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How Much Do Broadway Tickets Cost?

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Published on: Nov 6, 2022
Last Updated on: Sep 23, 2025 By: Kathryn Willingham
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How Much Do Broadway Tickets Cost?

Surprisingly, Broadway tickets don’t cost as much as you might think. Well, mostly. With planning and a few tips. The average price for a Broadway ticket is between $100 and $150 depending on the time of year, the seat location, and how popular a show is - the most popular shows can be over $200 or even $300 a ticket. But luckily, there are also many ways to find savings and pay much less. Hit shows like Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King or Wicked generally carry a higher price tag, but even for the hottest tickets in town, there are ways to save. In this article we’ll take you through how to get discount tickets, how to get access to Broadway lotteries, when to see a show, and other tips to get cheap tickets!

Who Sells Broadway Tickets?

Telecharge, TicketMaster, SeatGeek, TodayTix, Broadway Direct, and Criterion are the platforms that sell most Broadway tickets. You can go to these sites directly and search for available performances, or if you’re on a show’s individual website, it will link you to one of these sites when you click “Buy Tickets.”

How to Get Discount Broadway Tickets

TKTS

The TKTS Discount Ticket Booth has a few locations. The biggest one is right in the heart of Times Square – just look for the giant red steps and join the line. Here you’ll find same-day tickets that are 20% to 50% off. You can make a last minute decision, or look at the show availabilities in advance by looking online or downloading the app.

TodayTix

TodayTix is a digital ticketing platform that offers tickets and discounts to musicals, plays, and other arts performances in New York City. It also offers a large selection of rush and lottery tickets. Look online or download the app!

BroadwayBox

BroadwayBox is a website that offers promo codes to access discounts to a variety of Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals. Show offerings and specific discounts can change often, so it’s worth checking frequently.

TheaterMania

TheaterMania is a website that offers promo codes to access discounts to a variety of Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals. Show offerings and specific discounts can change often, so it’s worth checking frequently.

Playbill Discounts

Playbill has exclusive discounts to a variety of Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Show offerings and specific discounts can change often, so it’s worth checking frequently.

American Express

American Express’ Theater Access offers exclusive presales and access to its members through.

Helen-Hayes-Theatre

Student and Young People’s Discounts

If you’re a student or young person, you may be eligible for discount tickets. The exact age depends on the venue, some theaters have discounts for people under 40, under 35, or under 30. Broadway spaces owned by Manhattan Theatre Club (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre), Second Stage (Helen Hayes Theatre), and Lincoln Center (Vivian Beaumont Theatre) all have these programs.

Show Rush and Lotteries

Rush tickets are same-day tickets that are sold first-come, first-served at a discounted rate. Historically, this required lining up at the box office of a Broadway theatre, but more and more, rush tickets are being offered digitally, and the same is true for show lotteries. The bulk of these tickets can be found on TodayTix, Broadway Direct, or LuckySeat – check out our article on Broadway Lottery tickets to see a full list of which shows have digital and in-person options.

Off-Broadway Shows

If you're looking for high-quality theater without the high Broadway price tag, consider checking out Off-Broadway shows. These productions often feature exceptional performances, innovative storytelling, and star talent at a fraction of the cost. Many Off-Broadway theaters also offer major discounts through student rates, rush tickets, or promo codes, making it even more affordable to enjoy great theater in New York City.

Premium Tickets and VIP Experiences

Red theater seat

Premium Tickets

Sometimes you want the best seats in the house! Premium seats are the most expensive tickets - and the most desirable seats - in the theater. Usually located in the center orchestra or front of the mezzanine, you can get these tickets through all the usual ticket sellers. There is no special way to buy, you’ll just notice the increase in price.

Piano in front of New York City skyline

VIP Experiences

Check out our article all about Broadway VIP Experiences for information on private lounges, immersive table-side seating, meet-and-greets with cast members, gourmet meal pairings, VIP tours of the Museum of Broadway, and more!

Civilian Hotel

Concierge Services

Some hotels offer concierge services with special deals and access to Broadway plays and musicals. They can often get last-minute tickets for even the most popular Broadway shows. Just check with the concierge or the front desk to see what’s on offer.

How Far In Advance Should You Buy Broadway Tickets?

If you have your heart set on one show, it’s best to buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Especially if you’re visiting New York around a national holiday, tickets get snapped up fast. But if you’re looking for cheap Broadway tickets and want to take advantage of last-minute discount tickets, you can wait until you arrive and try your luck with a show lottery or the TKTS discount booth. 

Previews

Shows have a few weeks of previews before they open and are reviewed by magazines and newspapers like the New York Times. During this period, shows can be changed, songs can be cut, dialogue can be removed or added – and ticket prices are normally a bit cheaper. It’s an exciting time to be in the theater, knowing that you could be seeing something for the first time that no other audience will get to see. And it’s also a good opportunity to see a show for a little less!

Don’t Forget Off-Broadway!

It’s hard to beat the glitz and glamor of a Broadway show, but some of the best theater in the world takes place off-Broadway, where you can see many hit shows and wonderful actors in a more intimate setting. Check out our article on the Best Off-Broadway Shows in New York City to see what’s playing now. 

Kathryn Willingham
Head of Creative Development

Kathryn Willingham has worked in entertainment for over ten years, and recent credits include: Co-producer of SHRINK currently streaming on Peacock, Associate Producer of the independent film UNA, and Creative Executive on multiple theatrical productions including HANGMEN by Martin McDonagh on Broadway, NASSIM by Nassim Soleimanpour Off-broadway and Associate on productions EVERY BRILLIANT THING by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe and THE EFFECT by Lucy Prebble. She was Producer of Todd Almond’s musical travelogue “Wyoming and Parts of Kansas” and Production Coordinator for Karen O and KK Barrett's “Stop the Virgens.”

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Education: B.A. in English, Literature & Creative Writing from Rhodes College
Knowledge: Theatrical Production

Published

Nov 6, 2022

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