Public transportation in Abu Dhabi has become smarter, faster, and more commuter-friendly than ever before. At the heart of this transformation is the Hafilat card—a rechargeable smart travel card that powers the capital’s bus network. Whether you’re a daily commuter from Mussafah, a university student in Khalifa City, or a tourist exploring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Corniche Beach, knowing how to check your Hafilat card balance is essential.

Running low on credit at the wrong moment can leave you stranded at the bus stop. Fortunately, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport has introduced multiple ways to check and recharge your Hafilat card balance—online, offline, and even through your phone. This guide breaks them all down, while answering the most common questions riders ask.

Table of Contents

What is a Hafilat Card?

The word Hafilat means “buses” in Arabic. The Hafilat card was launched by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in Abu Dhabi to modernize fare collection and streamline the emirate’s public transport.

It works across:

Abu Dhabi city buses
Suburban routes to Mussafah, Khalifa City, and Baniyas
Intercity buses to Al Ain, Dubai, and other emirates
Future rail or tram connections (once operational)

Think of it as Abu Dhabi’s answer to Dubai’s Nol card—a smart, contactless, and reloadable system that keeps you moving across the capital.

Types of Hafilat Cards

To serve different passenger groups, Hafilat offers multiple options:

Contactless Smart Ticket (CST): Free, valid for 30 days—best for short visits.
Anonymous Hafilat CSC: AED 10, no ID required—ideal for tourists and occasional riders.
Personalized Hafilat CSC: AED 10, linked to Emirates ID—perfect for daily commuters with benefits like lost-card replacement.
Discounted Hafilat Cards: AED 5, issued to senior citizens and People of Determination (often with free or discounted annual passes).

How to Check Hafilat Card Balance Online

The official Hafilat portal is the most secure way to check your balance.

Visit the Hafilat website.
Log in with your email and password (reset if needed).
Select “Recharge Card” from the menu.
Enter your Hafilat card number (skip the first two digits, usually “01”).
Click OK to see your balance.

This method is best if you already use the portal for online recharges or want full access to your transaction history.

Check Hafilat Balance on Your Phone

1. Darbi App (Official Transport App)

The Darbi app, managed by ITC, allows users to plan trips, check real-time bus arrivals, and view Hafilat balances.

Download Darbi on Android or iOS.
Log in or create an account.
Tap the red (+) button, then select Recharge Hafilat.
Enter your card number (excluding the leading “01”).
Your balance appears instantly.

Darbi is the go-to option for commuters who want everything in one place: journey planning, bus timings, and balance updates.

2. Payit App (Digital Wallet by FAB)

Prefer managing all your payments in one app? Payit by First Abu Dhabi Bank also supports Hafilat.

Download the Payit app (Android / iOS).
Log in and go to UAE Bills & Recharge.
Choose Hafilat.
Enter your card number and assign a nickname.
Your balance will be displayed.

This is particularly useful for residents who already use Payit for Etisalat bills, Nol cards, or utility recharges.

3. SMS Balance Inquiry

No apps? No problem. Hafilat supports a simple SMS service.

Open your SMS app.
Type: BAL [your card number] (without spaces).
Send it to 3009.
Receive an instant reply with your balance.

This option is reliable when traveling without internet access.

Check Balance at Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)

If you’re already at a bus terminal or major stop in Abu Dhabi, simply use a TVM:

Insert your card into the machine.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
The machine will display your balance.

TVMs also allow you to top up instantly with cash or card.

Pro Tips for Managing Your Hafilat Card

Always keep at least AED 10 on your card to avoid last-minute issues.
For daily commuters, consider the weekly (AED 30) or monthly (AED 80) unlimited pass.
Register a personalized card for added protection in case of loss.
Bookmark the Hafilat portal or install Darbi for quick access.

For more guides on Abu Dhabi mobility and lifestyle, check our transportation hub on TheDubaiWeb.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Hafilat card used for?
It’s a smart card for paying bus fares in Abu Dhabi. It allows seamless travel within the city and intercity routes.

2. How do I find my Hafilat card number?
Flip your card—your unique serial number is printed on the back. Ignore the leading digits “01” when entering it online.

3. Can I check my Hafilat balance online?
Yes. Visit the official Hafilat portal or use the Darbi app.

4. What apps support Hafilat balance checks?
Both Darbi (ITC’s official app) and Payit (digital wallet by FAB).

5. What is the minimum balance requirement?
AED 10 is generally recommended to board buses, especially for longer routes.

6. What is the maximum top-up limit?
AED 150 is the maximum balance allowed on a Hafilat card.

7. How long does a monthly Hafilat pass last?
The monthly pass is valid for 30 days and costs AED 80, offering unlimited rides within Abu Dhabi city.

8. Where can I recharge my Hafilat card offline?
At ticket vending machines, MBME kiosks, and Customer Happiness Centers across Abu Dhabi.

Final Word

Your Hafilat card isn’t just a bus ticket—it’s your passport to affordable, efficient, and sustainable travel in Abu Dhabi. With multiple ways to check your balance—from the official portal and Darbi app to SMS and vending machines—you’ll never have to worry about missing a bus again.

For more smart travel tips, guides, and local insights, trust TheDubaiWeb.com—your go-to source for navigating life in the UAE.

Author
Recent Posts

Shahzeen Usman

Shahzeen is a full-time content writer and passionate storyteller, dedicated to covering the latest trends, breaking news, and viral stories on TheDubaiWeb.com. With a sharp eye for what’s new and now, she delivers engaging, up-to-date content that keeps readers informed and entertained.

Latest posts by Shahzeen Usman (see all)