Broadway Theater is one of the biggest tourist attractions in New York City, but unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive. Shelling out $150+ for a show isn’t unheard of, but luckily the TKTS Ticket Booth is here to help relieve some of the financial burden and make live theater more accessible.
The TKTS Ticket Booth sells discount Broadway tickets in New York City (sometimes for as much as 60% off!) and in this guide, I tell you everything you need to know to get the best deal. We’ll go over when to visit, a less-crowded location, and more things to consider. Let’s jump 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 (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
First, What is the TKTS Booth?
The TKTS Booth in New York City is a famous discount ticket booth operated by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF), a non-profit with the goal of making live theatre more accessible. It offers same-day, discounted tickets for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, as well as other performing arts events in New York City.
The booth’s most famous location is in Times Square, just underneath the famous Red Steps. TKTS offers discounts typically ranging from 20% to 50% off the regular ticket prices, providing an opportunity for both locals and tourists to enjoy live theater at a more affordable price.
TKTS Booth Tips & Tricks
Table of Contents: What to Know About the TKTS Booth
Table of Contents: TKTS Booth Guide
- First, What is the TKTS Booth?
- TKTS Booth Tips & Tricks
- 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
- Have a Rough Idea of Regular Pricing
- Take Advantage of the TKTS 7-Day Fast Pass
- Some Off-Broadway Shows May Require Cash
- Consider TDF Membership
- TKTS Ticket Booth Things to Know
- TKTS Ticket Booth (Tips Summary)
- Where to Find TKTS Ticket Booths
Check Out the Lincoln Center Location
The TKTS Ticket Booth is arguably the most famous provider of discounted Broadway tickets in NYC, and it unfortunately has infamous lines. Luckily, one of the best tips for visiting the TKTS Ticket Booth is to swing by their lesser-known outpost at the Lincoln Center (NYC’s Center for Performing Arts).
Further away from the hustle and bustle of Times Square, the lines are more manageable at the Lincoln Center in the Upper West Side, with lines very rarely exceeding a 15-minute way. This booth is within the Lincoln Center, and the best entry point is at 61 W 62nd Street.
Something to note: There once was a TKTS Ticket Booth at the Seaport, but it unfortunately closed after the pandemic. The only locations in New York City are in Times Square and Lincoln Center.
Download the TKTS Booth App
The TKTS Booth’s availability is updated throughout the day, so I suggest downloading the TKTS App to keep an eye on what’s available. There could be a popular show that becomes available in the afternoon and you’re going to want to stay in the loop.
While you can’t purchase tickets online or on the app (all sales must be in person), you’ll be notified whenever tickets become available and get in line ASAP. The app also offers brief descriptions of the available Broadway shows, showtime information, and theater locations.
Arrive Early and (If Possible) During Off-Peak Hours
I don’t want to scare anyone off, but the TKTS Ticket Booth can offer can’t-miss deals that attract theater-goers by the bus subway-load. Sometimes, lines can grow to upwards of an hour, which is why arriving early and during off-peak hours at the TKTS Ticket Booth increases your chances of securing highly sought-after tickets and reduces your wait time in line.
Come With a Handful of Options You Want to See
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. The last thing anyone wants is to wait in line only to finally make it up to the window and find their show sold out. Try to find two or three shows that can be backup options in the unfortunate event your show isn’t available.
Have a Rough Idea of Regular Pricing
Even though I recommend (and love) the TKTS Ticket Booth, it’s always best to know retail pricing before assuming that a discount is as good as it’s being advertised. By being aware of the regular prices of the shows you’re most interested in, it’ll be easier to compare values.
For example, let’s say you’re between two shows that are touted at the booth as being 50% off. However, they have very different price tags, and thanks to your previous research you might be able to notice that one is only discounted closer to 40%, and then make a decision based on value.
Take Advantage of the TKTS 7-Day Fast Pass
Those who buy tickets at the TKTS Ticket Booth in Times Square can use their receipt or ticket stub to skip the lines the following seven days after purchase. It’s a great perk for tourists who find themselves with enough time for a second show during a trip. Just find an employee who’s managing the lines (in red jackets that say TKTS) and show them the ticket stub to be placed in a priority line.
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
A TDF (the company behind TKTS) Membership offers a membership program where they offer extremely discounted tickets ($11-$59.50) to Broadway, Off-Broadway, dance, and music. 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.
A TDF Membership is Worth Considering If You:
- Frequently attend theatre and want to save.
- Want to support arts education and accessibility.
- Live in the New York City area (TDF’s main focus).
TKTS Ticket Booth Things to Know
There Are No Refunds or Exchanges
Because the tickets sold at TKTS Ticket Booths are for same-day performances they unfortunately don’t offer refunds or exchanges. The only exception is if the show you purchased tickets for is canceled, you will automatically receive a full refund.
The Tickets Sold at TKTS Can Be Anywhere in the Theatre
You cannot choose your seats when buying tickets from the TKTS Booths. They offer discounted tickets for various locations within the theatre, not specific seats.
The specific seats you get are assigned at random from the stack of available tickets they have for that show. While they cannot guarantee anything, the majority of discounted tickets are typically for good seats, often in the orchestra or front mezzanine sections.
TKTS Booth Has NO STREET-VENDORS
The large crowds of theater-goers at the TKTS Ticket Booth unfortunately attract scalpers. If anyone approaches you selling “TKTS Broadway tickets” on the street this is a tourist trap, they are not related to TKTS or TDF. The only place TKTS sells tickets is at their booths.
The TKTS Ticket Booth Is Not Protected From the Weather
The TKTS Ticket Booth in Times Square is not protected from the elements, and when the line is long the cold and heat can be hard to deal with. This is why arriving early is paramount, otherwise, be prepared (with comfortable walking shoes and clothing) to wait in line outside.
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
- Have a Rough Idea of Regular Pricing
- 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
- The Tickets Sold at TKTS Can Be Anywhere in the Theatre
- TKTS Booth Has NO STREET-VENDORS
- The TKTS Ticket Booth Is Not Protected From the Weather
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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And there you have it, my friends! My quick TKTS Ticket Booth guide. I hope you found the article useful, and you enjoy your show. Cheers!
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