Your Ultimate Guide to Buying Broadway Tickets in NYC

Overview

When you’re in New York City, there’s nothing quite like the magic of a Broadway show. From the vibrant lights of Times Square to the iconic theaters lining the streets, Broadway is an essential part of the NYC experience. With dozens of world-class productions running at any given time, figuring out how and where to buy Broadway tickets in NYC can be overwhelming. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including where to buy tickets, how to find discounts, and how to ensure you get the best seats for your money.

The Official Ticket Sources

If you’re looking for Broadway tickets in NYC, the safest way to ensure you’re getting authentic tickets is to purchase directly from the official ticket sources. These trusted platforms and locations will guarantee that your tickets are legitimate, providing peace of mind when planning your Broadway outing.

1. Ticketmaster

As one of the largest ticketing services in the world, Ticketmaster is the official platform for many Broadway theaters. When you’re searching for Broadway tickets in NYC, you can use Ticketmaster’s website or mobile app to easily find and purchase tickets to your preferred show. The platform offers a wide range of ticket options, including premium seats, accessible seating, and standard tickets, all with an interactive seating chart so you can choose the best seats based on your preferences.

• Pro Tip: Use the Ticketmaster mobile app to keep your tickets handy and avoid printing them. This is especially useful if you’re visiting from out of town and don’t have access to a printer.

2. Telecharge

Telecharge is another major ticketing platform for Broadway. As the official seller for many top shows, Telecharge allows you to purchase tickets with confidence, knowing that you’re getting legitimate tickets directly from the theater. Their website is user-friendly and offers detailed seating charts, giving you a clear idea of where you’ll be sitting.

• Pro Tip: Sign up for Telecharge’s email newsletter to receive notifications about upcoming shows, ticket deals, and special events.

3. Theater Box Offices

If you’re already in New York City and prefer to purchase tickets in person, visiting the theater’s box office is another safe and reliable option. Buying directly from the box office can sometimes give you access to tickets that may not be available online, and occasionally, you may even find a special promotion or discount for certain shows.

• Pro Tip: Arriving at the box office early in the day can increase your chances of snagging better seats, especially for popular shows that might sell out later.

Discounted Ticket Outlets

Broadway shows are renowned for their dazzling productions, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are several ways to find discounted Broadway tickets in NYC without compromising on the experience. Here are the best places to get discounted tickets for Broadway shows:

1. TKTS Booths

A classic option for securing discounted Broadway tickets in NYC is to visit one of the TKTS booths operated by the Theatre Development Fund. These booths, located in Times Square, Lincoln Center, and South Street Seaport, offer same-day discounted tickets for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows at up to 50% off the regular price. If you’re flexible with your show choice and willing to wait in line, this is a fantastic way to save money.

• Pro Tip: Arrive at the Times Square TKTS booth early for the best chance of scoring tickets to the most popular shows. Keep in mind that the selection changes daily, so you may want to have a few different options in mind.

2. TodayTix

For a more convenient option, TodayTix is a mobile app that offers discounted tickets to a variety of Broadway shows. TodayTix is known for providing last-minute deals, same-day rush tickets, and even lottery entries for certain performances. The app makes it easy to purchase tickets without the need to stand in line, and it often features exclusive deals that you won’t find elsewhere.

• Pro Tip: Download the TodayTix app and keep an eye on the “Rush” and “Lottery” sections for the best last-minute deals on Broadway tickets in NYC.

3. Broadway Lotteries and Rush Tickets

Many Broadway shows offer lottery or rush ticket programs, which are designed to give theatergoers a chance to buy highly discounted tickets for same-day performances. Rush tickets are typically sold at the box office on a first-come, first-served basis when it opens in the morning, while lotteries can often be entered online or in person, depending on the show.

• Pro Tip: Some shows, like Hamilton, have extremely popular lotteries, so if you’re trying your luck, it’s best to enter multiple lotteries for different shows to increase your chances of winning.

Special Offers and Subscription Services

If you’re a frequent theatergoer or planning to see multiple shows during your visit, there are a few other ways to find great deals on Broadway tickets in NYC. From seasonal promotions to subscription services, here are additional ways to save on your Broadway experience:

1. Broadway Week

Held twice a year, Broadway Week is one of the best times to score great deals on Broadway tickets in NYC. During this promotional period, which typically takes place in January and September, you can take advantage of two-for-one ticket offers on a variety of Broadway shows. This is an excellent opportunity to see more than one show without breaking the bank.

• Pro Tip: Sign up for Broadway Week alerts to be notified as soon as tickets go on sale, as the most popular shows tend to sell out quickly.

2. Audience Rewards

For frequent Broadway attendees, joining Audience Rewards can help you earn points every time you purchase Broadway tickets in NYC. These points can later be redeemed for ticket discounts, exclusive events, or even free tickets to Broadway performances. It’s a great way to save money over time if you plan to see multiple shows.

• Pro Tip: Make sure to link your Audience Rewards account to participating ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster or Telecharge to automatically earn points with each purchase.

3. Theater Subscriptions

If you live in New York City or visit frequently, theater subscriptions can be a fantastic way to see multiple shows throughout the year at a reduced rate. Many theater companies, such as the Roundabout Theatre Company or Lincoln Center Theater, offer season subscriptions that give you access to a curated selection of performances at a discounted price.

• Pro Tip: Some subscriptions also come with additional perks, like early access to tickets, invitations to special events, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Tips for Getting the Best Seats

No matter where you buy your tickets, here are some tips to help you secure the best seats for your Broadway show and make the most of your theater experience:

1. Book Early

The most popular Broadway shows, such as The Lion King or Wicked, can sell out months in advance, especially for evening and weekend performances. To avoid disappointment, try to book your Broadway tickets in NYC as early as possible, especially if you have your heart set on a specific show.

2. Use Seating Charts

When purchasing tickets online, always use the seating chart to guide your decision. Generally, center orchestra seats and front mezzanine seats are considered the best in most theaters, offering a clear view of the stage without being too far away.

• Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, look for side orchestra seats or seats further back in the mezzanine, which can still provide a great view at a lower cost.

3. Consider Matinees

If you’re looking for Broadway tickets in NYC at a more affordable price, consider attending a weekday matinee performance. Matinees are often less expensive than evening shows, and they tend to have more seating availability, giving you a better selection of seats to choose from.

4. Check for Obstructed Views

Some theaters have seats that offer a partial or obstructed view of the stage. While these tickets are often cheaper, be sure to read reviews or check the seating chart to avoid seats that will significantly hinder your enjoyment of the show.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Broadway Adventure

With so many options to choose from, figuring out where to buy Broadway tickets in NYC can seem overwhelming. However, by using trusted sources like Ticketmaster, Telecharge, or TodayTix, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible seats for your budget. Whether you’re looking for premium seats to the hottest show or hoping to snag a last-minute deal on discounted tickets, there’s always a way to enjoy the magic of Broadway.

Check out our great selection of Broadway tickets in NYC below and start planning your unforgettable theater experience today!  Make sure to check out all are articles on our Broadway page.