Temporary Hafilat Card Abu Dhabi: Everything Tourists Need to Know 2026

You should get a temporary Hafilat card if any of the following apply to you:

Residents of Abu Dhabi who live or work there permanently should instead apply for the standard Permanent Hafilat Card, which offers additional benefits and is linked to an Emirates ID.

Many visitors in Abu Dhabi use taxis for convenience, but transportation costs can add up quickly. A temporary Hafilat card offers a budget-friendly alternative.

Here’s why many tourists choose it:

If you plan to use buses more than once or twice during your stay, it can save you a noticeable amount of money.

Getting a temporary Hafilat card is fast, straightforward, and requires no documentation. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Find a purchase point

Head to the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Terminal (Al Wahda), Al Mushrif Bus Terminal, or any authorized Hafilat Card vending machine located at major bus stations and ferry terminals.

Step 2: Pay the card fee (AED 5)

The card itself costs a non-refundable AED 5 (approximately USD 1.36). This is a one-time fee that covers the card issuance. No ID or Emirates ID is required for the temporary card.

Step 3: Load initial credit

You must top up a minimum of AED 10 at the time of purchase. You can load up to AED 500 in total credit on the card. The AED 5 card fee is separate from your travel credit.

Step 4: Your card is ready to use

The card is activated instantly. Simply tap it on the card reader when boarding any Hafilat bus, water bus, or ferry. No registration required.

Pricing can change over time depending on transport authority policies, but generally tourists can expect:

You then pay per trip from the Hafilat balance available on the card. Because transport fares are distance-based, the total cost depends on how often and how far you travel. Even with regular use, it remains one of the cheapest ways to move around Abu Dhabi.

Visitors can usually purchase a temporary Hafilat Card from the following:

Tourists can easily buy Hafilat cards from several locations by clicking the given link.

note

Popular locations include the following:

Buying one is usually quick and does not require complicated paperwork.

Note for Tourists: Cards are also available at some hotels and visitor centers in partnership with the ITC. Ask your hotel concierge; they may be able to assist with the purchase, especially at major tourist hotels near Yas Island or the Corniche.

Recharging Hafilat card is simple. Tourists can top up their balance through the following:

Steps usually include:

Many travelers top up enough credit for several days to avoid frequent recharging.

Note: The maximum balance you can hold on a temporary Hafilat card at any time is AED 500. Always check your balance before long journeys, especially if you are traveling between cities such as Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

There are four quick ways to check how much credit remains on your card:

Using the card is straightforward.

One of the biggest advantages of using the Temporary Hafilat Card over cash is the significant fare discount. Card users benefit from reduced fares compared to cash payments on routes where cash is still accepted.

Route Type	Cash Fare	Hafilat Card Fare	Saving
City bus (single trip)	AED 2	AED 1	50%
Inter-city (Abu Dhabi–Al Ain)	AED 25	AED 15	40%
Abu Dhabi–Dubai route	AED 25	AED 20	20%
Water bus (standard)	AED 2	AED 1	50%
Express bus (Al Ain)	AED 30	AED 20	33%

The Temporary Hafilat Card is accepted across Abu Dhabi’s public transport network, including the following:

For most visitors, yes. If you’re staying in Abu Dhabi for several days and planning to explore different parts of the city, the temporary Hafilat Card can offer the following:

It’s especially useful for:

Sources

ITC website https://admobility.gov.ae/
Ticket vending machine
 ITC customer service counter