Which Broadway shows have the cheapest tickets right now?
Broadway has 41 theaters. Not every seat in every one costs a fortune. Here’s the reality: most shows offer at least some tickets under $200, and many have options well below $100 if you know where to look.
Shows consistently priced under $200 (full-price, non-premium seats):
- Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre. One of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. Orchestra seats regularly available from $69 to $159. Rear mezzanine often starts around $49.
- Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Family favorite with rear mezzanine seats starting around $72 to $99 on weeknights.
- The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre. Rear mezzanine seats on Tuesday through Thursday evenings start around $99 to $139. Premium orchestra will exceed $200, but plenty of seats don’t.
- Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre. Partial-view and rear mezzanine seats on weeknights can land under $150. This show is in high demand, so book early.
- MJ: The Musical at the Neil Simon Theatre. Mezzanine seats from around $79 on select performances.
- Hadestown at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Mezzanine seats from approximately $79 to $139.
- Water for Elephants at the Imperial Theatre. Newer production with weeknight mezzanine seats starting around $59 to $99.
- The Outsiders at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Mezzanine and balcony seats from roughly $59 to $109.
Prices shift constantly based on demand, day of week, and how far in advance you book. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings are your best bet for the lowest face-value tickets.
How can I get last-minute tickets to a Broadway show for tomorrow night?
Three proven methods, ranked by reliability:
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TKTS Booth, Times Square (Father Duffy Square, 47th & Broadway). Same-day tickets at 20% to 50% off. The line moves faster than it looks. Go when it opens at 3pm for evening shows, or 10am for Wednesday and Saturday matinees. Not every show is listed every day; check the TKTS app before you walk over.
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Digital lotteries. Most Broadway shows run daily digital lotteries through their apps or websites (many use the TodayTix app). Enter by mid-morning; winners are drawn a few hours before curtain. Lottery tickets typically cost $30 to $49 for orchestra or front mezzanine seats. Popular lotteries include Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King, and MJ.
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Rush tickets. Some shows sell a limited number of discounted tickets when the box office opens, first come, first served. Availability varies. Shows like Chicago and Hadestown have offered rush pricing.
What are the top Broadway shows currently playing and how do I get tickets?
The safest way to buy is directly through the show’s official website or at the theater’s box office. Avoid sidewalk ticket sellers entirely.
Trusted ticket platforms: - Telecharge and Ticketmaster handle most Broadway box office sales - TodayTix for mobile-first purchasing, lotteries, and occasional flash sales - TKTS by TDF for same-day discounted tickets - SeatGeek and StubHub for resale (prices may be above or below face value)
Buying 3 to 6 weeks in advance for weeknight performances gives you the widest selection of affordable seats.
Can you recommend restaurants near the Theater District for a pre-show dinner?
The Theater District sits between 40th and 54th Streets, from 6th Avenue to 8th Avenue. You’re surrounded by options.
Budget-friendly and fast (under $30 per person): - Joe Allen (326 W 46th St). Classic Theater District hangout. Burgers, salads, reliable pre-show timing. - Becco (355 W 46th St). Italian prix fixe with unlimited pasta for around $30. A Theater District institution on Restaurant Row. - Marseille (630 9th Ave at 44th St). French-Mediterranean brasserie. Entrees $22 to $35.
Mid-range (under $60 per person): - Sardi’s (234 W 44th St). The iconic Broadway restaurant with caricatures on the walls. Go for the atmosphere. - Osteria al Doge (142 W 44th St). Northern Italian, solid pre-theater menu.
Book a reservation for 5:30pm or 6pm to eat comfortably before an 8pm curtain. Most Theater District restaurants are used to the pre-show rush and will get you out on time.
Tips only a local would tell you
- Sit in the mezzanine. Front mezzanine seats at most Broadway theaters offer better sightlines than rear orchestra, and they cost less. The Gershwin, Minskoff, and New Amsterdam all have excellent mezzanine views.
- Wednesday matinees are the least crowded performances. Prices are lower and the audience is smaller.
- The TKTS Booth at Lincoln Center (Broadway & 63rd St) has shorter lines than the Times Square location and sells tickets for the next day’s matinees, which the Times Square booth does not.
- Student and under-30 discounts exist. Many shows offer discounted tickets with valid ID at the box office. Check individual show websites.
- Avoid “discount ticket” storefronts on side streets near Times Square. Stick to TKTS, official box offices, and the platforms listed above.
Turn this guide into a personalized plan.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cheapest way to get Broadway tickets in NYC?
- Digital lotteries are the cheapest option, with winning tickets priced at $30 to $49 for most shows. The TKTS Booth in Times Square sells same-day tickets at 20% to 50% off face value. Both methods require flexibility on which show you see.
- Are there any Broadway shows with tickets under $100?
- Yes. Shows like Chicago, Water for Elephants, and The Outsiders regularly have mezzanine and balcony seats priced between $49 and $99, especially for Tuesday through Thursday evening performances.
- Is it cheaper to buy Broadway tickets at the box office or online?
- Box office purchases avoid online service fees, which typically add $10 to $25 per ticket. If you are already in the Theater District, buying at the box office is almost always the better deal for full-price tickets.
- What day of the week has the cheapest Broadway tickets?
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings consistently have the lowest ticket prices. Wednesday matinees are also among the cheapest and least crowded performances of the week.
- Where is the TKTS Booth and what are its hours?
- The main TKTS Booth is in Father Duffy Square at 47th Street and Broadway in Times Square. It opens at 3pm for evening shows (2pm on Wednesdays) and at 10am for Wednesday and Saturday matinees. A second location at Lincoln Center (Broadway and 63rd Street) has shorter lines.