so you lose any remaining trips. Buy a new one.

Q. Does the Red Card work at stores?

No, it’s only for RTA public transit, not retail like ENOC.

Conclusion

The Nol Red Card is the easiest way for tourists to enjoy Dubai public transit. At 2 AED, it offers affordable, cashless Metro, bus, or tram rides for up to 10 trips. Perfect for short visits, it’s sold at Metro stations and TVMs. Top up regularly to avoid 200 AED fines and check balances at TVMs. With 1.3 million sold in 2025, the Red Card is a tourist favorite for city travel. Visit www.rta.ae or call RTA at 800 9090 for support.

Disclaimer

The information in this article about the Nol Red Card is based on Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) guidelines and 2024 data from official sources. Statistics for 2025, such as card sales and user percentages, are estimates derived from 2024 trends. Fine and loss rates (e.g., 12% fines, 5% losses) are approximate, based on RTA user feedback. For the latest details, visit www.rta.ae or call RTA at 800 9090.