Hafilat Card: Things to Know about Public Transport Card

If Dubai has the nol card, Sharjah the Sayer Card, Abu Dhabi has one, too — the Hafilat Card. If you’re planning to travel around Abu Dhabi, this smart card is an essential companion. The Hafilat Card is a convenient and efficient way to pay for public transportation services in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.

From its features and benefits to how to obtain one and use it for various modes of transportation, this guide has got you covered. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist on Abu Dhabi roads, understanding the ins and outs of the Hafilat Card will make your journey seamless and enjoyable. Keep on reading to learn more.

Contents

The Hafilat card serves as a currency token specifically designed for covering public bus expenses in Abu Dhabi.

It caters to various user categories, including students, tourists, personalized cardholders, senior citizens, and individuals with special needs.

You can choose between two types of Hafilat cards: the Permanent cards, which remain valid for a duration of 5 years, and the Temporary cards, with a validity period of 30 days.

When using the Hafilat card, the fare is calculated automatically based on the distance of your journey.

However, it’s essential to remember that you must swipe the card both before and after each trip to ensure accurate fare calculation and a smooth travel experience.

Types of Hafilat Card

Anonymous (grey) and Personalized (green) cards| Hafilat

The Hafilat Card is a versatile payment option for public bus transportation in Abu Dhabi. Whether you are a student, a senior citizen, a person with special needs, or a frequent traveler, there’s a Hafilat Card designed to meet your specific needs.

Contactless Smart Ticket (Temporary)

Validity: 30 Days
This card is ideal for short-term visitors or occasional travelers. It allows you to use Abu Dhabi’s public buses for a period of 30 days from the date of activation. It is a convenient choice for tourists exploring the city or anyone needing temporary access to public transportation.

Contactless Smart Card Students

Validity: 5 Years
This card is exclusively for students enrolled in educational institutions within Abu Dhabi. It offers a long-term solution for students to conveniently commute to and from their schools or universities for up to 5 years. Students need to provide valid identification and enrollment proof to obtain this card.

Contactless Smart Card Anonymous

Validity: 5 Years
The Anonymous card is a flexible option for regular commuters who prefer not to provide personal information. It offers a 5-year validity and is suitable for those who wish to maintain their privacy while using public buses in Abu Dhabi.

Contactless Smart Card Personalized

Validity: 5 Years
The Personalized card is linked to an individual’s identity and offers added benefits. Users can register the card in their name, allowing for easy replacement if lost or stolen. Additionally, personalized cards may provide access to certain promotions or discounts.

Contactless Smart Card Senior Citizen

Validity: 5 Years
This card is exclusively for senior citizens aged 60 years and above. It offers a 5-year validity and allows seniors to enjoy convenient and affordable public transportation within Abu Dhabi.

Contactless Smart Card Special Needs/Disabled

Validity: 5 Years
Designed for individuals with special needs or disabilities, this card ensures ease of travel and accessibility. It grants holders a 5-year validity, making it a reliable companion for their transportation needs.

Benefits of Hafilat Card for Travelers in Abu Dhabi

The Hafilat Card is a versatile and convenient tool that enhances your travel experience in Abu Dhabi. As a passenger, you can enjoy a range of benefits with this smart card, making your journeys more efficient and enjoyable. Let’s explore them:

Travel Passes and T-Purse Top-up: With a Hafilat Card, passengers have the flexibility to choose between travel passes and cash top-up options via a T-purse. This means you can opt for a prepaid pass that allows unlimited rides within a specified time period, or you can load the card with cash and pay for individual trips as you go.
Ease of Use: Hafilat Card passes are designed to be user-friendly, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Once you have your card, you can simply tap it on the designated card reader when boarding a bus, and you’re good to go. No need to worry about carrying change or purchasing tickets each time you travel.
Freedom to Explore: For frequent travelers, the Hafilat Card provides the freedom to move around Abu Dhabi effortlessly. Whether you’re a student commuting to school, a tourist exploring the city’s attractions, or a local resident going about your daily routine, the Hafilat Card ensures a hassle-free journey.
Customized Options: There are six different types of Hafilat Cards available, catering to various demands and requirements. Whether you’re a student, senior citizen, person with special needs, or a visitor, there’s a card tailored to suit your needs.
Pre-Paid Convenience: The Hafilat Card operates on a pre-paid system, similar to a debit card. You can load the card with credit at designated locations, and the fare for each trip is deducted automatically when you tap the card. This eliminates the need to carry cash and simplifies your travel expenses.
Regional Bus Services: The convenience of the Hafilat Card extends to regional bus services as well. This means that you can use the same card for travel not only within Abu Dhabi but also to explore nearby regions efficiently.

By availing yourself of the Hafilat Card and its multiple benefits, you can make the most of your time in Abu Dhabi. Experience the city’s diverse offerings, commute with ease, and enjoy a stress-free travel experience, all thanks to this smart and practical travel companion – the Hafilat Card!

Purchasing Hafilat Cards

Anonymous Hafilat Cards offer a convenient and hassle-free way to travel around Abu Dhabi’s public transportation system. If you’re looking to purchase or recharge these cards, here’s a simple guide to help you out.

Where to Buy Anonymous Hafilat Cards

Ticket Vending Machines (TVM): Ticket Vending Machines can be found at various locations spread across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. These machines allow you to purchase an Anonymous Hafilat Card swiftly and easily.
Lulu Hypermarket branches: You can also buy Anonymous Hafilat Cards at all branches of Lulu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain city, and Dhafra Region. This option provides added accessibility and convenience for getting your card.

