How to get Abu Dhabi public transport pass for unlimited bus travel
A guide to getting a Hafilat card and recharge it for unlimited rides, starting from Dh35
ABU DHABI: Public transport users in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can now enjoy unlimited bus travel with a 7-day or 30-day pass, making commuting within the emirate affordable and convenient.
Whether you're a visitor exploring Abu Dhabi or a resident looking for a cost-effective travel option, the public transport pass allows unlimited bus rides across Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
However, it does not cover inter-city bus trips.
Pass prices and validity
- Dh35 – Seven-day pass
- Dh95 – 30-day pass
The pass is available to anyone with a Hafilat Smart Card, which is required to access Abu Dhabi’s public transport network.
Types of Hafilat Cards
Anonymous Hafilat Card
- Cost: Dh10
- Validity: 16 years
- Who can get it? Anyone, without the need for ID
Note: If lost or damaged, the balance cannot be transferred unless linked to an Emirates ID.
Personalised Hafilat Card
- Cost: Free
- Validity: 16 years
- Who can get it? Seniors, students, and people of determination (with subsidies)
- Features: Allows balance transfer in case of loss or damage
To apply for a personalised card, you will need:
- Emirates ID (for residents) or passport and visa (for visitors)
- A personal photo (taken at Customer Happiness Offices)
Where to buy the pass?
Public transport passes can be purchased from multiple locations, including:
- Sales and Recharge Machines (TVM): Locations can be found on the Darbi website (darbi.itc.gov.ae)
- Customer Happiness Offices: Available at major bus stations and Zayed International Airport
- Supermarkets and Exchanges: Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society (SPAR), Al Ain Cooperative Society, Lulu Hypermarket, and Lulu Exchange in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra
- Online: Through the Hafilat website
How to recharge?
Users can top up their Hafilat cards with a maximum of Dh150, valid for three months. To prevent the balance from expiring, simply tap the card at a recharge machine.
Recharge points include:
- Sales and recharge machines at bus stations
- Customer Happiness Centres
- MBME recharge machines in commercial centres (balance updates after two hours)
- Online via Hafilat website (balance updates after two hours)
Subsidised rates for special categories
Eligible commuters can enjoy discounted or free travel under the following schemes:
- Seniors (55+ years) and People of Determination: Monthly pass available for Dh80, while an annual pass is free.
- Students: Annual pass costs Dh500, offering unlimited rides for a year.
- Companions of People of Determination: Travel free with an annual pass.
Applications for subsidised passes require a valid Emirates ID and supporting documents, available at Customer Happiness Offices and online.
Abu Dhabi’s cashless bus system
Passengers must use a Hafilat Smart Card, as cash payments are not accepted on buses. The standard bus fare is Dh2, plus 5 fils per kilometre, with a cap of Dh5 per journey.