App, Wallet, Website
Hafilat Recharge – Top Up Card Easily
Recharge, check balance, and travel cash-free across Abu Dhabi with your Hafilat smart card.
Hafilat Card Recharge
Abu Dhabi Public Transport
Redirects to the official TAMM Abu Dhabi portal to complete recharge
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, you can easily top up your Hafilat card online via the Darbi app or Payit wallet, or at vending machines.
What Is the Hafilat Card?
The Hafilat smart card is a contactless travel card used for paying bus fares in Abu Dhabi. It replaces paper tickets and cash payments, making travel faster and more convenient. Each card stores your balance electronically and allows easy top-ups through multiple online and offline channels.
Over 200,000 passengers use the Hafilat card daily across the city and regional routes. The card is accepted on all public buses, including those connecting Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
How to Recharge Your Hafilat Bus Card Online?
Online hafilat recharge is the most convenient option for most passengers. You can recharge and check your Balance from anywhere using the official Hafilat website, the Darbi app, or Payit mobile wallet. Below are the methods explained clearly:
Recharge via Official Website
The official website provides a 24/7hafilat recharge service. Here’s how to do it:
The website also lets you check your card balance, view your recent trips, and confirm your card's validity.
Recharge via Darb App
The Darbi mobile app, managed by Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), offers a simple hafilat recharge process and many travel features. Steps to recharge through Darbi:
The app sends instant notifications once your recharge is processed. You can also track buses in real time and plan your route.
Recharge via Payit Wallet
Payit, the digital wallet powered by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), also supports Hafilat recharge. To use it:
Balances typically appear on your Hafilat card within two hours. Payit occasionally runs cashback promotions or discount offers, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent travelers.
Offline Hafilat Recharge Options
If you prefer paying in person or using cash, you can recharge Hafilat bus card offline. Abu Dhabi offers multiple convenient locations:
Ticket Vending Machines
TVMs are installed at bus stations, shopping malls, and transport hubs across Abu Dhabi. To recharge:
Balance updates instantly after payment.
Customer Service Centers
Visit customer service counters at major bus stations for staff-assisted for hafilat recharges. Present your card and payment amount to the attendant. The staff will process your recharge immediately and confirm your updated balance.
Authorized Retail Outlets
Many supermarkets, grocery stores, and exchange centers with the Hafilat or ITC sticker offer recharge services. This makes it easy to top up while shopping or running errands.
Recharge Amounts and Limits
You can choose a suitable recharge value depending on how often you travel.
Maximum Balance Limit
You can store up to AED 150 in Hafilat bus card. (Does not apply to weekly/monthly passes)
Balance Validity
Recharged amounts are valid for 3 months. If you do not tap the card within this period, the recharge may expire.
Minimum Balance to Travel
Required minimum: AED 10. If balance falls below, tapping may fail.
If not used within 3 months, the balance may expire and require reactivation at a customer service center.
Hafilat Monthly Pass
The Hafilat Monthly Pass is ideal for regular bus commuters in Abu Dhabi who want unlimited city travel without the hassle of frequent recharges.
| Pass Name | Hafilat Monthly Pass |
| Cost | AED 95 |
| Validity | 30 Days (from activation date) |
| Usage | Unlimited rides on Abu Dhabi city buses |
| Coverage | Abu Dhabi city routes only (not valid for intercity or regional buses) |
| Purchase Options | Hafilat website, Darb app, ticket vending machines, or customer service centers |
| Payment Methods | Credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or cash (depending on location) |
You can easily activate and renew it. You only need to tap your card to start the pass, and once the 30 days are over, you can renew it instantly using the same methods.
Types of Hafilat Cards
Hafilat cards are available in different types to suit various passengers. Here’s a clear breakdown of each card type, cost, and validity:
| Card Type | Cost (AED) | Validity | Details |
| Anonymous Permanent Card | 10 AED | 5 years | For general public use. Does not require registration. |
| Senior Card (55+ years) | 5 AED | 5 years | Discounted fare for senior citizens. |
| People of Determination Card | Free | 16 years | Personalized with free or discounted travel. |
| Student Card | Discounted | 16 years | Personalized card for students with free or subsidized travel. |
| Temporary Smart Ticket | Free | 30 days | Ideal for short-term visitors and tourists. |
Each card allows easy recharge and access to Abu Dhabi’s public transportation system. Personalized cards also provide protection against loss or damage because they are linked to your Emirates ID.
