Complete Guide to Hafilat Balance Check and Card Recharge Online in Abu Dhabi 2026 | Step-by-Step Instructions for Residents and Visitors

If you frequently travel in Abu Dhabi using public transport, managing your Hafilat card balance and knowing how to recharge your Hafilat card online is essential. The Hafilat card is Abu Dhabi’s official smart card for public buses and intercity travel, making commuting faster, smoother, and cashless. Whether you are a resident, visitor, or student, this complete guide to hafilat balance check and card recharge online 2026 will help you understand all the available methods, tips, and best practices.

Visit For Step-by-Step Instructions for Residents and Visitors

What is Hafilat Card and Why You Need It

The Hafilat card is a smart travel card designed for public buses and intercity transport in Abu Dhabi. With this card, passengers can simply tap to board or exit buses, and the fare is automatically deducted from the balance.

Why You Need a Hafilat Card:

Simplifies public transport payments
Saves time during boarding
Supports Abu Dhabi’s smart city initiatives
Provides easy online and offline recharging options
Offers discounted fares for students, seniors, and people of determination

Types of Hafilat Cards and Eligibility

Card Type	Eligibility	Cost	Validity	Benefits
Anonymous	Travellers & privacy seekers	AED 10	16 years	Instant use, no personal data
Personalized	UAE residents & frequent users	Free	16 years	Secure, online services, balance recovery
Student	Students enrolled in UAE institutions	AED 5	5 years	Discounted fares, annual passes
Senior Citizen	UAE residents 55+	AED 5	5 years	Free off-peak travel, 50% discount peak
People of Determination	Approved disability	AED 5	5 years	Free travel for cardholder & companion
Temporary Card (CST)	Short-term visitors	Free	30 days	Instant use, limited validity

Hafilat Balance Check Methods in 2026

There are multiple ways to check Hafilat card balance for both residents and visitors. Choosing the right method depends on your preference—online, offline, via app, or at physical locations.

1. Online Balance Check via Darb Portal

Visit the official Darb portal: https://hafilat.darb.ae
Register or log in using email, Emirates ID, and traffic number
Navigate to Public Transport → Hafilat Cards → Online Services → Recharge Card
Enter your 16-digit Hafilat card serial number
Submit and view your current balance, expiry date, and recent transactions

2. Hafilat Balance Check via Darb Mobile App

Download the Darb Abu Dhabi Mobile App from App Store or Google Play
Sign up or log in using your mobile number, email, and OTP verification
Tap the “+” icon → Recharge Hafilat Card
Enter your 16-digit card number and tap Add Card
Select your linked card to view balance, expiry, and last five transactions

3. Hafilat Balance Check via Payit Wallet App

Install Payit Wallet from App Store or Google Play
Create an account or log in
Go to UAE Bills & Recharge → Public Transport → Hafilat Card Balance & Recharge
Add your card, then view balance and transaction history

4. Offline Balance Check Methods

SMS Service: Send BAL <16-digit card number> to 3009
Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Available at major bus stations, malls, and terminals
Onboard Bus Readers: Tap card on intercity buses for instant balance
Customer Service Counters: ITC centers and bus station desks
Retail Partner Outlets: LuLu Hypermarkets, SPAR, Co-op branches

How to Recharge Hafilat Card Online

Online Recharge via Darb Portal

Log in to Darb portal
Select Hafilat Card Services → Top Up
Enter your 16-digit card number and select amount (AED 10–500)
Add payment details (Visa, MasterCard, Mada) and complete OTP verification
Confirmation will show updated balance and a downloadable receipt

Recharge via Darb App

Tap Top Up, select the amount, and pay with linked debit/credit card or Payit wallet

Recharge via Payit Wallet

Navigate to Hafilat Card Recharge and select your card. Payment updates instantly

Offline Recharge

TVMs, retail partner outlets, and bus readers also allow offline top-ups

Hafilat Card Passes and Fares

Pass Type	Description	Fare
Daily Pass	Unlimited travel for one day	AED 12
Weekly Pass	Unlimited travel for 7 consecutive days	AED 35
Monthly Pass	Unlimited travel for a calendar month	AED 80
Student Pass	Term-based unlimited travel	AED 120
Senior Citizen Pass	Free off-peak; 50% peak discount	Free / 50%
People of Determination Pass	Unlimited free travel	Free

Tips to Maintain Hafilat Balance

Enable Auto-Recharge via Darb or Payit
Set reminders to check balance weekly
Keep a minimum AED 20 on your card for emergencies
Top up in bulk to avoid frequent recharges
Track usage via apps to plan trips efficiently
Use official channels only to avoid scams

How to Apply for a Hafilat Card

Step 1: Identify Card Type and Required Documents

Anonymous: AED 10, no documents required
Personalized: Free, Emirates ID and passport for residents/visitors
Student / Senior / People of Determination: AED 5, ID and eligibility proof

Step 2: Find Nearby Locations

ITC Headquarters, Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, Al Ain Bus Terminal, selected Lulu branches, and Abu Dhabi Airport

Step 3: Collect Your Card

Submit documents, pay if applicable, and get your card instantly
Personalized cards may have your photo and name laser-etched

Hafilat Card Usage on Buses

Before Boarding: Ensure card is valid and has sufficient balance
Boarding: Tap in at the validator and wait for beep confirmation
Exiting: Tap out to deduct the correct fare
Check Balance: Validator screen shows remaining balance

Tip: Always tap both in and out to avoid incorrect charges

Conclusion

Managing your Hafilat card balance and knowing how to recharge online or offline is crucial for a smooth travel experience in Abu Dhabi. For maximum convenience, the Darb mobile app covers nearly 90% of balance and recharge needs. Keep your card safe, top up regularly, and plan ahead to avoid travel interruptions.

By following this complete guide to Hafilat balance check and card recharge online in Abu Dhabi 2026, residents, visitors, and students can enjoy hassle-free commuting, quick boarding, and efficient travel planning.