Bus Tickets for Pongal Booking 2026: Pongal is the biggest travel season in Tamil Nadu, and Pongal 2026 bus tickets are expected to be in extremely high demand as lakhs of people travel from Chennai and other cities to their hometowns. To manage this festive rush, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and SETC are operating thousands of special buses across the state, along with regular services.
If you are planning to travel for Pongal 2026, here is everything you need to know about booking dates, special bus services, routes, terminals, and tips to avoid last-minute issues.
Bus Tickets for Pongal Booking 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Pongal 2026 |
| Special Bus Dates | Jan 9 – Jan 14, 2026 |
| Return Services | Jan 16 – Jan 19, 2026 |
| Main City | Chennai |
| Major Bus Termini | KCBT Kilambakkam, CMBT Koyambedu, Madhavaram, Tambaram, Poonamallee |
| Purpose | Reduce traffic congestion |
| Route Management | Outer Ring Road diversions |
| Bus Operator | TNSTC / SETC |
| Booking Mode | Online & App |
When Will Pongal 2026 Bus Ticket Booking Open?
TNSTC usually opens Pongal ticket bookings around 90 days in advance. For Pongal 2026, bookings are expected to start by October 2025, especially for long-distance routes.
Due to heavy demand, passengers are strongly advised to:
- Book government buses as early as possible
- Avoid last-minute bookings with private omni buses, which often increase fares during festivals
How to Book Pongal 2026 Bus Tickets
TNSTC / SETC (Government Buses)
Passengers can book tickets through multiple official and trusted channels:
- Official Website: www.tnstc.in
- TNSTC Mobile App
- WhatsApp Booking: Send “Hi” or “வணக்கம்” to 94440 18898
- Bus Aggregators: RedBus, AbhiBus (TNSTC services available)
Private Omni Buses
Private operators also run Pongal services, but fares may be higher.
Always compare prices and boarding points before confirming.
Chennai Bus Terminals for Pongal 2026
| Bus Terminus | Major Destinations |
|---|---|
| Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT), Kilambakkam | Madurai, Trichy, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Coimbatore, Salem, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Chidambaram |
| Dr. M.G.R. Bus Terminus (CMBT), Koyambedu | Bengaluru, Vellore, Kanchipuram, Tiruttani, ECR routes |
| Madhavaram New Bus Terminus | Andhra Pradesh routes, Ponneri, Uthukkottai, select Tamil Nadu routes |
| Tambaram / MEPZ (Temporary Stops) | Delta districts, South Tamil Nadu |
| Poonamallee Bypass | Vellore, Hosur, Tirupati, Tiruttani |
Total Bus Services for Pongal 2026
To handle the festival rush efficiently:
- Total buses statewide: 34,087
- Regular services: 12,552
- Special buses: 21,535
- Buses operating from Chennai: 22,797
- Special buses from other districts: 11,290
- Return journey buses: 25,008
Feeder buses will operate 24×7 between major terminals to help passengers reach boarding points.
SETC Introduces New Volvo AC Buses
For the first time in Tamil Nadu, SETC has introduced Volvo Multi-Axle AC Semi Sleeper buses on select long-distance routes. These buses offer:
- Air-conditioned comfort
- Advanced safety features
- Improved ride quality for overnight travel
These services are expected to be popular during Pongal 2026.
Important Helpline & Support Numbers
Passengers can get booking help, service details, or file complaints using the following contacts:
- TNSTC Website: www.tnstc.in
- 24×7 Helpline: 94450 14436
- Online Reservation Help: 08066 006572 / 95139 48001
- Omni Bus Overcharging Complaints: 1800 425 6151
- WhatsApp Support: 94450 14448
Tips to Book Pongal 2026 Bus Tickets Easily
- Book tickets as early as possible
- Prefer TNSTC / SETC buses for reliable fares
- Recheck boarding points (temporary stands may apply)
- Avoid peak-day travel if flexible
- Confirm return tickets early to avoid shortages
Pongal Special Bus Travel – Do’s & Don’ts
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Book tickets early | Don’t wait till last minute |
| Check correct bus terminal | Don’t go to the wrong boarding point |
| Carry ticket & ID proof | Don’t travel without valid ticket |
| Reach boarding point early | Don’t arrive at departure time |
| Follow TNSTC instructions | Don’t ignore announcements |
| Use official booking sites | Don’t trust unofficial agents |
| Confirm return journey | Don’t assume return buses are available |
FAQs
Q1. When will Pongal 2026 special buses operate?
Pongal special buses will operate from January 9 to January 14, 2026, with return services from January 16 to January 19, 2026.
Q2. When does booking open for Pongal 2026 bus tickets?
Bookings usually open around 90 days in advance, typically from October 2025.
Q3. Where can I book Pongal special bus tickets?
You can book through www.tnstc.in, the TNSTC mobile app, WhatsApp booking, or platforms like RedBus and AbhiBus.
Q4. From which bus stands do Pongal special buses operate in Chennai?
Special buses operate from Kilambakkam (KCBT), CMBT Koyambedu, Madhavaram, Tambaram/MEPZ, and Poonamallee Bypass.
Q5. Are private omni buses available during Pongal?
Yes, private buses operate during Pongal, but fares may be higher than TNSTC buses.
Q6. Will there be special buses from other districts?
Yes, 11,290 special buses will operate between major towns and cities across Tamil Nadu.
Q7. Are return journey buses available after Pongal?
Yes, 25,008 buses will operate for return journeys from January 16–19, 2026.
Q8. Do Pongal special buses follow route diversions?
Yes, many buses use the Outer Ring Road (ORR) to avoid city traffic congestion.
Q9. Is WhatsApp booking available for TNSTC buses?
Yes, passengers can send “Hi” or “வணக்கம்” to 94440 18898 to access WhatsApp booking services.
Q10. What is the best way to avoid last-minute travel issues?
Book early, confirm boarding points, arrive early at terminals, and prefer TNSTC/SETC buses.
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