Planning a journey from Alor Setar, Malaysia to Abu Dhabi, UAE? This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need for this international route. While there are no direct flights available between these two destinations, several connecting flight options can get you there comfortably. From layover durations to airport facilities, we've covered everything to make your travel planning easier with Traveloka.
Direct Flights
No direct flights available.
Layover Flights
Route: Alor Setar (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Doha (Qatar) → Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad
Total Flight Duration: 19h 45m
Aircraft: Boeing 737, Airbus A350, Airbus A320
Layovers:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia layover for 5h 10m
- Hamad International Airport (DOH), Doha, Qatar layover for 2h 45m
Disclaimer: Flight schedules, durations, and layover times are subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly with Traveloka for the most up-to-date information before your journey.
About Kuala Lumpur International Airport - Kuala Lumpur
Location
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is located in Sepang district, approximately 45 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur city center. As Malaysia's main international gateway, KLIA serves millions of passengers annually and connects to destinations worldwide. The airport's strategic location makes it an ideal transit point for travelers heading to the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi.
Airport Terminal
KLIA consists of two main terminals: KLIA Main Terminal and KLIA2. For flights connecting to Doha and onward to Abu Dhabi, you'll likely depart from the KLIA Main Terminal, which houses most full-service carriers including Malaysia Airlines. The terminal is well-designed with clear signage to help you navigate easily between check-in counters, immigration, security screening, and departure gates.
Transport to Airport
Getting to KLIA from Alor Setar or Kuala Lumpur city center offers several convenient options:
- KLIA Ekspres: The fastest way to reach the airport from KL Sentral, taking just 28 minutes with trains departing every 30 minutes.
- KLIA Transit: Stops at intermediate stations between KL Sentral and KLIA.
- Taxi and Ride-sharing: Available throughout Kuala Lumpur with journey times of approximately 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
- Airport Coach and Bus Services: Multiple operators provide regular services from KL Sentral and other locations around the city.
- Private Car: The airport has ample parking facilities if you're driving yourself.
Facilities
KLIA offers world-class amenities to ensure a comfortable transit experience:
- Shopping: Extensive duty-free shopping areas featuring international brands and local products
- Dining: Wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and food courts offering Malaysian and international cuisine
- Lounges: Multiple premium lounges including the Malaysian Airlines Golden Satellite Lounge, highly recommended for its comfort and excellent catering
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal
- Prayer Rooms: Dedicated prayer facilities for Muslim travelers
- Rest Areas: Comfortable seating areas and sleeping pods
- Currency Exchange: Multiple counters offering competitive rates
- Medical Services: First aid facilities and pharmacy
- Children's Play Areas: Designated spaces for families traveling with children
- Baggage Services: Storage, wrapping, and porter services
About Zayed International Airport - Abu Dhabi
Location
Zayed International Airport (formerly Abu Dhabi International Airport) is located approximately 30 kilometers east of Abu Dhabi city center. As the second-largest airport in the UAE, it serves as the primary hub for Etihad Airways and connects Abu Dhabi to destinations across six continents.
Airport Terminal
Zayed International Airport features multiple terminals, with Terminal 1 being the main facility. The terminal underwent significant expansion in recent years with the addition of Concourses D and E in March 2025. The airport's terminal features include:
- Concourse A: 10 passenger gates with jet bridges, including two designed for Airbus A380 aircraft
- Concourse B: 10 passenger gates with jet bridges, including two A380-compatible gates
- Concourse C: 24 passenger gates with jet bridges and 44 remote gates
- Concourses D and E: Recently opened facilities expanding the airport's capacity
- Future plans for Concourse F are under consideration
The terminal is designed for efficient passenger flow with clear signage in multiple languages including English and Arabic.
Transport From Airport
Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, you have several transport options to reach your destination:
- Taxis: Available 24/7 outside the arrivals area, with metered fares to the city center
- Airport Shuttle: Regular services to major hotels and destinations within Abu Dhabi
- Public Buses: Operated by Abu Dhabi's Department of Transport, connecting the airport to various parts of the city
- Car Rental: Multiple international and local car rental companies have counters at the airport
- Chauffeur Service: Premium transfer services are available, particularly for business class passengers on Etihad Airways
Facilities
Zayed International Airport offers comprehensive facilities for arriving passengers:
- Shopping: Duty-free shops featuring luxury brands, electronics, and local souvenirs
- Dining: Various restaurants and cafes offering Middle Eastern and international cuisine
- Lounges: Premium lounges including Al Safwa First Class Lounge and Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal
- Prayer Rooms: Multiple prayer facilities throughout the airport
- Currency Exchange: Several counters offering competitive rates
- Medical Services: On-site medical clinic and pharmacy
- Rest Areas: Comfortable seating areas and sleeping pods for transit passengers
- Children's Play Areas: Designated spaces for families
- Baggage Services: Lost and found, storage, and porter services
FAQ Alor Setar to Abu Dhabi Flight
- Question: What is the most common route from Alor Setar to Abu Dhabi?
