TKTS
Category: Performing Arts [Edit]
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Theater DistrictDuffy Square
47th St and Broadway
New York, NY 10036 (212) 768-1818
- Nearest Transit:
49th St-7th Ave (N, R, W)
50th St-Broadway (1)
50th St-8th Ave (C, E)
- Good for Kids: Yes
39 Reviews for TKTS
I've gotten tickets here for many wonderful shows. Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Hairspray, etc. Always had really good seats in the front for cheap prices. Countless amazing experiences.
I love TKTS.... best way to get affordable tickets, they have so many shows, the seats aren't bad... just remember it's CASH ONLY at the Times Square location... and know what you want to see BEFORE you get up to the counter... please.... you'll keep the crazy long line (that is totally worth waiting in) moving along at a quick speed... these TKTS workers have it down to a science.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I've had very good luck here in recent years- Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, and Spring Awakening. Waiting in line is 1/2 the fun. If you have the time to wait, it is worth it. Painful when the weather is bad, but get a coffee and stick it out. I'd say the average ticket price is about 50 bucks. Some off-broadway plays are much cheaper, and sometimes weekend evenings will run in the 70s. Take your chances- you'll never know what you'll end up seeing.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
We used TKTS Booth twice during our stay in NY. They have a big marquee screen with the shows they have tickets for and some of em I wasn't really familiar with. But anyways, the first night (Thursday) we were yelled at by the workers to keep moving because there were so many booths open. Line went by really fast; I'd say 10 mins max. We got tickets to see a chorus line...Second row for $56!! We were so close I could see AC slaters muscles and spit! Lol. Second time we went was on a Saturday about the time it opened (3 pm) and it was soooo crowded...I say we waited about an hour and twenty minutes this time. We got tickets to see Avenue Q for the same price $56...only bad thing was that our seats were in the VERY last row of the theatre! But it was still a deal...half price! Just make sure if you come on a Saturday, come early to avoid the line.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This is a great way to get affordable tickets to broadway and off broadway shows the same day. Yes it's not as cheap as it used to be, but it's still a great deal. And I agree with the previous yelpers, this place has lots of potential for disaster but it well maintained. It's worth the trip if there's a show you want to see but don't want to buy tickets way in advance.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
The TKTS booth is fun - But I never understand why people use this ticket booth when you can get exactly the same discounts in advance from websites like playbill, theatremania, talkinbroadway, schooltix, bbox and nytix.com
One of the above companies has a guarantee that they are always have better deals than TKTS
Dont get me wrong, getting in the long line at TKTS is fun, but I like to know what seats I am getting in advance and I dont like getting the lame seats that TKTS gives you when they sell out of the regular seats - remember, TKTS sells the tickets that are left over after the above web sites have sold all they can sell with Discount Broadway Codes
I say, buy your discount Broadway tickets weeks in advance from the above web sites and then just go and stand in line at the TKTS booth for the fun of it
Oh, and when it rains the TKTS booth is just horrible - but that doesnt matter until they move into the new booth in Times Square (TKTS is temporarily located under the Marriott Marquis hotel right now)
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Considering the utter chaos that the TKTS line could be, this is a pretty organized operation. Once the windows opened, we had our tickets within 25 minutes. Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic for fifty something bucks, not bad. Not bad, at all.
They didn't have every show playing, but they had at least 50 to choose from.
I'm just a Broadway Baby
Slaving at the five and ten
Dreaming of the great day when
I can afford a show.
Broadway Baby,
Waiting in line all afternoon
Eating at the Halal Cart
To save on my dough....
When I was a poor little intern in the wilds of Manhattan in the early 1980's, this was my second home. I'd throttle over here from my little office job on Third and come up with a game plan for what I would see that night. Gee, I remember seeing shows like "The Pirates of Penzance" with Kevin Kline and Linda Ronstadt and "Sophisticated Ladies" with Gregory Hines. Flash forward a quarter-century later, and here I am in line again. Guess my initial poverty has fossilized into permanent thriftiness. Hey, a deal is a deal.
On a quick getaway from the Left Coast last week, I missed the current stagehand strike by mere days. I was able to brave the tortuous, snaking line to buy half-price seats to "Xanadu" and "The Color Purple". Not bad considering I was in line for perhaps 45 minutes each before both purchases. While the permanent location at 47th in Times Square has been under renovation for a while, the discount booth is now parked at the Marriott Marquis on 46th. The upside is that you are at least partially covered from the elements since the line makes it way through the passageway between 46th and 47th. What you're not insulated from are all the scalpers yelling about their tickets and the tourists who try to sneak to Junior's while you promise them to save their place in line. Ha! Fat chance!
