How to Get Rush Tickets at TIFF 2025 (Even If It’s Sold Out)

September 3, 2025 thextramile TIFF

What Are TIFF Rush Tickets?

If you’re staring at a sold-out film on TIFF’s website, don’t panic… Rush Tickets might be your golden ticket in.

Rush = last-minute release of unsold seats.

It’s TIFF’s way of filling every available seat before a screening starts. So even if a movie is marked as “off-sale,” you can still show up at the venue and try your luck.

Rush lines open 15 minutes before showtime, and if any seats are left unclaimed, they’ll sell them to people in line- first come, first served.

How Much Do TIFF Rush Tickets Cost?

TIFF 2025 Rush Ticket prices are actually cheaper than most resale sites (and more reliable, too).

Regular Rush Ticket: $27 CAD
Premium Rush Ticket: $47 CAD

You’ll pay at the door once you’re let in either with card or cash (but it’s always smart to bring both, just in case).

How to Know if a Film Is Rush-Eligible

Before you start camping outside the Lightbox, make sure the film is even eligible for Rush. Some aren’t.

Here’s how to check:

Go to tiff.net
Navigate to the page of the film you want to see
Look for the words “Rush Eligible”

If you see that, you’re good to line up even if the screening is listed as “off-sale.”

If you don’t see it? Don’t waste your time.

What Time Should You Arrive for Rush Tickets?

Here’s TIFF’s unspoken truth:

30 minutes early = on time

15 minutes early = late

And when it comes to Rush Lines the earlier, the better.

Ideal Rush Arrival Time:

Arrive about 60 minutes before the scheduled start time.

At 15 minutes to showtime, TIFF staff will count empty seats. Any extras get released to the rush line first come, first served.

Where to Go for Rush Tickets

You don’t have to guess. TIFF gives live updates on what’s available.

Check:

These pages show which screenings still have standard or rush tickets available. Still unsure? Walk up to the venue and ask a TIFF staff member as they’ll know the real-time status.

Rush Line Etiquette (Don’t Be That Person)

TIFF rush lines are friendly, but there’s a code.

Follow it, and you’ll have a way better time (and maybe make some movie-loving friends).

Bring snacks
Wear comfy shoes
Be patient (absolutely no cutting)
You’ll need to pay right before entering
It’s a gamble, so have a backup plan in case it doesn’t work out

Remember: No guarantees but many people score tickets this way every year.

Final Insider Tips

Here’s how to improve your chances (from someone who’s done this… a lot):

Watch TIFF’s socials and Reddit for last-minute releases
People no-show all the time = more seats released
Bring both cash and card — payment systems can glitch
Don’t line up hours early — TIFF recommends ~1 hour before showtime
If it works, you’ll walk into that theatre like a movie-going legend

Final Thoughts

TIFF Rush Tickets are one of the best hacks for seeing buzzed-about films without paying inflated resale prices. Yes, it requires a bit of planning, patience, and luck but the reward is worth it: You might just score a seat to the hottest screening of the year.

✨ Pro tip: Bring a friend, grab a coffee, and enjoy the vibe… the line is half the fun and tons of free things to check on on the street!