Answer: The most common route involves connecting flights through Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Doha's Hamad International Airport before reaching Abu Dhabi. This typically involves flying with Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Lumpur, then Qatar Airways to Doha, and finally Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi. - Question: How long is the total journey from Alor Setar to Abu Dhabi?
Answer: The total journey time, including layovers, is approximately 19 hours and 45 minutes. However, this can vary depending on flight schedules and connection times. - Question: Can I carry my own food on these flights?
Answer: Yes, you can carry your own food, but it should be properly packed. However, be aware that there may be restrictions on liquids and certain food items when crossing international borders. Most airlines on this route provide complimentary meals for international flights. - Question: Is alcohol served on these flights?
Answer: Alcohol is typically served on international flights operated by Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways. However, alcohol is not served on domestic flights within Malaysia. - Question: Is web check-in available for this route?
Answer: Yes, passengers can utilize web check-in options for their Alor Setar to Abu Dhabi journey. Most airlines operating on this route offer online check-in through their websites or mobile apps, usually opening 24-48 hours before departure. - Question: What is the baggage allowance for this route?
Answer: Baggage allowance varies by airline and ticket class. Typically, economy class passengers are allowed 20-30kg of checked baggage on international flights, while business class passengers receive 30-40kg. Always verify the specific allowance with your airline when booking through Traveloka. - Question: How early should I arrive at Alor Setar Airport for my flight?
Answer: It's recommended to arrive at Alor Setar Airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight to Kuala Lumpur to allow sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and boarding procedures. - Question: What is the best time of year to travel from Alor Setar to Abu Dhabi?
Answer: The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between November and April when the weather is cooler and more pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Summer months (May to October) can be extremely hot with temperatures often exceeding 40°C.
Other Ways to Travel From Alor Setar to Abu Dhabi
While flying is the only practical option for traveling from Alor Setar to Abu Dhabi due to the geographical distance and bodies of water separating Malaysia and the UAE, here are alternative travel arrangements you might consider:
- Cruise Ship: Though not a direct option, you could potentially take a cruise ship from Port Klang (near Kuala Lumpur) that stops at various ports in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf before reaching the UAE. This would be a lengthy journey of several weeks.
- Combined Land and Sea Travel: This would involve:- Bus or train from Alor Setar to Singapore (approximately 10-12 hours)- Ferry or cruise from Singapore to various ports in India (several days)- Flight from India to Abu Dhabi (3-4 hours)
- Private Charter: For those with substantial budgets, private jet charters can be arranged from Alor Setar or Kuala Lumpur directly to Abu Dhabi, eliminating the need for layovers.
- Alternative Flight Routes: Consider other connecting cities like:- Alor Setar → Singapore → Abu Dhabi- Alor Setar → Bangkok → Abu Dhabi- Alor Setar → Kuala Lumpur → Dubai → Abu Dhabi (short drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi)
Explore Abu Dhabi
Popular Destinations in Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: One of the world's largest mosques featuring stunning architecture with 82 domes, 1,000+ columns, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. The mosque's white marble exterior and reflective pools create a breathtaking sight, especially at sunset.
- Yas Island: An entertainment hub home to Ferrari World (featuring the world's fastest roller coaster), Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, and the Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit. The island also offers premium shopping at Yas Mall and beautiful beaches.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: A stunning art museum established through an agreement between the UAE and France, housing works from throughout human history. The building itself is an architectural marvel with its intricate dome creating a "rain of light" effect.
- Emirates Palace: One of the world's most luxurious hotels featuring 114 domes and gold, crystal, and marble interiors. Even if you're not staying there, visitors can enjoy its restaurants or famous gold-flecked cappuccinos.
- Corniche Beach: An 8-kilometer stretch of pristine beachfront with Blue Flag status, offering swimming areas, playgrounds, and bicycle paths with stunning views of the city skyline.
Popular Cuisine in Abu Dhabi
- Al Machboos: A fragrant rice dish similar to biryani, typically prepared with meat (often chicken or lamb), onions, and a blend of spices including turmeric, cardamom, and dried lemon.
- Shawarma: One of the most popular street foods in Abu Dhabi, consisting of thinly sliced marinated meat (chicken, beef, or lamb) roasted on a vertical spit and served in pita bread with tahini, garlic sauce, and pickles.
- Harees: A traditional dish especially popular during Ramadan, made from wheat berries and meat slow-cooked until creamy, then topped with ghee and cinnamon.
- Luqaimat: Sweet dumplings that are deep-fried until golden and crispy, then drenched in date syrup and sometimes sprinkled with sesame seeds – a popular Emirati dessert.
- Camel Meat Dishes: For the adventurous eater, camel meat is prepared in various ways in traditional Emirati cuisine, often slow-cooked with rice and spices for special occasions.
Planning your journey from Alor Setar to Abu Dhabi is easier with Traveloka. For more information about the airports, check out Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kerteh. Book your tickets today for a seamless travel experience to the magnificent capital of the UAE.
Information about schedule and airline subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly at Traveloka App.