Buses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra run on the Hafilat smart card. You tap on and off, and the fare is worked out from the distance you travel. Choosing the right card, and the right permit if you qualify, can cut your fares to nothing.
Choosing a Hafilat Card
| Card | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Anonymous | AED 10, valid 16 years | No paperwork. If lost or damaged, you lose the balance unless the card is linked to a UAE ID. |
| Personalised | Free, valid 16 years | Balance can be transferred if the card is lost or damaged, and it is needed for annual permits. |
Passes work on either card: a 7-day pass costs AED 35 and a 30-day pass AED 95, covering the city and suburbs of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Intercity services are not included.
Annual Permits (Personalised Card Only)
| Permit | Cost | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Student | AED 500 a year | Students with proof of enrolment |
| Senior | Free | Residents and citizens aged 55 and over |
| People of determination | Free, with one free companion permit | Approved cardholders. The companion must hold a Personalised card. |
Each permit gives unlimited free bus trips across Abu Dhabi city and suburbs, Al Ain and Al Dhafra for one year.
How to Get a Personalised Card or Permit
- Visit a Customer Happiness Office at an Abu Dhabi bus station or the airport. If you apply online, bring a copy of the application and payment receipt.
- Bring your Emirates ID, or your passport and visa if you are a visitor.
- For a student permit, bring proof of enrolment. For a senior permit, proof of age.
- Have your photo taken at the counter.
Visitors can also buy an Anonymous card with no documents. Cards are sold at bus stations, ticket machines, the airport and some retailers, and you can recharge in the TAMM app or at machines.
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