Seeing a Broadway Show is one of the biggest tourist attractions in New York City, but unfortunately it’s also one of the most expensive. Shelling $200+ per ticket is par for the course, but luckily the TKTS Ticket Booth can relieve some of the financial burden and make theater more accessible for all.
If you’re unfamiliar with the TKTS Ticket Booth, this guide covers everything you need to know to score a deal on Broadway tickets. Let’s dive in!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
First, What is the TKTS Booth?
The TKTS booth is New York City’s official discount ticket vendor for Broadway shows. Located in Times Square (with a second location at the Lincoln Center), you can score deals for same-day shows discounted up to 50%. The booth is run by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF), which is a non-profit on a mission to make theatre more accessible for everyone.
TKTS Booth: Discounted Broadway Show Tickets in New York City
Table of Contents: What to Know About the TKTS Booth
Download the TKTS Booth App
Ticket availability is updated throughout the day, so I suggest downloading the TKTS App to stay in the know. While you can’t purchase tickets online or through the app (all sales must be in person), you’ll be able to see what’s available to determine if visiting the booth is worthwhile.
Arrive at Opening to Avoid Long Wait Times
The TKTS booth is a popular affair, it’s not uncommon for wait times to exceed an hour. Time your visit for when the booth first opens at 11am or 3pm, depending on the day. Doing so increases your chances of securing highly sought-after tickets and reduces wait time.
Know About the Lincoln Center Location
The TKTS booth at Times Square is very popular, so the line gets very long. One of my best tips for visiting the TKTS ticket booth is to swing by the lesser-known outpost at the Lincoln Center where the lines are more manageable. The booth is located in the David Rubenstein Atrium at 61 West 62nd Street, between Broadway and Columbus Avenue.
Come With an Open Mind
The most popular shows on Broadway are always the first to sell out, so one of the best tips for visiting the TKTS booth in NYC is to come prepared with a handful of shows that pique your interest so you can have a back up if your first choice sells out.
Take Advantage of the TKTS 7-Day Fast Pass
If you buy tickets through the TKTS booth in Times Square you can use your ticket stub to skip the TKTS booth lines for the next seven days. It’s a great perk for tourists who find themselves with enough time for a second show during a trip. To do so, find an employee in a red jacket and show them your ticket stub.
Some Off-Broadway Shows May Require Cash
Although it’s rare, some Off-Broadway Shows (Broadway shows in smaller theaters) are cash-only at the TKTS Ticket Booths in NYC. The chances of running into the potential issue is slim, but worth mentioning. It’s best to research any Off-Broadway production you’re interested in on the TKTS App and make sure you’re prepared.
Consider TDF Membership
The Theatre Development Fund membership offers extremely discounted tickets ($11-$60) to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. You need to meet specific eligibility criteria (student, teacher, disability, etc.) and pay a membership fee to join (around $35). but the access to low-priced tickets is hard to beat.
The Theatre Development Fund membership is worthwhile if:
- Live in New York City
- Frequently attend theatre
- Want to support arts education and accessibility
TKTS Booth Things to Know
There Are No Refunds or Exchanges
The TKTS booth specializes in same-day performances, so refunds and exchanges are not offered. The only exception is if your show gets cancelled, then you’ll get an automatic refund.
You Can’t Select Specific Seats
You cannot choose your seats when buying tickets from the TKTS booth. Seats are assigned at random depending on availability within the theatre. Nothing is guaranteed, but in my experience the seats are typically well located, often in the orchestra or front mezzanine sections.
Beware of Street Vendors
The large crowds of theater-goers at the TKTS booth in Times Square unfortunately attract scalpers. If anyone approaches you offering “TKTS Broadway tickets” it’s a classic New York City tourist trap worth avoiding. The only place TKTS sells tickets is at the official booth in Times Square and the Lincoln Center.
TKTS Ticket Booth (Tips Summary)
- Check Out the Lincoln Center Location
- Download the TKTS Booth App
- Arrive Early and (If Possible) During Off-Peak Hours
- Come With a Handful of Options You Want to See
- Take Advantage of the TKTS 7-Day Fast Pass
- Some Off-Broadway Shows May Require Cash
- Consider TDF Membership
- There Are No Refunds or Exchanges
- You Can’t Select Specific Seats
- TKTS Booth Has NO STREET-VENDORS
Where to Find TKTS Ticket Booths
Frequently Asked Questions: TKTS Ticket Booth
It’s advisable to arrive at the TKTS booth in NYC at least 30-60 minutes before it opens to secure the best selection of discounted Broadway tickets.
The TKTS booth is still located in Times Square on Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets.
At the TKTS booth, you can typically purchase a maximum of six tickets per person for a single performance, depending on availability and specific show policies.
TKTS booths typically sell same-day tickets and occasionally next-day matinee tickets for select performances, subject to availability.
The length of the line at TKTS can vary greatly depending on factors such as the time of day, day of the week, and current demand for Broadway tickets. Ballpark, I’d allocate a 30-minute wait.
TKTS accepts credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, alongside cash payments for purchasing Broadway tickets.
The average price of a Broadway ticket can vary widely depending on factors such as the popularity of the show, seating location, time of year, and any discounts or promotions available, but generally, prices can range from around $50 to $150 or more per ticket for standard seating.
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