The only thing more exciting than a Broadway performance? Getting a Broadway tickets discount to the performance! Photo by Jeff Dobbins
The only better experience than nabbing a Broadway ticket… is nabbing a Broadway tickets discount! After all, seeing a Broadway show is one of New York’s most thrilling experiences. But New York’s most famous shows come at a price (hit shows can cost up to a few hundred dollars… per ticket!).
Want to find cheap tickets? It’s possible—but you’ll need our insider’s tips.
Here’s how to find discounted Broadway tickets!
Expand your options to Broadway shows that are a little less famous…
Discount tickets are offered to fill up seats at shows that aren’t sold out. That means, of course, that hit shows rarely offer discounts.
…and try to go to the theater in the off-season
Availability of discounts also varies by time of year. Ticket demand peaks in mid-November to New Year’s, meaning fewer discounts; in late January, February, and summer, less theater attendance means more discounts.
When you’re in New York, head to the TKTS booth…
Once you’re in New York, paying a visit to one of the TKTS Discount Booths means paying less for a Broadway (or off-Broadway) ticket. TKTS sells tickets for up to 50 percent off the standard prices.
There are three TKTS locations in New York:
“The Board,” which lists available shows at TKTS
The Times Square Booth (by far the most convenient to theater- goers, and most crowded) sells day-of-performance discount tickets. Broadway and W. 47th Street.
Tickets to evening performances are sold 3pm to 8pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; 2pm to 8pm Tuesday; and 3pm to 7pm on Sunday. Matinee tickets are sold from 10am to 2pm Wednesday and Saturday and 11am to 3pm Sunday .
The South Street Seaport Booth sells tickets to evening performances on the day of the performance and matinee tickets the day before the performance. At the corner of Front & John Streets.
Tickets are sold from 11am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 4pm Sunday
The Downtown Brooklyn Booth sells tickets to evening performances on the day of the performance and matinee tickets the day before. 1 MetroTech Center, at the corner of Jay Street and Myrtle Avenue Promenade.
Tickets are sold from 11am to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday (but closed 3pm to 3:30pm).
Ticket availability fluctuates throughout the day, since tickets are released to TKTS by each production based on their inventory of unsold seats. So it’s advisable to check what is available right at the booth.
You can find real-time listings on the TKTS website, as well as on their free mobile app.
Today Tix Mobile App is a great resource for last minute discount Broadway tickets
There is also a newer service to the Broadway Ticket scene, a mobile app known as Today Tix. We’ve had mixed experiences with it but it has become quite popular for last minute, discount tickets to shows. Their ticket runners, or “concierge,” meet you out front of the theater 30 minutes before the show begins to deliver you any tickets you reserved. You can’t miss them in their red t-shirts (see picture). What’s more, we have a referral code that gives you, our readers, a $10 credit the first time you use the app. Simply use the referral code WKOON to receive your $10 credit for your coupon code on checkout.
…but beware of ticket scalpers
Note that ticket scalpers often circulate around the TKTS booths. It is never a good idea to purchase tickets from anyone on the street, as these tickets are often counterfeit or invalid—and if you buy from a scalper, you have no recourse for getting your money back.
Take advantage of Broadway discount codes…
Discount codes are often available for full-priced Broadway tickets. The discounts generally include fine print—i.e., they are valid only for a short period (usually 6 to 8 weeks), and may not include all seating locations or performances. For finding discount codes, we like the website BroadwayBox.
To utilize a discount code, simple enter the code when purchasing tickets online, tell the operator you have a code when buying over the phone, or inform the treasurer at the box office. In fact, it’s a good idea to bring a printed copy of the offer to the box office with you.
The line at TKTS can be a long one! Photo by Jeff Dobbins
…or Broadway rush tickets, especially if you’re a student
Most shows also offer a limited number of discount “rush tickets,” usually sold on the day of performance when the box office opens. These tickets are often intended for students and require a valid student ID.
As always, tickets are subject to availability and locations vary (usually, of course, they’re seats that don’t sell at full price, like front row sides, rear mezzanine, or partial view).
Depending on the show and time of year, you’ll want to line up well before the box office opens—rush tickets are limited! Keep in mind that many box offices only accept cash for rush tickets.
Some shows opt for a lottery system for their rush tickets. Generally, entries will be accepted starting 2.5 hours before the performance; names are drawn at random 2 hours before curtain. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID to purchase tickets. The limit is one entry per person and two tickets per winner.
Playbill.com’s list of Broadway rush and lottery tickets is a good place to start looking. But since policies may change at any time, it is always advisable to check a show’s website prior to heading to the theater, too.
Stay tuned for the semiannual BroadwayWeek
If you’re purchasing tickets for January or early autumn, look for the semiannual Broadway Week, when shows offer two-for-one tickets. Dates vary for these sales, so check NYCgo for details.
Have you ever nabbed discount Broadway tickets? Tell us about your experience in the comments!