Wait For It: The Ultimate Guide to Scoring Last-Minute Broadway Tickets

Update (October 28): This article has been updated with the latest information about last-minute Broadway tickets.

So you’ve got an open night in your calendar, and tons of choices on how to take advantage of that time – why not make the most of it by catching a Broadway show in the heart of New York City? Even if the curtain call is coming up for a show you’ve been curious about, there’s still a chance to get a great seat at the show.

Below, collect a few tips and tricks to find a way through the door if you decide to buy last-minute Broadway tickets.

Official Ticket Sources for Buying Last-Minute Broadway Tickets

• Ticketmaster: You can purchase tickets directly through Ticketmaster.com or in the Ticketmaster App. Tickets are still typically available up to a few hours before the show starts, though inventory varies.
• The Show’s Box Office: Tickets are often still available on the day before or the morning on the day of the performance. You could end up very lucky by striking at the right time!
• Your Credit Card Provider: Often certain credit card memberships come with bonuses, venue partnerships, or specific event bundles that give you special access to Broadway performances just for being one of their customers. There could be inventory waiting just for you.
• Rush Tickets: Rush tickets are a limited amount of discounted seats provided by select productions, typically the morning of or day before a show. Some rush tickets are available through apps like TodayTix. Check out this guide for an up-to-date rush ticket schedule and list of policies.
• Lottery: Enter individual shows’ lotteries for a chance to win tickets. Check out this guide to Broadway rush, lottery, standing-room-only (SRO), and student ticket policies. Tip: You may have a better chance with entering a lottery for a matinee performance, rather than the lottery for an evening show.
• TKTS Times Square: The TKTS booth is another option for buying tickets. Operated by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF), the TKTS booth sells same-day and next-day discount tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, often at a discounted rate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Broadway Tickets

Do Broadway shows get cheaper closer to the date?

Prices vary on a nightly basis, but nothing beats the feeling of knowing you have a seat in the house. For any event in NYC, it’s best to plan ahead and secure your tickets in advance. However, a great deal may still be waiting if you decide to buy Broadway tickets on the day of the show.

What is the best resale site for Broadway shows?

While there are many sites where you can buy and sell Broadway show tickets, Ticketmaster is committed to being the safest and most reliable ticket marketplace out there. Check inventories for select shows hours before showtime via Ticketmaster.

Why are Broadway ticket prices so high?

Broadway ticket prices can be high due to a number of factors, including supply and demand (similar to the sports and concert industries), production costs, and high-profile actors and celebrity guests. In fall 2026, you can look out for famous faces in shows like Other Desert Cities, Hamilton and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

What shows are there to see in NYC?

At any time of year, Broadway offers the biggest spectacles with long-standing shows such as:

• The Book of Mormon
• The Lion King
• Wicked
• Aladdin
• Hamilton

The Great White Way also shines with musicals including MJ, Six, and Wanted, as well as popular plays like Stranger Things: The First Shadow.