How to Get Discount Broadway Tickets in New York (2026 Edition)

When people think of a trip to New York, Broadway is often at the top of the list.
That said, Broadway tickets can be expensive, and many travelers understandably want to see a show for as little as possible.

Based on the latest 2026 information, this guide summarizes the best ways to buy discount Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets.
Each method is rated on a 5-point scale, focusing on ease of use and reliability for short-term visitors.

Bottom Line (Quick Summary)

In short:

• If your travel dates align: prioritize official discount events
• If you’re flexible on-site: use TKTS
• If you don’t want to wait in line: use TodayTix
• Seat Filler is not recommended for short-term travelers

1. Buy Same-Day Discount Tickets at TKTS Booths

Rating:★★★★☆

TKTS is the most well-known and reliable option. It is the official outlet where you can purchase same-day Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets at up to 50% off.
There are two locations: Times Square and Lincoln Center.

Because available shows and discount rates are clearly displayed, TKTS is extremely convenient for travelers with some flexibility.
However, lines can be long depending on the time of day, and popular shows may sell out early.

Even if you are targeting an evening performance, it is recommended to line up in the morning to early afternoon, when inventory tends to be larger and you have more choices.
This option is ideal for travelers who also want to enjoy the experience of buying tickets in New York.

For booth locations, directions, current hours, and available shows, see:→ TKTS Live – Know Before You Go

Both booths sell tickets for:

• Evening performances (same day)
• Matinees (same day or next day)

1.1　Times Square Booth

Hours	Mon: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM Tue: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM Wed: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM THur: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Fri: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sat: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sun: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Map

1.2　Lincoln Center Booth

Hours	Tue: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wed: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thur: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Fri: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sat: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Map

2. Official Discount Events（Broadway Week / Off-Broadway Week）

Rating: ★★★★★

During official promotional periods held several times a year, select shows offer 2-for-1 tickets (two tickets for the price of one).
The discounts are substantial, and because these are official events, they are safe and reliable.

If your travel dates match, this should be your top priority.
Check the official site in advance and book early.

⚠️ Not all shows participate, and popular productions may sell out quickly.

2.1　NYC Broadway Week

You can purchase two tickets for the price of one for participating Broadway shows.
It is held twice a year: January–February and September.

• 2026 dates: January 20 – February 12
• Show list and reservations open on January 7, 2026

Details: https://www.nyctourism.com/broadway-week/

2.2　NYC Off-Broadway Week

The same 2-for-1 offer applies to participating Off-Broadway shows.
This event is also held twice a year, usually after Broadway Week.

• 2026 dates: February 16 – March 12
• Show list and reservations open on February 3, 2026

Details: https://www.nyctourism.com/off-broadway-week/

2.3　Past Dates (Reference)

From 2018 to 2025, the events were held on the following dates.
Fall 2020 and both winter and fall 2021 were canceled due to COVID-19.
Winter 2022 Broadway Week was extended by two weeks.
Dates for Fall 2025 Off-Broadway Week could not be confirmed.

Season	Winter	Fall
Broadway Week	Jan 16 – Feb 4, 2018 Jan 21 – Feb 10, 2019 Jan 21 – Feb 9, 2020 (Winter 2021: Canceled) Jan 18 – Feb 27, 2022 Jan 17 – Feb 12, 2023 Jan 16 – Feb 4, 2024 Jan 21 – Feb 9, 2025	Sept 3 – Sept 16, 2018 Sept 3 – Sept 16, 2019 (Fall 2020: Canceled) (Fall 2021: Canceled) Sept 6 – Sept 25, 2022 Sept 4 – Sept 17, 2023 Sept 3 – Sept 15, 2024 Sept 8 – Sept 21, 2025
Off-Broadway Week	Feb 12 – Feb 25, 2018 Feb 11 – Feb 24, 2019 Feb 10 – Feb 23, 2020 (Winter 2021: Canceled) Feb 14 – Feb 27, 2022 Feb 13 – Mar 5, 2023 Feb 12 – Mar 3, 2024 Feb 17 – Mar 9, 2025	Sept 24 – Oct 7, 2018 Sept 23 – Oct 6, 2019 (Fall 2020: Canceled) (Fall 2021: Canceled) Sept 26 – Oct 9, 2022 Oct 3 – Oct 15, 2023 Sept 30 – Oct 13, 2024 (Fall 2025: No information available)

3. Rush Tickets and Lottery

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Rush tickets and lotteries are same-day or last-minute discount programs offered by individual theaters or official platforms.
Prices are very low, but availability is not guaranteed.