Where to Recharge Anonymous Hafilat Cards:

Ticket Vending Machines (TVM): After purchasing your Anonymous Hafilat Card, you can recharge it at any Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) located throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. These machines accept cash or card payments for topping up your card balance.
Public Transport: Some public transportation stations and hubs also offer facilities to recharge your card. Simply look for designated recharge points at these locations.
Hafilat Ticket Machines: Dedicated Hafilat Ticket Machines are available at specific spots, making it easy to add credit to your card whenever needed.
Online – Darb website: The Darb website provides a user-friendly online platform for Card recharge. Follow these steps to recharge your card:

Visit the website https://hafilat.darb.ae/
Click on the “Recharge card” option.
Enter the card’s serial number, which is located at the bottom of the card.
Choose the amount you wish to recharge and proceed with the payment process.

Important Note: The Anonymous Hafilat Card has a validity period of 5 years from the date of issuance. Ensure to recharge it regularly to enjoy uninterrupted travel on Abu Dhabi’s public transportation system.

Card Fares for Different Trips

Understanding the cost and fares associated with various trips using this Card is essential to plan your journey and make the most out of your travel experience.

1. Local Trips (Inside the City):

Fare: AED 2
Description: For trips within the city limits of Abu Dhabi, a flat fare of AED 2 will be charged when using the Hafilat Card. This includes short distances and standard routes within the city.

2. Regional Trips (Suburbs):

Fare: AED 2 + AED 0.05 per kilometer.
Description: If your journey takes you to the suburbs or areas located outside the city center, you will be charged a base fare of AED 2, along with an additional AED 0.05 per kilometer traveled. This fare structure applies to trips where the distance covered extends beyond the city boundaries.

3. Inter-City Trips:

Fare: AED 10 + AED 0.1 per kilometer.
Description: For longer journeys that involve traveling between cities or significant distances, such as trips from Abu Dhabi to nearby cities or destinations, the Hafilat Card fare is AED 10 as a base fare, and an additional AED 0.1 per kilometer traveled.

Important Tips and Reminders:

Ensure Sufficient Balance: Before commencing your trip, make sure your Card has enough balance to cover the fare. You can recharge your card at various designated locations, including ticket offices, ticket vending machines, or through digital platforms.
Swipe In and Out: To ensure the correct fare calculation, remember to swipe your Card at the card reader both before and after your journey. Failure to do so may result in incorrect charges or penalties.
Check for Validity: For Temporary cards, keep track of the validity period (30 days) to avoid any inconvenience during your travel.
Plan Your Route: If you are unsure about the fare for a specific trip, plan your journey in advance. You can use online route planners or consult with customer service representatives to get an estimate of the fare.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the types of Hafilat Cards available?

The Anonymous Hafilat Card and the Personalized Hafilat Card are two distinct types of smart cards used for public transportation in Abu Dhabi.

The key difference lies in their ownership and identification.

The Anonymous Hafilat Card is not linked to any specific individual and can be purchased by anyone without providing personal information.

It offers convenience for those who prefer to maintain anonymity while using public transport.

On the other hand, the Personalized Hafilat Card is associated with the customer’s name and ID number, making it a personalized and secure option.

To obtain a Personalized Hafilat Card, individuals need to provide their ID proof at the Customer’s Happiness Centres.

This card is suitable for those seeking a more personalized experience and additional security features.

2. Where can you buy an Anonymous Hafilat Card, and what is the cost?

– You can purchase an Anonymous Hafilat Card at Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) across Abu Dhabi or any branch of Lulu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain city, and Dhafra Region.

– The cost of the Anonymous Hafilat Card is AED 10.

3. How can you recharge the balance on an Anonymous Hafilat Card?

– You can recharge the balance on an Anonymous Hafilat Card at Ticket Vending Machines (TVM), Public Transport centers, Hafilat Ticket Machines, and online through the Darb website.

4. What is the process to recharge a Hafilat card on the Darb website?

– Visit the website https://hafilat.darb.ae/

– Click on “Recharge card.”

– Enter the card’s serial number, located at the bottom of the card, to recharge.

– This Card has a validity of 5 years.

5. What are the various types of Hafilat Passes available, and how can you obtain them?

– Weekly Pass, Monthly Pass, Student Pass, Senior Citizen Pass, People of Determination (POD) Pass.

– The Weekly and Monthly Passes can be acquired at ticket offices or Ticket Vending Machines.

– Student, Senior Citizen, and POD passes can be obtained at Customer’s Happiness Centres.

6. How do you check the balance and the status of a Hafilat Card?

– To check the balance, use the card within a year; otherwise, the balance will expire.

– To check the status, visit https://hafilat.darb.ae/Identification.aspx and enter the card number.

7. What is T-Purse, and where is it valid?

– T-Purse is an electronic wallet used for transportation expenses in Abu Dhabi city and regional buses.

– It can be used at Ticket Office Machine counters, Ticket Vending Machines, and Banknote Reloader devices.

– The fare for T-Purse varies based on the service used (regional or express).

Summary

In conclusion, the Hafilat Card is undoubtedly an indispensable tool for anyone traveling around Abu Dhabi. Just like the nol card in Dubai and the Sayer Card in Sharjah, the Hafilat Card simplifies public transportation by offering a convenient and efficient payment method.

Whether you are a local resident or a tourist exploring Abu Dhabi, having this Card in your pocket ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable journey across the city and its suburbs.

The ease of use, along with the flexibility and benefits it offers, makes the Hafilat Card a must-have companion for all your travel needs.

So, be sure to get your Hafilat Card and make the most of your transportation experience in this vibrant capital city of the UAE. Happy travels!