Perhaps because my expectations are low as to what is available by the time I get to the window, I've always been pleased with the shows I get to see as a result. If you're lucky, the person at the window will recommend whether the purchase is worth it based on the view from the seats. Keep in mind that you need cash or that ancient currency of the Reaganomics years, traveler's checks, to make a purchase. No credit cards are accepted. Whatever inconvenience there is in waiting for an hour or so is worth it. You get an evening in the theater for less than retail, and that's a very good thing for all concerned.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (4)
Cool (5)
There is no such thing as seeing a Broadway show without TKTS in your life. Beware of the peddlers flocking around the area...
Theatre people in the know all know that the very best way to take advantage of TKTS is to go at 7:40 PM. Many times, theaters run their house seats and their VIP holds over to the TKTS booth when it looks like they won't be needed just before showtime, and you wind up getting the very best seats in the house for the same discounted rate as other seats. This strategy doesn't always work, and if you have your heart set on a particular show or the show you want to see is downtown, this isn't going to be possible. However, if you're like Sam P. and you like a little thrill of the unknown, simply buying two tickets to whatever is left is always potentially entertaining.
The lines move quickly and the need for cash is blatantly obvious--it is all about speed--what's the problem with cash, people, there are ten million ATMs within a block of TKTS.
Easily one of the best things about New York, for locals and tourists alike.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
Thank God for TKTS. Even at half price a good seat at a Broadway show are more than $70. I like the temporary location in Marriott Marquis because it provides a cover from rain that the original location on a traffic island didn't. And with the weaving queue you are earshot of ever changing and some interesting conversations. Be ready for Asian hip checks as you get close to ticket windows and the line dissolves into anarchy.
Quick, easy and cheap (just how I like.... buying tickets :)
Apparently I went at the right time, or was lucky, but either way it was a great experience and I will definitely be coming back in the future.
Only downside is that they don't accept credit... But Bank of America is right around the corner so it's all good in the hood.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Aside from the endless lines of people that crowd Times Square, this TKTS might have a few shows that the South Street Seaport has and MAYBE even cheaper. After all, most of the shows are within walking distance and is not so much of a hassle, especially if its only an hour before show time. Sometimes the tickets are virtually sold for huge discounts to satisfy the need of a sellout crowd on any given night.
Big ups for the fact they have expanded in size earlier last year. The previous booth was too small to handle the large crowds and the multi windows now are a nice touch, if not an extremely necessary one. It has now become an area that is a must visit before considering any show.
Almost every time I get tickets yes, they're half off, but they're also the worst seats in the house.
Just go to a show that has a lottery instead, those are pretty easy to win.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
TKTS was a staple of my childhood happy-days. My parents would load me and my brother into the car, drive down an hour to Times Square, and we'd wait in line for a cool show while sipping hot chocolate and staring the Cup O Noodles sign down. TKTS is a New York institution for all theater fans looking for a decent deal.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
Don't even get me started on the $110 orchestra seats or the $200-400 Premium seats that Broadway is pulling these days. If you want to see a show and don't have the funds and waiting in line for the lottery/rush tickets isn't your thing. This is the place for you & you don't even have to wait too long if you go around 7pm.
TKTS is my #2 way of getting tickets #1 way when I just want to see a show. I recently was in Manhattan for a week and wanted to see a show every night I was there. I got to see 6 shows for $210! You just can't beat that. 2 shows were lottery tickets, 1 was a 50% off box office "surprise" and the other 3 were courtesy of TKTS.
I have never been there first thing in the morning so I don't know how that portion of it works. I just went after my business class, usually between 6-7pm, and there was always stuff left. For those of you cheap skates who think %50 off the orchestra seats is too much (which at $110 base price is WAY to much anyway not to mention the ) they have balcony seats which at $25 isn't bad. They get an influx of tickets throughout the day especially around 6:30/7p when the box office sends over more of the cheaper seats. They also have off Broadway shows but the good ones are usually gone by the evening.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
half price tickets for older shows.....awesome.
i have no problem checking out a classic!
they have many energetic people answering questions.
so hlpful and if youar chummy enough with them, theywill give you their honest opinion and will lead you to the best & budget show ever.
bravo!
Bring cash or Traveler's checks.
