Guide to Last Minute Broadway Tickets

The good news is that rush tickets are actually ONLY offered for same-day performances. Consider them a reward for procrastinators everywhere. In-person rush tickets usually become available when the box office opens, which is around 10am for most theaters, and are distributed first come, first served. To make things even easier, many shows offer rush tickets online through the TodayTix App or Rush Telecharge. Note that Rush Telecharge requires access to social media: either Facebook, X (formerly twitter), or LinkedIn. Just remember that the more popular the show, the more likely it will sell out of rush tickets early, so set your alarm and try and get tickets as early as you can. If you need inspiration on what to see, we’ve listed some of the most popular rush tickets opportunities at the bottom of this page.

Many popular Broadway shows also offer a lottery. This is what it sounds like – enter your name into a drawing for the chance at winning discounted tickets. Check out our article on Broadway Lottery Tickets for a full list of what shows offer these opportunities as well as specific guidelines for each show. Some show lotteries offer tickets for the same day or next day performances, and others give out tickets up to a week in advance. And just like rush tickets, many shows now offer their lotteries online, so you don’t even have to line up at the theater. Just keep your phone handy and remember to check your email to see if you’ve won. If you miss the window to buy tickets, you’ll have to try your luck another day. We’ve included some popular show lotteries at the bottom of this page.

Standing Room Only tickets are sold at a lower ticket price and are only offered for performances of shows that are entirely sold out. Not every show offers them, so check with the box office for availability. & Juliet, An Enemy of the People, Chicago, Hadestown, MJ the Musical, The Notebook, and Six all currently offer standing room tickets. Most standing room areas are located in the back of the orchestra and have a place to lean against while watching the show. And it’s a good way to be first in line for the restroom or bar line during intermission. Win-win.

Standing Room Only tickets are likely going to be the cheapest tickets offered, and in general matinee and weekday performances are cheaper than evening and weekend performances. If you have enough time, it can also be worth going directly to the box office of the show you’re trying to see and asking if they have any last-minute deals available. But if you have limited time and are only in town for a few days, we’d recommend heading to the TKTS booth or checking out online options on sites like TodayTix. That way you can be guaranteed a seat.

The easiest way to get cheap last minute Broadway tickets, especially if you’re not sure what you want to see, is to head to the TKTS booth on W 47^th Street in Duffy Square, located beneath the giant red steps in Times Square. As you wait in line, a large digital sign gives you a live update of what shows are available and at what price. You can also check out what’s on offer before heading over by looking at the TKTS website. If you find yourself a little further north, there is also a TKTS booth at Lincoln Center on West 62^nd Street that offers the same deals. And check out the TodayTix app, which has both discounts and regularly priced tickets.

The TKTS booth also offers discounts for Off-Broadway tickets. Off-Broadway theaters also often offer rush tickets a few hours before showtime and have discount programs for students or young people – and young is relative, many of these programs are for those under 30, under 35, or under 40. Check each theater’s website for more information: Second Stage, Atlantic Theater Company, Lincoln Center, Roundabout Theatre Company, Playwrights Horizons, Manhattan Theatre Club, The Public Theater, and MCC all offer these kinds of programs.