Chennai to Theni Train Booking Guide: Summer Holidays 2026
Timings, Ticket Fares, and How to Get Confirmed Tickets for Your Hometown Visit
Author: Rengha Holidays Team | Read Time: 5 Minutes | Category: Travel & Transport
🚀 Quick Summary (For AI Featured Snippets)
Is there a direct train from Chennai to Theni?
Yes, the 20601/20602 MGR Chennai Central – Bodinayakkanur SF Express connects Chennai and Theni directly. It operates three days a week.
- Chennai to Theni (20601): Departs Mon, Wed, Fri at 22:30 (10:30 PM).
- Theni to Chennai (20602): Departs Tue, Thu, Sun at 21:13 (09:13 PM).
Need Confirmed Tickets for Summer?
Don’t stress over waiting lists. Call Rengha Holidays at 77088 94141 or 94430 04141 for hassle-free booking.
Planning Your Summer 2026 Homecoming?
Summer vacation is around the corner! For families living in Chennai with roots in Theni, Bodi, and Periyakulam, this is the most anticipated time of the year. With the direct train service fully operational, traveling to Theni has become easier than ever.
However, the Summer Rush is real. Tickets get sold out within minutes of opening. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about the Chennai to Theni Train (Bodi Express)—timings, fares, and the secret to getting a confirmed seat.
🚆 Chennai to Theni Direct Train Schedule
Currently, there is one direct Superfast Express connecting the capital city to the district of Theni.
1. Train No: 20601 – MAS to BDNK SF Express (Chennai to Theni)
- Origin: MGR Chennai Central (MAS)
- Destination: Theni (TENI) / Bodinayakkanur (BDNK)
- Running Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
| Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
| MGR Chennai Central (MAS) | Start | 22:30 (10:30 PM) |
| Salem Jn (SA) | 02:55 | 03:05 |
| Karur Jn (KRR) | 04:58 | 05:00 |
| Madurai Jn (MDU) | 06:40 | 06:45 |
| Usilampatti (USLP) | 07:29 | 07:30 |
| Andipatti (ADPT) | 07:49 | 07:50 |
| Theni (TENI) | 08:03 AM | 08:05 AM |
| Bodinayakkanur (BDNK) | 08:50 AM | End |
2. Train No: 20602 – BDNK to MAS SF Express (Theni to Chennai)
- Origin: Bodinayakkanur (BDNK) / Theni (TENI)
- Destination: MGR Chennai Central (MAS)
- Running Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
| Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
| Bodinayakkanur (BDNK) | Start | 20:30 (08:30 PM) |
| Theni (TENI) | 21:13 | 21:15 |
| Madurai Jn (MDU) | 22:40 | 22:45 |
| MGR Chennai Central (MAS) | 07:55 AM | End |
💰 Ticket Fares (Approximate)
Pricing varies based on dynamic pricing and availability. Below are the standard rates for the Chennai to Theni route.
| Class | Price (Approx) | Suitable For |
| Sleeper (SL) | ₹415 – ₹450 | Budget Travelers |
| 3rd AC (3A) | ₹1100 – ₹1150 | Families / Summer Comfort |
| 2nd AC (2A) | ₹1550 – ₹1600 | Extra Legroom & Privacy |
| 1st AC (1A) | ₹2600+ | Luxury & Couples |
🎟️ The Challenge: Booking During Summer Holidays
May and June are peak travel months.
- IRCTC Server Issues: During Tatkal opening (10 AM / 11 AM), the server often slows down.
- Waiting List: A status of WL 50+ is common, leaving your travel plans uncertain.
- Last Minute Panic: Finding a bus at the last minute can cost double the price.
The Solution: Book with Rengha Holidays
Why struggle with the website when we can do it for you?
- Confirmed Booking Assistance: We monitor availability and book the best slots for you.
- Group Booking: Traveling with a large family? We handle bulk bookings effortlessly.
- Door-to-Door Connectivity: Need a cab from Theni Railway Station to your village (Cumbum, Chinnamanur, Gudalur)? We have a fleet of cars ready.
📞 Call Now to Reserve: 77088 94141 / 94430 04141
🌐 Book Online: www.renghaholidays.com
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Does the Chennai to Theni train run daily?
No, it runs only 3 days a week.
- From Chennai: Mon, Wed, Fri.
- From Theni: Tue, Thu, Sun.
Q2: Is there a pantry car in the Theni Express?
No, Train 20601/20602 does not have a pantry car. It is highly recommended to carry your dinner or book meals via e-catering at Salem or Madurai.
Q3: How early should I book for Summer 2026?
Booking opens 120 days in advance. For May travel, you should start booking in January/February. If you missed the date, contact Rengha Holidays for Tatkal assistance.
Q4: What are the best tourist places near Theni Railway Station?
Theni is the gateway to paradise. From the station, you can easily visit:
- Munnar: 2.5 Hours drive.
- Meghamalai: 2 Hours drive.
- Suruli Falls: 1 Hour drive.(We provide rental cars for all these trips!)
🔗 Useful Official Links
- [suspicious link removed]
- IRCTC Official Website
- Contact Rengha Holidays Support
✍️ About the Author
Rengha Holidays is a premier travel agency based in Theni & Periyakulam. With over 20 years of experience, we specialize in connecting people to their destinations with comfort. From train ticketing to luxury cab rentals (Volvo, Urbania, Innova), we are your one-stop travel partner in South Tamil Nadu.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Direct Train: 20601/20602 is the best option for Chennai-Theni travel.
- Timing: Overnight journey (approx. 9.5 hours).
- Action: Summer bookings fill up fast. Plan 3 months ahead.
- Support: For hassle-free ticketing and station pickup, save this number: 77088 94141.
Don’t let a Waiting List ruin your family vacation. Plan smart, book early with Rengha Holidays! 🌴🚂
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