Broadwaybox.com (thank you Yelpers) is a newfound online-equivalent to TKTS. It takes that spontaneous feeling (which I love) away, but also eliminates any worry or nail biting, as you can buy in advance. There is a "service" charge, though, so the truly thrifty should stick with TKTS.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (2)
I remember going here last year around September or so with my sister to get tickets for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" show. It was humorous because the lines to get tickets weren't so clear cut and it was somewhat of a rat race. I don't remember exactly why I had to get out of line, but I did and told one of the guards if I could get back in line without waiting and the guard was cool with it. That's my nice story of this place =)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Simply awesome! I'll be seeing a lot more shows now thanks to TKTS. I've always known about it, but didn't know I could show up at 7:30pm and still get tickets. Thank you Yelpers for enlightening me!
People thought this was:
Cool (2)
Everyone has done it, have you? Standing in line for TKTS seems like a right of way into NYC. I usually go down to the South Side Seaport instead. Nice to do once though...
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I second (third, forth) all these reviews, but might I also suggest, if you're just in the mood to see something (doesn't matter what) and you don't want to wait in line, go at 7:30pm and just see what's left. You can walk right up to the window, and sometimes they give you an even bigger discount than 50% off because they know the tickets aren't going to sell that day. Then you can just go right to your show. I love New York!
People thought this was:
Useful (8)
Cool (4)
Can get the same discounts online without the waiting, but I agree the energy ( at least at the old location) was fun. If you happen to be downtown on a day you want to see a show, however, the South Street Seaport Tkts is nice because it doesn't seem to be nearly as busy, and it always is nice to have tickets on hand rather than some printed out internet reservation.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
- Note there are two different times. Matinee & Evening shows
-check web in advance to see what is going to be posted
-get there 1hr or 1.5hrs earlier
-bring cash
-check weather and dress appropriately for the day
-while you wait, ask the people around you what the shows are about! Most have seen a few.
-enjoy the discounts for what they're worth b/c you will NEVER find sell out shows on here. While the shows here are cool, they're often ones lagging in ticket sales..
-if you can bring a buddy or two and alternate standing.
- Avoid dragging kids if you can. Simply bring them to the show.
The lines can seem intimidating when you first see them but they move very quickly. I thought for sure they'd run out of tickets for the show I wanted to see but sure enough they had great seats available for Rent for half off! They have two locations.. make sure to check out their website at http://www.tdf.org/tkts/ for location hours and any news.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (3)
A great way to see shows at the last minute, often at half-price.
However, in the year 2006, still accepting cash only for interactions frequently well over $100 is just ridiculous if not downright rude, especially as many of its clients are tourists who don't normally plan on carrying large quantities of cash.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I paid less than $60 for orchestra seats for Phantom of the Opera, they were HALF OFF!
I heard about this place and decided to take my chances with just buying tickets the day of the show. They sell matinee and night shows at different times. The line moves suprisingly quick, so don't get scared off.
*Ohh and if you're a BankofAmerica customer like me, there's an vestibule around the corner in case you're not ready for the cash only policy.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
TKTS is a terrific place to get cheap tickets on the day of a show. Most shows are there for Wednesday matinees, except for the more popular ones. Preview tickets are available as well. A recent visit of mine yielded tickets to the Drowsy Chaperone, a Tony award nominee for best musical, for $50. How can you beat that? Sure, the lines may be long and they may not take credit cards, but it's worth it!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I heart TKTS, because I definitely resent paying $110 for a seat to a show, regardless of who is in it. I'm cheap. End of story. And if I can save some money, I am going to be a VERY happy camper! That being said, definitely go with an open mind and see what they have. The last week's offerings are usually listed on the website, but that doesn't mean it will be the same the next week. During the week is obviously easier than Friday or Saturday nights, but there's always something available cheap. There's also a booth in the South Street Seaport.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
10th row orchestra seats to Avenue Q for $50? How can you not think that is absolutely fabulous!
TKTS is glorious. Without it, how would all of us poor college students enjoy the amazing theatre that New York City so generously provides? Sure, lines aren't fun (especially in the cold!), but the last time I was here I was blessed with a very short line! And even with a long one, I think it's worth it.
30-50% off on Broadway and Off-Broadway shows...how can you go wrong?