Available Hafilat Passes
Hafilat cards can store passes for unlimited travel within specific time periods. These are ideal for frequent bus users.
| Pass Type | Duration | Price | Benefits |
| Weekly Pass | 7 days | 30 AED | Unlimited travel within Abu Dhabi city. |
| Monthly Pass | 30 days | 80 AED | Best for regular commuters. Discounts for seniors and people of determination. |
| Annual Pass | 356 days | 500 AED | Long-term unlimited travel within Abu Dhabi city. |
T-Purse System
The T-Purse acts like an electronic wallet inside your card. It automatically deducts your fare based on the distance traveled. The fare system is simple:
Always remember to tap in when boarding and tap out when exiting. If you forget to tap out, the system may charge the maximum fare automatically.
What Is a Hafilat Fine?
A Hafilat fine is a penalty issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (AD Mobility) when you violate a rule while using Abu Dhabi's public bus network. The word "Hafilat" (حافلة) simply means buses in Arabic.
Here is the number that makes people take these fines seriously: a standard Abu Dhabi bus fare costs AED 2.00. The minimum Hafilat violation fine is AED 200 — a 100× difference. That gap is intentional. The Abu Dhabi government set the fine high as a deliberate deterrent to keep the bus network orderly for everyone. You can receive a Hafilat fine for:
Fines must be settled within 30 days of issuance. After that, late penalties apply and your card can be suspended.
Hafilat Violations & Fine Amounts Table 2026
Violation | Description | Fine (AED) |
|---|---|---|
No card / fare evasion | Boarding with no Hafilat card at all | 200 |
Failure to tap in | Boarding without swiping the reader | 200 |
Failure to tap out | Exiting without swiping the reader | 200 |
Insufficient balance | Card present but balance below minimum for the journey | 200 |
Misuse of personalized card | Sharing your Emirates ID-linked card or using another person's | 200–500 |
Smoking on the bus | Smoking in any form inside the bus | 200 |
Eating or drinking | Consuming food or drinks onboard | 100 |
Chewing gum | Chewing gum on the bus or in stations | 100 |
Damaging bus property | Vandalism, damage to seats, windows, or equipment | Up to 500 |
Obstruction of bus operations | Blocking doors, interfering with driver or staff | 200–500 |
Important note on the tap-out rule: The entry tap is obvious — most people know it. The exit tap is where fines quietly stack up. If you board, tap in, then forget to tap out, the system charges you the maximum possible fare for that route AND flags it as a violation. Double penalty. Always tap both ways.
How to Check Your Hafilat Fine 2026
There are 6 methods to check your Hafilat fine — 4 online and 2 in person. You do not need a registered account for all of them; the anonymous portal method only requires your fine barcode from the receipt.
Online Methods
- Hafilat Darbi Portal — hafilat.darb.ae (logged-in account required)
- Hafilat Fine Portal (Anonymous) — hafilat.darb.ae/AnonymousMedia/Fine.aspx (barcode only)
- TAMM App & Website — tamm.abudhabi
- Ministry of Interior (MOI) Website & App — adpolice.gov.ae / MOI UAE App
Offline / In-Person Methods
- Phone — Call 85555 (toll-free, Hafilat customer service)
- Sahl Kiosk or Customer Happiness Centre — Major bus stations across Abu Dhabi
Check Hafilat Fine via hafilat.darb.ae
This is the most complete method. Once you log in, you see your full account — balance, trip history, and any outstanding fines — all on one screen.
Go to the Official Hafilat Portal
Open your browser and go to hafilat.darb.ae. This is the only official portal managed by AD Mobility. Make sure the URL shows HTTPS and the correct domain before entering your credentials.
Log in to Your Account
Enter your registered email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the reset steps sent to your registered email. If you have not registered yet, click "Register Here" and complete the pre-registration form with your Emirates ID.
Navigate to "Pay Fine" or Account Summary
After logging in, your account dashboard appears. Look for the "Pay Fine" button or check the Card Details section. Any outstanding fines appear here with the violation date, type, and amount.
Review Your Fine Details
You will see the violation type, date, route, and the fine amount in AED. Screenshot this page or note the fine reference number — you will need it for payment or dispute.
Why this matters: The logged-in portal shows your full violation history, not just the most recent one. If you have multiple fines from a blocked card period, they all appear here in one place.
How to Check Hafilat Fine Without an Account
If you received a physical fine receipt from a bus inspector but haven't registered on the Hafilat portal, you can still check and pay using just the barcode printed on the receipt.
Step 1: Go to the Anonymous Fine Portal
Navigate to hafilat.darb.ae/AnonymousMedia/Fine.aspx directly in your browser.
Step 2: Enter the Fine Barcode
Find the barcode number printed at the bottom of your fine receipt. Type it into the barcode field on screen.
Step 3: Submit and View Your Fine
Click Submit. Your fine details appear — violation type, date, and the outstanding amount.Note: If you received a fine receipt without a barcode (this happens when a card is blocked by the system), the anonymous portal will not work. You must visit a bus station machine or bus station counter to pay. More on this in the blocked card section below.
