Hafilat Card Balance Check – Your Complete Guide

Hafilat Card: Introduction

The Abu Dhabi transport system was made efficient, cheap, and easily manageable by both the citizens and the tourists. The Hafilat smart card is the heart of this system, and it enables its users to comfortably pay their bus fares without carrying cash. The Hafilat card balance check should be monitored at all times, whether you are a commuter on a daily basis or visiting a city. Guide to Hafilat Card tells you everything about it, including the type of Hafilat Card and its features and recharge options.

Hafilat Card – What is it?

The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport has a smartcard, called Hafilat, which can be recharged. The Hafilat card belongs to the Smart Public Transportation program of Abu Dhabi. It was developed to make bus journeys easier to pay for. Commuters do not need to carry cash to pay fares when they are riding the bus because the cards are swiped at the machine when they board the bus. It simplifies the boarding.

Hafilat Card Benefits

Hafilat cards have become a must-have for Abu Dhabi commuters. Here’s why:

• You can travel without carrying exact change and worry about paying with cash.
• Fast and easy access: Simply tap your card to enter the entry point.
• You can recharge your card online, at counters, or at vending machines.
• Reduced fares for students, seniors, and those with determination.
• Reduce queues by ensuring smooth bus service.

Types of Hafilat Cards

Hafilat cards come in different categories to serve various needs:

🔹 Temporary Cards

The temporary Hafilat card is designed for tourists or short-term guests who are planning to spend a limited time in Abu Dhabi. The cards include:

• These vouchers are valid for 14 days after the purchase date, so they’re ideal for business or holiday travelers.
• You can easily get them from service counters or vending machines without registering or presenting any documents.
• Easy to use top-up for all Abu Dhabi routes, including intercity buses.
• This card is perfect for those who do not want to be tied down to one long-term credit card but need to travel conveniently and without cash.

The card offers quick and easy access to the public transportation system without any paperwork.

Permanent Cards

Hafilat permanent cards are designed for residents who use Abu Dhabi public transportation frequently. What makes them special?

• Validity period up to five years.
• Rechargeable through online portals or counters.
• They are easy to buy because they do not have any personal information printed on them.
• Ideal for those who depend on public transportation to commute daily to school, work, or any other activity.

The cards can be a good option for people who live in Abu Dhabi and want to have a rechargeable, flexible card without having to register.

Personalised Cards

Hafilat Cards – Personalized – offer a step up in security by adding benefits.

• The card has a photo and personal information that identifies the owner.
• It is safer than regular credit cards because the balance of the card can be recovered if it’s lost or stolen.
• Users who are eligible for discounted rates, including students, seniors, and those with determination, must present this card.
• The ideal solution for frequent travellers who prioritize security and want a customized travel experience.

The card offers protection from card theft and special benefits to long-term residents.

Special Cards

Hafilat Special Cards are designed to be inclusive of all and make public transport affordable.

• Students, seniors (60+), and persons with disabilities are eligible to receive them.
• The cards provide discounts and even offer free rides to eligible people, reducing their transportation costs.
• To obtain the cards, applicants must present valid documents, including Emirates IDs and proof of eligibility.
• They are also personalized cards, which means they have the name of the cardholder and a photo.

The special cards are a reflection of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to affordable and accessible public transportation for the entire community.

Hafilat Card Types and Features

Why Checking Your Hafilat Balance is Important

How to Avoid Insufficient Balance Problems

It can be frustrating to run out of credit while trying to board a bus, particularly if you’re in a rush. Checking your account regularly will ensure you have sufficient credit for travel.

How to Manage Travel Costs Effectively

Monitor your Hafilat balance to keep track of how much money you’ve spent on public transportation. It is particularly useful for budgeting your monthly travel expenses.

Keep track of promotions and free rides.

Hafilat offers freebies or promotional discounts at certain events. Checking your account balance will show you when the credits have been applied.

Hafilat Passes Types

The Integrated Transport Centre offers Hafilat Passes for frequent travellers in addition to Hafilat Cards. The passes are ideal for those who commute daily and who depend heavily on Abu Dhabi’s bus system.

T-Purse

The T-Purse is a reloadable, electronic wallet that’s linked to your Hafilat Card. Users can choose to pay for only the actual trips taken, instead of buying time-based tickets. The system suits those who like to pay as they go.

Fare Structure for T-Purse Users:

This option is best for occasional riders or travelers who do not need unlimited trips but want a simple, cashless way to pay for rides.

Weekly Pass – Unlimited 7 days Travel

Hafilat Weekly Pass is an excellent option when you have to travel frequently within the city of Abu Dhabi. Only AED 30 will grant the passengers unlimited access to the Abu Dhabi public buses over a period of seven days.

The pass is especially effective when visiting the area temporarily or planning to travel several times a day, and saves money on transportation.

Monthly Pass: The Unlimited30-Day Travel

The Hafilat Monthly Pass is unbeatable when it comes to regular commuters. This pass costs AED 80 and offers the user unlimited access to the bus system in Abu Dhabi for 30 days.

