Meaning “buses” in Arabic, Hafilat card got its name suggesting it is to be used when traveling with a bus in Abu Dhabi. Just like other emirates, Abu Dhabi has decided to discontinue paying for a ride in cash or with a bank card, but the riders will now have the option to purchase a Hafilat Card, which they will then tap before each boarding and exiting a bus. In this Hafilat card guide, we bring you essential details and ride fares you should be aware of.
What is the Hafilat Card?
Introduced by the DMT (Department of Municipalities and Transport) in Abu Dhabi, the Hafilat Card is a rechargeable smart card that serves as a digital wallet for public bus fares, enabling cashless transactions and improving efficiency in the transportation network.
What types of Hafilat Cards are available?
The riders will have the option to buy Hafilat cards in two versions:
Personalized:
This type of card is free of charge and allows users to do a Hafilat top up when needed. Personalized Hafilat card offers subsidized rates for the following categories:
- Seniors
- People of determination
- Students
The requirements to obtain a personalized Hafilat card are as follows:
- Valid Emirates ID or Passport and visa copy for visitors
- Personal photo
- Copy of web application (if available) and a payment receipt
Hafilat Anonymous Card:
This Hafialt card costs 10 AED and is valid for 16 years. However, considering it is not a personal card, means you won’t be able to transfer your balance in case of damage or loss unless your card is linked to your Emirates ID.
The anonymous card does not have any pre-requirements to fulfill besides the online application (if you have made an online request) along with the payment receipt.
Where to buy a Hafilat Card?
Regardless of the type you are looking for, buying a Hafilat card is very easy. However, there are some slight differences in the locations since the Anonymous card is available in several more places compared to the Personalized Hafilat card.
Where to buy an Anonymous Hafilat card:
To buy an Anonymous Hafilat card, you may visit:
- Any sales or recharge machine (for a list of locations, visit DARB website)
Partner offices, including:
- SPAR (Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society)
- Al Ain Cooperative Society
- Any branch of LuLu Hypermarket and LuLu Exchange in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra
- Customer Happiness Offices at the bus stations and the Airport
- The official website
Where to buy a Personal Hafilat card:
To buy a Personalized Hafilat card, you may visit:
- Customer Happiness Offices at bus stations
- Zayed International Airport Office
- The official website
How to Recharge Your Hafilat Card?
There are many convenient options to recharge your Hafilat card.
Here are the following ways and locations for Hafilat card recharge:
- Sales and recharge machines, which are available at bus stations and bus stops (balance reflects immediately)
- Recharge machines, available at bus stations, bus stops, and shopping centers (balance reflects immediately)
- Customer Happiness Center, available at bus stations (balance reflects immediately)
- MBME Recharge machines, available at commercial buildings and centers (balance reflects after two hours)
- DARB website (balance reflects after two hours)
- Via DARB mobile app
The maximum amount that can be recharged at once is 150 AED, and the validity period lasts 3 months from the day the card has been recharged.
Once recharged, you will need to activate the balance by either using the card for travel or tapping the card on the sales and recharge machine.
To check your Hafilat card validity, you have options:
- Using online method by clicking on “Recharge Card;” then you will be required to enter the Hafilat card serial number (which can be found on the back of the card) and your card’s balance and validity status will be displayed.
- Through Payit mobile app, you will navigate to “UAE Bills & Recharge,” and select “Hafilat” as the service. You will be prompt to enter a card serial number and the card’s balance and validity will be shown.
- Alternatively, you can always visit any sales and recharge machine (TVMs) or a Customer Happiness Center to check your balance and Hafilat card expiry date.
How to Use the Hafilat Card for Travel?
Just like any other transportation card, the Hafilat card is used when entering and leaving the bus. Follow these steps to ensure the correct usage of your transportation card:
- Ensure the validity before boarding the bus
- Ensure enough balance for at least one trip
- Tap the card on the card reader when entering and leaving the bus
- Check the remaining balance after disembarking
Hafilat Card Zones and Fares
Hafilat card minimum balance is 2.5 AED, which is how much a single ride within a city costs, while rides to and from the airport required a minimum of 4 AED on the card. The table below summarizes information about Hafilat card zones and according fares:
| Service Type | Fare Structure | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Bus Services | AED 2 base fare + 5 fils per km | Calculated based on trip distance |
| Express/Intercity Services | AED 2 + 10 fils per km | Faster connection |
| Senior Citizens Pass | Free | Free rides for senior citizens across the network |
| People of Determination Pass | Free | Free rides for people of determination across the network |
| Students Pass | AED 500 | The option can be added only to a Personalized Hafilat card |
| Weekly Pass | AED 30 | Unlimited rides within one week |
| Monthly Pass | AED 80 | Unlimited rides for an entire month |
How to Check Hafilat Card Balance?
You can perform a Hafilat card balance check either online or through the ticket machines.
The steps for Abu Dhabi bus card balance check online are simple and easy:
- Visit the DARB website
- Click on the “Recharge Card” option
- Enter the card’s serial number and press “Ok”
- The new screen will open, showing the remaining balance
There is also an option to use your DARB mobile app where you can check your Hafilat card balance, access history and recharge the account.
For the machines, a simple tap into a vending ticket machine will display your current balance and provide options to recharge on the spot.
What are the Benefits of a Personalized Hafilat Card?
Personalized Hafilat card offers better benefits compared to the Anonymous card, such as:
- Card replacement: If you lose a Hafilat card or damage it, for a 5 AED fee, you will receive a card replacement, which will allow you to continue usage.
- Balance Transfer: You may easily transfer the card balance and public transport passes to a new Personalized Hafilat card at no additional charge.
Conclusion
There are many advantages to having and using a Hafilat card when in Abu Dhabi, either visiting or residing. It is a convenient and cost-effective solution for public transport needs. The card is designed for a wide range of users, with the Personalized Hafilat card option providing slightly more benefits compared to the Anonymous one. On top of that, the Hafilat card online balance check only takes a few seconds, making the use of a card even easier for users.
If you use public transport methods to get around the city or are visiting Abu Dhabi and wish to move with ease, a Hafilat card is your best option. Visit the nearest Customer Service Office or DARB website to get yours today.
