How to Get Cheap Broadway Tickets: Complete Guide for 2026

The Complete Guide to Affordable Broadway Tickets

Broadway shows can cost $200-500+ for premium seats, but there are many ways to see world-class theater for less. Here's every strategy for scoring cheap Broadway tickets.

The Broadway Lottery

Most shows offer digital lotteries for $30-40 tickets:

How It Works:

1. Enter online 24-48 hours before showtime

2. Winners announced 2-4 hours before

3. Pick up tickets at box office

4. Usually 2 tickets maximum

Popular Show Lotteries:

• Hamilton
• The Lion King
• Wicked
• Six
• & Juliet

Pro Tips:

• Enter every day for shows you want
• Midweek has better odds
• Set calendar reminders
• Have multiple people enter

Rush Tickets

Some shows sell discounted tickets in-person when the box office opens:

How Rush Works:

• Line up before box office opens (usually 10 AM)
• First-come, first-served
• $30-50 for front-row or limited view seats
• Cash often required

Best Shows for Rush:

• Hadestown
• Chicago
• The Book of Mormon
• Various plays

Standing Room Only (SRO)

When shows sell out, some offer standing room:

• Price: Usually $25-40
• Location: Back of orchestra
• Availability: Day of show only
• Duration: Bring comfortable shoes

TKTS Discount Booths

The famous red stairs in Times Square:

What to Know:

• 20-50% off same-day tickets
• Not all shows available
• Lines can be long (go to Lincoln Center or Brooklyn locations)
• Best selection for matinees
• Evening tickets available from 3 PM

Shows Rarely at TKTS:

• Hamilton
• The Lion King
• Wicked
• Other hot tickets

Timing Your Purchase

When to Buy

Best For

Savings

6+ months early	Premium seats	Face value
2-3 months out	Good selection	10-20% off
2-3 weeks out	Sweet spot	15-30% off
Day of (lottery)	Budget buyers	70-80% off

Show-Specific Strategies

Hamilton:

• Lottery is best bet ($10 tickets)
• Check for cancellations day-of
• Consider touring productions
• Tuesday shows cheapest

The Lion King:

• Lottery available
• Rear mezzanine offers savings
• Matinees slightly cheaper
• Compare to touring version

Wicked:

• Lottery for front orchestra
• Rush tickets sometimes available
• Mezzanine offers great views
• Wednesday matinee best value

Resale Market Tips

If you're buying resale:

1. Compare platforms - Prices vary 20%+

2. Wait until 48 hours before - Prices often drop

3. Check TodayTix - Often has exclusive deals

4. Avoid weekends - Premium pricing

5. Consider partial view - Major savings, minor obstruction

Touring Productions

Broadway shows tour nationally at lower prices:

Benefits:

• 30-50% cheaper than NYC
• Same quality production
• Better seat availability
• Less tourist crowds

Find Tours:

• Check BroadwayAcrossAmerica
• Local performing arts centers
• Ticket Scan alerts

Insider Tips

1. Papering: Some shows give away tickets to fill seats. Join theater mailing lists.

2. Preview performances: Cheaper than opening night, same show

3. Student/senior discounts: Always ask at box office

4. TDF membership: If you're in arts/education, major discounts

5. Group sales: 10+ people get discounts

What to Avoid

• Scalpers outside theater: Often fake tickets
• Peak times without deals: Tuesday-Thursday matinees best value
• Premium VIP packages: Rarely worth the markup
• Last-minute for hot shows: Lottery is your only cheap option

Track Broadway show prices on Ticket Scan and get alerts when tickets drop.