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.
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.
The riders will have the option to buy Hafilat cards in two versions:
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:
The requirements to obtain a personalized Hafilat card are as follows:
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.
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.
To buy an Anonymous Hafilat card, you may visit:
Partner offices, including:
To buy a Personalized Hafilat card, you may visit:
There are many convenient options to recharge your Hafilat card.
Here are the following ways and locations for Hafilat card recharge:
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:
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:
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 |
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:
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.
Personalized Hafilat card offers better benefits compared to the Anonymous card, such as:
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.