TKTS sells tickets for same day shows on and off Broadway at discounted prices, usually 30-50% off. Ticket booth opens at 5pm, and you better go early, tickets can sell out quickly. Weekday shows have more availability than weekend shows typically, and sometimes you can score great seats (as I have the last few times). We scored two tickets in the second row of the mezzanine level to see "The Producers" on a Thurs night. Tickets were 50% off the face value of $112. Add some service charges and small "Restoration fee" (to help pay for their new building they currently constructing at the old location in the island in the middle of Times Square. The new location will be located below ground with places to sit, I believe. Currently, the temporary ticket booth is located on the side of the Marriott Marquis on 46th, I think.) and we paid $118 total for a great show. Can't beat it!
And, don't forget to bring cash, since they don't take plastic.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
went to get tix for a broadway show - avenue Q and the line was insane but it moved pretty fast (surprisingly fast). the show was awesome. highly recommended. tried to get into spring awakening but ticket sold out coz people started lining up for it since 6am for the past a week or so. didnt know broadway show can be so entertaining. anyhoo, tkts did a very good job in managing the crowd and the 4 - 5 blocks of people lining up for the shows. no complains definitely..
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Although you have to get there early and stand in a horrendously long line it's well worth the wait - even in the rain. Discounted tickets for some of the top plays on in New York. I got Phantom of the Opera tickets here.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
DURING THE RECONSTRUCTION OF DUFFY SQUARE, THE TKTS BOOTH IS LOCATED IN A TEMPORARY SPOT AT THE MARRIOTT MARQUIS ON BROADWAY & 46TH STREET.
The Right On way to see a show. Bring cash. You will get at least 25% off ticket prices (50% is the norm). Be prepared to stand in line for a bit. Take a chance on a new or unfamiliar show - it is cheap (for theatre tix!)
The secret to getting the hot shows is to visit the South Street Seaport location for a matinee performance - at this booth, matinees are sold a day in advance.
www.tdf.org
Nothing more to add here. Who doesn't like half price tickets? Just be sure to bring cash and wait in line early for the best selection of the days shows. Have fun and enjoy the show!
The only way to see a play if you're on a strict budget. Operated by the Theater Development Fund, the booth sells tickets to Broadway, off-Broadway, dance, and music events at 25%, 35%, and 50% off full-price, plus a $3.00 per ticket service charge, on the day of performance. Payment is by cash or traveler's check only. All available tickets are posted on electronic boards at the 47th Street end of Duffy Square. Changes in availability occur continuously, as cooperating theatres supply or withdraw tickets depending on box office demand, and it's not impossible to grab a ticket to a runaway hit at the last minute. Don't let the always long line intimidate you, as it moves fairly quickly . . . I've rarely waited more than a half hour to reach a sales window. Open daily for evening performances from 3 - 8:00pm; Wednesdays and Saturdays for matinees from 10:00am - 2:00pm; Sundays for matinees from 11:00am - 3:00pm.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (1)
oh the frenzy! the craziness! the tourists! boy, do i love being bombarded with hoardes of mamals that we human in times square after a fulfilling dinner at olive garden or the roxy. but seriously, discount tickets? i love it! the lines get crazy, but it's worth the wait... and it goes very quickly. so don't worry about missing a show or something. you'll get that ticket dangit.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (1)
I'm glad it's there, but $60 for one ticket at half price is sinfully high.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
When you first see the TKTS booth the length of the queue can be overwhelming and off putting - however bear with it. We queued on a Saturday afternoon at about 3pm for a show that night at 8pm and waited no more than an hour and got our first choice of tickets - Chicago! It was organised well with security ensuring everyone was in the right queue to avoid people pushing in. There was a man playing the steel drums for our entertainment (donations optional) and then there was a guy singing cabaret who loved himself far too much but none the less was entertaining! Well worth the wait for half price tickets!
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Culture Vultures
Museums and culture is one of things New York is… -
NUEVA YORK
This list is made in part by the people of YELP,… -
First Visit To NY
This is a list of the places I visited while I was… -
NYC
Some of the places we visited during our trip.… -
Discount Theatre Tickets
My favorite ways to see shows on the cheap...pls.… -
Where I Dispose of Income…
Or: Why My Credit Card Balances Never Seem to Go… -
The Roar of the…
I'm just a Broadway baby. Wearing out my tired… -
pour hind le bellydancer
avoir l'amusement New York City ! je souhaite que…
Hot and New
- Lan Zhou Handmade Noodle
9 reviews
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Chinatown
- Shopsin's
21 reviews
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Lower East Side
- Abraço
60 reviews
Neighborhood: Manhattan/East Village
- Grimaldi's
398 reviews
Brooklyn, NY
- Bar Pitti
42 reviews
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Greenwich Village