How to Check Hafilat Fine via MOI Website & App
The Ministry of Interior (MOI) website and app aggregate traffic and transport fines from across all UAE emirates, including Abu Dhabi bus fines.
Via the MOI Website
Via the MOI UAE App
Note: The MOI portal shows transport violations (bus fines) under traffic fines. They appear together — your Hafilat fine will be listed with the violation type clearly labelled.
How to Check by Phone — Call 85555
The quickest no-app, no-website option. Call 85555 — this is Hafilat's official toll-free customer service number, available across the UAE. When the agent answers:
This method is ideal if you prefer speaking to a person, or if your online access is limited. The line is generally active during business hours (Saturday–Thursday, 7AM–8PM).
How to Check Hafilat Card Balance?
Keeping track of your hafilat recharge and balance helps you avoid travel interruptions. You can check your balance in several ways:
Fare System and Minimum Balance
Hafilat uses a distance-based fare system for regional and intercity routes.
| Service Type | Base Fare | Additional Charge |
| City Bus | Fixed | Covered by travel pass or T-purse |
| Regional Bus | AED 2 + 5 fils/km | Per distance |
| Intercity/Express | AED 2 + 10 fils/km | Per distance |
Minimum Balance Requirement: To board a bus, your card must have at least AED 10 balance (if you’re not using a pass).
Payment Options
You can pay for recharges using multiple secure methods.
Online Payments:
Offline Payments:
Tip: Keep your transaction receipt until your recharge appears in your card balance.
Bus Card for Tourists
For tourists, it is recommended to use anonymous Hafilat cards for short-term travel. These cards are convenient for visitors who may not need long-term personalized benefits. Tourists should purchase the card at TVMs or authorized retailers, load a small balance, and remember to tap on entry and exit for each journey. It is safer to avoid high balances and to check remaining balance using the website or Darb app.
Abu Dhabi Fare Zones
Abu Dhabi's bus network is divided into fare zones. Each trip's cost is calculated based on the distance traveled across these zones. Understanding how fare zones work allows travelers to estimate required balances and determine whether a standard stored-value purse or a weekly/monthly pass is more cost-effective. This information helps both tourists and regular commuters plan their top-ups efficiently and avoid insufficient balance issues.
Technical and Security Features
The Hafilat system uses contactless smart card technology to ensure secure and quick transactions. Each time you tap the card, the system automatically calculates the fare based on your route.
For personalized cards linked to your Emirates ID, your balance can be recovered or transferred if your card is lost or damaged. However, anonymous cards cannot be replaced unless they are registered online.
Special Programs and Discounts
The Hafilat bus system offers special programs and discounts for people of determination, students, and seniors.
Seniors
Senior citizens aged 55 and above can get free annual passes on personalized Hafilat cards linked to their Emirates ID. This offers complete travel freedom within Abu Dhabi’s city limits.
Students
Students can apply for discounted or free travel cards by presenting their Emirates ID, Recent photograph, Proof of school or university enrollment. These student cards allow unlimited travel across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
People of Determination
People of determination are entitled to free personalized cards with extended validity (up to 16 years). They also receive free or discounted travel options depending on their classification.
Benefits of Using Hafilat
The Hafilat card offers a cashless, eco-friendly way to travel across Abu Dhabi. It allows quick recharges through multiple platforms.
Important Tips for Users
To make the most of your Hafilat card, always tap in and out when boarding or leaving the bus.
Lost or Damaged Card
If your Hafilat card is lost or damaged, here’s what you should do:
A small replacement fee may apply for reissuing.
Customer Support and Help
If you face issues with recharges, balance, or card malfunction, you can contact Hafilat Customer Care:
| Contact Method | Details |
| info@hafilat.ae | |
| Phone | +971 2 550 7472 |
| Mobile App Support | Via the Darb App → Help Section |
| In-person | Visit customer service desks at major bus stations and Zayed International Airport |
The customer service team assists with Recharge problems, lost card reporting,
Pass activation, refunds or technical issues.
Why Regular Recharging Is Important
Keeping your card balance active ensures:
If you travel daily, consider switching to a weekly or monthly pass for unlimited rides and better savings.
FAQs
Conclusion
Hafilat Recharge makes public transport in Abu Dhabi faster, easier, and fully cashless. Whether you are a resident, student, senior, or visitor, the Hafilat bus card lets you travel across the city with one simple tap. You can recharge your card anytime online, through the Darbi app, Payit wallet, or at nearby vending machines.
Regular balance checks, affordable travel passes, and personalized card options help you save time and money while enjoying a seamless travel experience. With Hafilat, you no longer need to worry about carrying cash or missing your bus — just tap, ride, and go.