How to Check Hafilat Card Balance and Recharge Easily in the UAE | Detailed 2026 Guide for Students, Workers, and Tourists
The Hafilat Card is Abu Dhabi’s official smart travel card, designed to simplify public transport payments across the UAE. Whether you are a student, worker, resident, or tourist, performing a hafilat card balance check and knowing how to recharge your card ensures smooth, hassle-free travel on buses and intercity transport. In this detailed 2026 guide, we’ll cover every method to check your balance, top up your card, understand fares and passes, and make the most of your Hafilat experience.
A Hafilat Card is a prepaid, contactless smart card used for public transportation in Abu Dhabi. With a simple tap on the bus validator, fares are automatically deducted, saving time and eliminating the need for cash.
Benefits of Using Hafilat Card
Simplified Payments: No need to carry cash or coins.
Time-Saving: Faster boarding and exit on buses.
Digital Efficiency: Supports Abu Dhabi’s smart city system by tracking travel data.
Easy Recharge and Discounts: Online top-ups, bulk recharges, and discounted passes.
Hafilat Card Types in the UAE
Card Type
Eligibility
Cost
Validity
Special Benefits
Anonymous
Travelers & privacy-seeking users
AED 10
16 years
Instant use, no personal data
Personalized
Residents & frequent users
Free
16 years
Balance recovery, subsidized fares
Student
Enrolled students
AED 5
5 years
Unlimited academic-term travel
Senior Citizen
UAE residents 55+
AED 5
5 years
Free or discounted travel
People of Determination
Certified individuals
AED 5
5 years
Free travel for cardholder and companion
Temporary (CST)
Short-term visitors
Free
30 days
Instant access for short trips
How to Check Hafilat Card Balance Online
1. Using the Darb Mobile App
Download Darb Abu Dhabi from the App Store or Google Play.
Sign up or log in with your mobile number and email.
Link your Hafilat card by entering the 16-digit serial number.
Select your card to view current balance, expiry date, and recent transactions.
2. Hafilat Card Online Portal
Access the Hafilat services via hafilat.darb.ae.
Create or log in to your account.
Navigate to Public Transport → Hafilat Cards → Recharge Card.
Enter your card serial number to check your balance instantly.
3. Payit Wallet App
Open Payit, create an account or log in.
Go to UAE Bills & Recharge → Public Transport → Hafilat Card.
Link your card and view balance and recent transactions.
4. SMS Service
Send: BAL <your 16-digit card number> to 3009.
Receive a reply with your current balance and expiry date.
How to Check Hafilat Card Balance Offline
Ticket Vending Machines (TVM): Tap your card and select Balance Inquiry. Receipts available.
Onboard Bus Readers: Tap on buses for instant balance (no receipts).
Customer Service Counters: Available at ITC centers, bus stations, and Lulu branches.
Retail Partner Outlets: Lulu, SPAR, and Co-op outlets provide in-person balance check.
How to Recharge Hafilat Card Online
Online Recharge via Darb Portal
Log in to hafilat.darb.ae.
Select Top-Up and enter your card number.
Choose the amount (AED 10–500).
Enter payment details (Visa, MasterCard, Mada) and complete verification.
Your balance updates instantly; download or email your receipt.
Recharge Using Darb App or Payit Wallet
Tap Top-Up, select amount, and pay via linked cards.
Balance updates in real-time.
Offline Recharge Options
Ticket Vending Machines, Customer Service Counters, and Retail partner outlets.
Hafilat Passes and Fares
Pass Type
Description
Cost
Daily Pass
Unlimited rides for 1 day
AED 12
Weekly Pass
Unlimited 7-day rides
AED 35
Monthly Pass
Unlimited rides for a month
AED 80
Student Pass
Term-based unlimited travel
AED 120
Senior Citizen Pass
Free off-peak, 50% peak
Free / 50%
People of Determination
Unlimited travel for cardholder
Free
Tips to Maintain Hafilat Balance
Enable Auto-Recharge
Set Reminders for weekly balance check
Top Up in Larger Amounts
Track Travel Habits and usage
Keep a Safety Balance of AED 20
Use official channels only
How to Get a Hafilat Card in Abu Dhabi
Anonymous: Passport copy; AED 10
Personalized: Emirates ID, passport, free
Student: Emirates ID, student ID, AED 5
Senior Citizen: Emirates ID, AED 5
People of Determination: ID and medical certificate, AED 5
Locations
ITC Headquarters
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
Abu Dhabi International Airport
Al Ain Bus Terminal
Selected Lulu Hypermarkets
How to Use Hafilat Card on Buses
Check validity and balance before boarding
Tap in at the entrance validator
Tap out at the exit to deduct the correct fare
Confirm balance displayed on validator screen
Hafilat Fine Check
Check online using Hafilat card number or Emirates ID
Pay fines securely through Darb portal to avoid suspension
Conclusion
Whether you are a student, worker, resident, or tourist, understanding how to check Hafilat card balance and recharge your card online or offline ensures seamless travel in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. Using the Darb App or Payit Wallet provides the fastest, most convenient, and real-time solution for managing your card.
By following this detailed 2026 guide, you can enjoy stress-free commutes, track your travel expenses, and never miss a ride.
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