How to Manage Your Hafilat Card in the UAE | Balance Check, Online Recharge, and Travel Pass Guide 2026
Managing your Hafilat Card in the UAE has never been easier. Whether you are a resident, student, visitor, or daily commuter, the Hafilat card simplifies public transport payments across Abu Dhabi and other UAE cities. This comprehensive 2026 guide will help you perform a hafilat balance check, recharge your card online or offline, understand different Hafilat passes, and optimize your daily travel experience.
The Hafilat Card is Abu Dhabi’s official smart card for public buses and intercity transport. It enables cashless, convenient, and faster travel. Simply tap your card on the validator when boarding or exiting, and the system automatically deducts the correct fare based on distance traveled.
Benefits of Using a Hafilat Card
Simplified public transport payments – no need for cash
Time-saving – faster boarding and smoother trips
Digital tracking – your travel history and balance are easily accessible
Discounts and offers – eligible for student, senior, and other concessionary fares
Supports smart city initiatives – helps Abu Dhabi manage transport data efficiently
Types of Hafilat Cards in the UAE
Card Type
Eligibility
Cost
Key Benefit
Anonymous Card
Travelers, short-term visitors
AED 10
Instant use without personal details
Personalized Card
UAE residents & long-term visitors
Free
Linked to Darb App, secure balance recovery
Student Card
Students enrolled in UAE institutions
AED 5
Discounted travel, term-based passes
Senior Citizen Card
Residents aged 55+
AED 5
Free or discounted travel during off-peak hours
People of Determination
Riders with certified disabilities
AED 5
Free travel for cardholder + companion
Corporate/Company Card
Businesses and organizations
Varies
Centralized management of multiple cards
How to Check Your Hafilat Card Balance in 2026
Keeping track of your Hafilat balance is crucial to avoid declined rides or travel interruptions. You can check your balance online, via mobile apps, SMS, or offline at terminals.
Log in or register using your email, Emirates ID, and password
Navigate to Public Transport → Hafilat Cards → Online Services → Recharge Card
Enter your 16-digit Hafilat card number carefully
Click Submit to view current balance, expiry date, and last five transactions
2. Check Hafilat Balance via Darb Mobile App
Download the official Darb App from Google Play or App Store
Sign up or log in, then tap + Add Card to link your Hafilat card
Select your card to view balance, expiry date, and recent transactions
Optionally, enable auto-recharge for stress-free travel
3. Using Payit Wallet App
Install Payit Wallet UAE and register your account
Go to UAE Bills & Recharge → Public Transport → Hafilat Card Balance & Recharge
Add your card and view real-time balance and top-up options
4. Offline Balance Check Methods
SMS: Send BAL <card-number> to 3009
Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Available at major bus stations and malls
Bus NFC Readers: Tap your card on intercity buses to check balance
Customer Service Counters & Retail Outlets: Lulu, SPAR, Co-op
How to Recharge Your Hafilat Card Online and Offline
1. Online Recharge via Darb Portal
Log in to Darb Portal
Select Hafilat Card Services → Top Up
Enter 16-digit card number and select recharge amount (AED 10–500)
Complete payment via Visa, MasterCard, Mada, or Payit Wallet
Confirm with OTP verification from your bank
2. Mobile App Recharge
Use Darb App or Payit Wallet
Link your card and tap Top Up
Choose payment method and amount for instant recharge
3. Offline Recharge
TVMs: Select top-up amount and pay via card or cash
Retail outlets: Lulu Hypermarket, SPAR, Co-op
Customer Service Counters: Instant recharge at service desks
Tip: Keep a minimum balance of AED 20 for emergencies, and consider bulk top-ups (AED 100+) for convenience.
Hafilat Travel Passes and Fares
Pass Type
Description
Fare
Daily Pass
Unlimited travel in a day
AED 12
Weekly Pass
Unlimited 7-day travel
AED 35
Monthly Pass
Unlimited rides for 1 month
AED 80
Student Pass
Unlimited rides per semester
AED 120
Senior Citizen Pass
Free or discounted travel
Off-peak free / Peak 50%
People of Determination
Unlimited free travel
Free
Custom/Corporate
Organization-specific passes
Variable
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Hafilat Balance
Enable Auto-Recharge via Darb or Payit
Set weekly reminders to check your balance
Link debit/credit cards for faster top-ups
Track travel patterns in the app to plan recharges ahead
Use SMS alerts: ALERT <card-number> to 3009 for low-balance notifications
How to Apply for a Hafilat Card in Abu Dhabi
Offline Application
Visit Customer Service Centers or approved outlets (Lulu, Co-op, bus terminals)
Submit required documents based on card type: Emirates ID, passport, student ID, or disability certificate
Receive your card instantly (Anonymous) or within minutes (Personalized/Concessionary)
Online Application
Register at hafilat.darb.ae
Pre-fill your details and select card type
Collect the card at your nearest bus terminal
Conclusion
Managing your Hafilat card in the UAE is simple once you understand balance check, recharge methods, and travel passes. For maximum convenience, the Darb Mobile App is highly recommended, as it covers almost all Hafilat card functions in one place. With proper planning, low-balance alerts, and understanding of pass options, you can enjoy smooth, stress-free public transport travel in Abu Dhabi.
Visit For Balance Check, Online Recharge, and Travel Pass Guide 2026
