If you are new to Abu Dhabi, getting around can be challenging, especially if you don’t own a private vehicle, your workplace doesn’t provide transport or you can’t rely on anyone else to drive you around. What type of transport is available in Abu Dhabi? How can visitors or residents make the most of it for their commute? Here is everything you need to know about Abu Dhabi public transport.
MODES OF ABU DHABI PUBLIC TRANSPORT
ABU DHABI BUS TRANSPORT SERVICE
Operating since 2008, the Public Bus Transportation Service in Abu Dhabi is a Department of Transport (DoT)/Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) venture which caters to the transportation needs of the emirate’s residents.
- Public buses in the emirate operate on a 24/7 basis and are fully air-conditioned with special facilities for people of determination.
- Senior citizens (aged 60 and above) and disabled passengers can travel for free.
- Those planning to use the bus service regularly can use the Hafilat smart card.
HAFILAT CARDS – ABU DHABI PUBLIC TRANSPORT CARD FOR BUSES
A Hafilat smart card enables payment of fares for Abu Dhabi bus transport service. Depending on the type of card obtained, Hafilat cards allow passengers to:
- Obtain travel passes (weekly/monthly)
- Top up with a cash value through a T-purse (electronic wallet)
Easy to use, these passes are a smart incentive that gives frequent commuters the flexibility they need to travel across Abu Dhabi with ease.
TYPES OF HAFILAT CARDS
There are six types of Hafilat cards, designed to accommodate different needs. For a better understanding of how an Abu Dhabi bus card works, here is a rundown of prices for each category and other details:
- Contactless Smart Ticket CST (Temporary Use): This is free and is valid for a month (30 days) from the date of purchase.
- Contactless Smart Card Anonymous CSC (Permanent Use): Available for AED 10, this card is valid for five years
- Contactless Smart Card Personalised CSC (Permanent Use): This card is available for AED 10, with a validity of five years.
- Contactless Smart Card Senior Citizen CSC: This is available for AED 5 and remains valid for five years
- Contactless Smart Card Special Needs/Disabled CSC: The cost of this card is AED 5 and it is valid for five years
- Contactless Smart Card Students: The card offers a validity of up to five years and costs AED 5.
To register for Abu Dhabi public transport card online, you can visit the Hafilat recharge website (www.hafilat.darb.ae)
HAFILAT CARD AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT FEES
- Local trips (inside the city): AED 2
- Regional trips (suburbs): AED 2 + AED 0.05 per kilometer.
- Inter-city trips: AED 10 + AED 0.1 per kilometer
- Hafilat Card Cost: AED 10
- Hafilat Card Weekly Pass: AED 30
- Hafilat Card Monthly Pass: AED 80
- Hafilat Senior Citizen/People of determination Pass: Free
Hafilat card outlets are available at shopping malls, bus stations, vending machines for tickets and customer care centres in Abu Dhabi.
Public transport services available for each Hafilat category include local city bus services, suburb bus services and intercity bus services from Abu Dhabi.
For information regarding the Abu Dhabi bus timetable and Abu Dhabi transport routes, visit the DoT website or check this guide on Hafilat Abu Dhabi. Or, read up on everything related to Abu Dhabi’s shuttle bus service.
ROUTES OF PUBLIC BUS TRANSPORT IN ABU DHABI
Public bus system in the emirate is categorised into two major networks: Region and City.
- Bus numbers with the prefix “A” only move to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
- Bus numbers with the prefix “X” are Express buses.
- Minibuses are prefixed with an “M”.
TAXIS
Taxis operate throughout Abu Dhabi. Residents commute using public and private taxis. In addition to regular taxis, the emirate of Abu Dhabi has special taxi services for women, children and people of determination.
- Silver taxis are operated by authorised taxi services with metered fares
- Pink taxis are driven by women and are exclusively for female passengers and children under the age of 10.
- Local ride-hailing services include Uber and Careem
- Most taxi drivers speak Arabic as well as international languages like Tagalog, English and Urdu which is ideal for expats living in the city.
For those who rely on the city’s taxi services frequently, we recommend downloading the Abu Dhabi Taxi app, available for iOS and Android platforms. The app will help you easily book a taxi service in Abu Dhabi.
TAXI FARE
The starting fare of a taxi in Abu Dhabi is AED 8 during the daytime.
FERRY SERVICE
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport operates two passenger and vehicle ferries from the city to Delma Island and back. Operating daily, both ferries enable passengers to make the trip to and from the island in one day.
Passengers are required to carry the following documents before reaching the port:
- Vehicle Registration Card: For transporting a vehicle on a ferry
- Valid ID: Any official ID like a valid Emirates ID, passport, employment card or driving license
FERRY SERVICE FARE
- Passengers aged 12 and above: AED 20
- Passengers aged below 12: Free
- Price of ferrying 1 vehicle: AED 100
Residents can visit the DoT website for additional information regarding safety rules, ferry timetables and port locations. Individuals can also call their toll-free number for further enquiries.
ABU DHABI PUBLIC TRANSPORT APP – DARBI
Darbi is an app introduced by ITC to offer users live data on traffic incidents, conditions, road works and bus and ferry schedules.
Residents can use the app to top up their Hafilat card, book a taxi, pay for Mawaqif parking and reach out to ITC. The “Geofeedback” feature can be used for complaints. The app works on iOS and Android.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ABU DHABI CONTACT INFO
- Location: Mussafah Industrial (Main Office), Visit ITC’s website to know about other happiness centres
- Opening hours: 07:30 am to 03:30 pm | Fri: 07:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Contact: 800-850
FAQs ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN ABU DHABI
IS PUBLIC TRANSPORT GOOD IN ABU DHABI?
Yes, it is quite cheap, reliable and easily accessible.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND ABU DHABI?
You can use a taxi, bus or ferry to commute within the city.
IS THERE ANY PUBLIC TRANSPORT APP IN ABU DHABI?
You can use Darbi app to get real-time information about Abu Dhabi transport.
WHAT IS ABU DHABI PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRICE?
Abu Dhabi public transport price varies based on the type of vehicle. The bus fare starts at AED 2.
DOES ABU DHABI HAVE A METRO?
Not yet, but Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport is working towards this goal. Their initiative, the Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) is carrying out a study about introducing a metro system in the capital.
As per the preliminary information available on the UAE government’s official website, the mass transit system will connect Abu Dhabi island and its communities like Yas Island, Al Raha Beach and Saadiyat Island. The metro is expected to be 131 km.
That brings an end to our guide to the Abu Dhabi public transport system. If you don’t want to rely on buses and taxis for your daily commute, you can consider renting a car in Abu Dhabi. There are many options available from luxury to sports cars. Know about sports and luxury car rentals in Abu Dhabi.
For more information and updates about transportation options in Abu Dhabi or beyond, stay tuned to MyBayut.
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I forget my phone in abu Dhabi city bus at Marian mall bus 026 at
8:34 am were can i go to look for the phone
Hi,
For reclaiming lost items, please contact the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport at their toll free number: 800 88888. Have a great day!
Abu Dhabi public transportation will available tomorrow? Is it closing for the weekend?
Hi Raj! In answer to your query, the government has announced that all public transport in the UAE will be closed from 08:00 pm from March 26th until 06:00 am on March 29th. Hope this helps. Have a great day!