Abu Dhabi Hafilat Card: Guide to get and recharge this card with unlimited trips

Public bus passengers in the UAE required to have a public transport card since cash is not accepted. The card used depends on the emirate: Dubai commuters use Nol cards, Sharjah residents use Sayer, Ajman has Masaar, while Abu Dhabi depends on Hafilat, a smart card system especially intended for bus travel.

Hafilat Cards in Abu Dhabi

On Abu Dhabi's boarding buses, Hafilat cards are indispensable. To guarantee correct fare deduction, passengers must tap their cards on scanner devices both before and after getting on and off the bus Within the emirate, a normal bus trip costs Dh2; extra charges of five fils every kilometer travelled cap at Dh5 per trip.

There are two types of Hafilat cards available to passengers: anonymous cards and personalized cards, each offering unique benefits.

Anonymous Hafilat Cards

• Cost: Dh10
• Validity: 16 years
• Anonymous Hafilat cards are ideal for those seeking a hassle-free option without the need to provide identification. These cards are available for purchase at various locations and can be used immediately upon activation. However, if the card is lost or damaged, the balance cannot be retrieved.

Where to Buy:

• Sales and recharge machines
• Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society (SPAR)
• Al Ain Cooperative Society
• Lulu Hypermarkets and Lulu Exchange branches in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra
• Customer Happiness Offices at bus stations and Abu Dhabi International Airport
• Online at Hafilat Darb (Physical cards can be collected upon presenting the application and payment receipt at designated customer offices.)

Personalized Hafilat Cards

• Cost: Free
• Validity: 16 years
• Personalized cards give users access to special annual permits for elders, students, and those of will as well as perks including balance recovery in case of loss or damage. Users must submit identification and a picture.

Requirements

Emirates ID card (residents) or passport and visa (visitors)
A personal photo (can be taken at the customer happiness offices at bus stations).

Where to Buy

Customer Happiness Offices at bus stations
Abu Dhabi International Airport Office (open 24/7)
Online at Hafilat Darb (Physical cards can be collected with application proof and payment receipt.)
Recharging Hafilat Cards
Hafilat cards can hold a maximum balance of Dh150, valid for three months from the recharge date. To prevent expiration, users should periodically tap the card on sales and recharge machines.

Recharge Locations

Sales and recharge machines at bus stations and stops
Customer Happiness Centers at bus stations
MBME recharge machines at malls and buildings (balance updates take up to two hours)
Online at Hafilat Darb (balance reflects after two hours).

Public Transport Passes

For frequent bus commuters, Hafilat cards can be loaded with unlimited ride passes:

7-day pass: Dh35
30-day pass: Dh95
These passes can be used for unlimited rides within Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, excluding intercity buses. Passes are available for both anonymous and personalized cardholders at recharge stations.

Annual Permits for Special Groups

Offering great advantages, special annual permits are provided for elders, students, and those with great will. These permissions call for a personalized Hafilat card.

• Students: Unlimited bus rides for Dh500 per year (excluding intercity buses).
  Requirements: Emirates ID, student proof, and a photo.
• Seniors (55+ years): Free unlimited bus rides for citizens and residents.
  Requirements: Emirates ID and a photo.
• People of Determination: For the cardholder and one companion, free unlimited bus travels.
  Requirements: a photo, medical report (temporary cases), Aounak/Determination card, Emirates ID.

By simplifying public transportation payments in Abu Dhabi, the Hafilat system guarantees a practical and inclusive experience for every user, Its array of choices, customized permits and recharging stations satisfy both regular and occasional travelers' needs.