Abu Dhabi Hafilat Card Complete Tutorial | Balance Check, Top-Up Options, Card Types, and Passes for 2026
Abu Dhabi’s public transport system has become smarter, faster, and more convenient with the introduction of the Hafilat Card. Whether you are a daily commuter, a student, a visitor, or a resident, knowing how to perform a hafilat check balance, recharge online, and use the correct passes and card types can save you time and make travel stress-free.
This complete 2026 tutorial will guide you step by step through everything you need to know about the Hafilat Card, including balance inquiry, top-up methods, card types, passes, fares, and practical tips for seamless travel in Abu Dhabi.
The Hafilat Card is Abu Dhabi’s official smart card for public transport, designed to make bus travel easy, cashless, and efficient. By simply tapping your card on a validator when boarding or exiting a bus, your fare is automatically deducted.
Key Benefits of the Hafilat Card
Simplified Payments: No cash needed for buses or intercity travel
Time-Saving: Faster boarding and smoother travel
Smart City Integration: Supports Abu Dhabi’s digital transport planning
Discounts and Offers: Access to student, senior, and special passes
Easy Top-Ups: Recharge your balance online or at multiple offline points
Hafilat Card Types in Abu Dhabi (2026)
Card Type
Eligibility
Cost
Validity
Special Benefits
Anonymous
Travelers & privacy seekers
AED 10
16 years
Instant use, no personal data needed, can link later
Unlimited travel per academic term, discounted fare
Senior Citizen
Residents aged 55+
AED 5
5 years
Free off-peak travel, 50% discount peak hours
People of Determination
Certified disabilities
AED 5
5 years
Unlimited free travel for rider + 1 companion
Temporary Card (CST)
Short-term visitors
Free
30 days
Quick, temporary access
Corporate/Company
Businesses
Varies
N/A
Bulk registration, centralized management
How to Check Hafilat Card Balance (2026)
You can check your Hafilat balance using multiple methods—online, mobile apps, SMS, ticket machines, or in-person.
1. Online Balance Check via Darb Portal
Visit the Darb Abu Dhabi website
Register using Email, Emirates ID, and Traffic Number
Navigate to Public Transport → Hafilat Cards → Online Services → Recharge Card
Enter your 16-digit card serial number and complete CAPTCHA
View your current balance, expiry date, and recent transactions
2. Mobile Balance Check via Darb App
Download the Darb Mobile App from App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
Create an account or log in
Tap the “+” icon to link your Hafilat card using its 16-digit serial number
View your balance, expiry date, and recent top-ups immediately
Use the app to top up your card directly with credit/debit card or Payit Wallet
3. Payit Wallet App
Download Payit Wallet UAE from App Store or Google Play
Create an account and verify your number via OTP
Tap UAE Bills & Recharge → Public Transport → Hafilat Card Balance & Recharge
Add your Hafilat card and view balance, expiry date, and top-ups
4. Offline Balance Check
SMS: Send BAL <16-digit card number> to 3009
Ticket Vending Machines (TVM): Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, Al Ain Bus Terminal, malls
Onboard Bus Readers: Tap your card on NFC bus validators
Customer Service Counters & Retail Outlets: Hafilat service centers, Lulu, SPAR, Co-op branches
How to Recharge Hafilat Card Online (2026)
1. Darb Portal
Log in to your account
Navigate to Hafilat Card Services → Top Up
Enter your card number and recharge amount (AED 10–500)
Complete payment via Visa, MasterCard, or Mada
Confirm OTP and check updated balance
2. Darb Mobile App & Payit Wallet
Link your card and tap Top Up
Choose amount and payment method
Receive instant balance update
3. Offline Recharge
TVMs, customer counters, or retail outlets accept cash or cards
Hafilat Passes and Fares (2026)
Pass Type
Description
Fare (AED)
Daily Pass
Unlimited travel for 1 day
12
Weekly Pass
Unlimited travel for 7 days
35
Monthly Pass
Unlimited travel for a month
80
Student Pass
Unlimited term travel
120
Senior Citizen Pass
Free off-peak, 50% peak
Free/50%
People of Determination Pass
Unlimited free travel
Free
Tips to Maintain Hafilat Card Balance
Set reminders to check your balance weekly
Keep AED 20–50 as minimum balance cushion
Top up in larger amounts to save time
Link card to Darb App for faster recharges
Use low-balance alerts via SMS
Avoid public Wi-Fi for online top-ups
How to Get a Hafilat Card in Abu Dhabi
Step 1: Choose Card Type & Eligibility
Anonymous: AED 10, instant use, no ID required
Personalized: Free for residents, Emirates ID & passport required
Student/Senior/People of Determination: AED 5, eligibility documents required
Step 2: Apply at Locations
ITC Headquarters, Abu Dhabi Bus Station, Al Ain Terminal, Airport Counters, selected Lulu Hypermarkets
Online via Hafilat website
Step 3: Collect Card
Submit documents, get queue number, wait for activation
Attendant programs card, prints receipt, and confirms activation
Using Hafilat Card on the Bus
Check balance: Ensure minimum AED 10 for one-way travel
Tap in: Place card on validator; wait for beep confirmation
Tap out: Validator automatically deducts fare
Check balance: Screen shows remaining balance
Tip: Always tap in and out to avoid incorrect charges
Conclusion
The Hafilat Card is essential for anyone traveling in Abu Dhabi. By understanding balance check methods, top-up options, card types, and passes, you can save time, reduce stress, and make your commuting experience seamless.
For convenience, Darb Mobile App is the most recommended tool, covering almost all Hafilat card needs in one place. Remember to maintain a sufficient balance, use passes wisely, and keep your card and account information secure.
With this complete 2026 guide, managing your Hafilat Card has never been easier—whether you are a daily commuter, a student, or a visitor.
Visit For Balance Check, Top-Up Options, Card Types, and Passes for 2026