These options are best for travelers who:

• Are flexible with their schedule
• Have a specific show in mind

3.1　Rush Tickets (Same-Day Tickets)

Rush tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at theater box offices.
Most people line up before the box office opens.

Details such as price, seat location, number of tickets, and how early to line up vary by show, making it somewhat of a gamble.
However, compared to lotteries, your chances of actually buying a discounted ticket are much higher.

Tip: Reddit often has useful, up-to-date reports on line length and seat assignments. Checking recent posts before lining up can be very helpful.

Most rush tickets are open to the general public, but some are limited to students.

A list of shows offering rush tickets (including digital rush options) can be found here:  Broadway Rush, Lottery, and Standing Room Only Policies

3.2　Lotteries

Many theaters offer lottery tickets, including for extremely popular shows that are hard to get even at full price.

There are two main types:

In-Person Lottery
You enter at the theater a few hours before the show and must be present when winners are announced.

It’s inconvenient, but competition tends to be lower.

Digital Lottery
You enter online. Entry periods, announcement times, and purchase rules vary widely by show.

Results may be announced the day before or on the same day.
Convenient, but competition is much higher.

⚠️ Even if you win, the purchase window can be as short as 30 minutes to a few hours.

Shows with lotteries can be found here: Broadway Rush, Lottery, and Standing Room Only Policies

For a detailed guide to digital lotteries (the linked article is currently available in Japanese only; an English version will be published soon), see:

ブロードウェイの格安チケット「Lottery Ticket（抽選チケット）」の申し込み法・購入法　

ブロードウェイミュージカルチケットを割安で見る方法のうち、抽選チケット（Lottery Ticket)の申し込み方、当たった場合のチケットの購入の仕方ついてまとめてみました。

junkurema.com

4. Apps and Online Platforms

Rating:★★★★☆

Apps like TodayTix allow you to buy discounted tickets and participate in rushes and lotteries entirely on your smartphone.

They offer a good balance of convenience and reliability and are ideal if you want to avoid standing in line.

4.1　Today Tix

TodayTix lets you:

• Enter rushes and lotteries
• Browse current and upcoming shows
• Purchase discounted tickets

Details: https://www.todaytix.com/nyc/category/musical-shows

After installing the app, go to the “Lottery & Rush” tab, select a show, and tap “Unlock Now” to receive notifications when rush tickets become available.→　Android ver、iPhone ver

4.2　Theatr

I haven’t personally used it yet, but it was recommended by friends who also live in New York.

Theatr is a community-based ticket resale marketplace for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.

Key features:

• Tickets can only be listed at face value or lower
• Matches sellers with buyers looking for specific shows or price ranges
• Payment is held until 30 minutes after curtain time, with refunds for invalid tickets

According to my friends, tickets for popular shows sell almost instantly, so quick decisions are essential.

Details: https://www.theatr-app.com/

5.　Seat Filler (Advanced / Reference Only)

Rating:★☆☆☆☆ (Not suitable for travelers)

Seat fillers are recruited to fill empty seats, sometimes including Broadway or Off-Broadway performances.
Membership (monthly or annual) is required, seats cannot be chosen, and notifications are often last-minute.

Because of scheduling uncertainty, this method is not recommended for short-term visitors.
It’s best viewed as background knowledge for NYC residents or long-term stays.

6.　Final Thoughts

For short-term travelers, the most practical and reliable options are:

• Official discount events
• TKTS
• Apps like TodayTix

Seat filler programs are best treated as informational only.

If you live in New York or have a very flexible schedule, rush tickets and lotteries are well worth trying.