It operates similarly to the weekly pass, but only that it gives a lot more coverage to the people who use it as their primary transportation method.

Hafilat card machines in Abu Dhabi

The Hafilat card system ensures a seamless public transport in Abu Dhabi, enabling cashless travel for locals and visitors. In order to simplify recharging or buying cards, Hafilat ticket vending machines are strategically located throughout the emirate. This has seen the installation of these machines in major bus stations, malls, and other areas of publicity where people can easily and effectively refill their cards.

Commuters find it easy to find a machine at any corner of the city, including the Abu Dhabi international airport, Mussafah, Shahama, and even in the outlying zones such as Al Ain, Al Sila, Ghayathi, and Madinat Zayed. The system’s interaction with different points of purchase and Internet registration will ensure the travelers’ fast and convenient access to the smart fare network in Abu Dhabi.

Fares and Balance Requirements

Abu Dhabi Intercity Bus Fare Estimates

Discounts apply for students, senior citizens, and people of determination.

Ways to check the balance of the Hafilat Card

Your Hafilat balance is easy to check in many different ways:

1. Check Balance Online through the Official Website.
2. Visit hafilat.darb.ae.
3. On the home page, choose a balance check from the menu.
4. Enter the number of your Hafilat card, which is on the back of your card.
5. Balance and transaction list by clicking Submit.

Pro Tip: Card registration online will come with extra benefits, such as card protection in case of loss.

Check the balance in the Ticket Vending machines.

Ticket-selling machines are easily found at bus stations, malls, and high transport terminals:

1. Find the nearest vending machine.
2. Swipe your card on the card reader.
3. The balance you have will be displayed on the screen.
4. Top up your card as soon as necessary.

Balance of Checks at Counters.

You want human assistance, go to a Hafilat service counter:

1. Located at bus terminals and a few shopping malls.
2. Employees will be able to give you your balance, recharge your card, or answer any questions.
3. Check Balance on Buses (Tap-In Machines)
4. Tap your Hafilat card balance check on the entrance machine when getting into a bus. The machine removes the fare and shows you a momentarily remaining balance.

Digital and Mobile Integration 

Although the official Hafilat app remains under development, the Darb app used in Abu Dhabi can be enhanced with Hafilat balance functionality in the future, thus enabling even easier accounting.

📍 Hafilat Card Machine Locations and Timings

The recharging of your Hafilat card

With your Hafilat card full, you will travel easily. Here are your top-up options:

Recharge With Ticket Vending Machines.

• Add money or charge up with a bank card.
• Select your desired amount.
• Swipe your credit card to make a purchase.

Bus Station Counters recharge.

Stop at a counter, give your card, and pay cash or by card to add up your balance.

Online Recharge Options

How to Refill Your Hafilat Card online

The Hafilat card can be topped up via an official Hafilat portal in a few minutes:

1. Visit the Hafilat Portal

      Visit the official Hafilat site through the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT) site.

1. Sign Up or Log In

• First-time user – You need to create an account with your details.
• Log in, should you already have an account.

1. Select “Recharge”

 Log in and then visit the Recharge section to continue.

1. Choose Your Amount

 Choose the amount of recharge that you want.

1. Confirm the Transaction

 Check your information and make the payment. The amount that you have selected will be directly credited to your Hafilat card balance.

Common Issues and Solutions

Where to Buy a Hafilat Card

The cards of Hafilat are not a rare thing:

• Railway and bus stations.
• In malls and city centres, there are ticket vending machines.
• Airport kiosks for tourists

Tips to use the Hafilat Card

• Keep Your Card Recharged: A minimum of AED 10 balance will enable you to travel without any hassle.
• Register Your Card Online: This helps in retrieving the balance of your card in case it gets lost.
• Promotion: Keep a record of events, top-ups Bonuses.
• Check Your Card: Damaged cards do not scan at all, so make sure to change it before it is too late.

Hafilat Card Usage Stats in Abu Dhabi (Estimated 2025)

Conclusion

Making payment in a bus using the Hafilat card is a game-changer in the world of Abu Dhabi, as it offers a convenient yet cashless method of bus payment. Balancing your wallet every day will provide hassle-free journeys and also help you balance your costs. With the help of vending machines, service counters, or through the online portal, it is very easy and convenient to monitor your balance on your card. The efficient transport system in Abu Dhabi enables you to make the most out of the city by learning all the options, fares, and recharge systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What frequency should I use in looking at my balance?

 Once a week at least when you are a daily commuter.

Q2: Is it possible to make a balance transfer between two cards?

 Balance transfer is not facilitated at the moment.

Q3: Does my Hafilat card expire?

 Well, there is a print on the back side of the cards indicating their validity. Renew or replace as needed.

Q4: Can one get a refund on the unused balance?

 Only registered cards are normally refunded.

Last modified: September 3, 2025