Broadway Guides
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Broadway Guides
How Long Is The Lion King?
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Short Answer
The Lion King runs 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission, according to Broadway.com and Broadway Direct's help center. Broadway.com recommends ages 6 and up, and says children under 2 won't be admitted. Latecomers are seated at management's discretion.
Checked October 2026 against Broadway.com and Broadway Direct's help center.
The Lion King Running Time
Broadway.com states the show runs "2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission," without giving the intermission's own length. Broadway Direct's help center adds that detail, stating the show runs "2 hours, 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission." Both sources agree on the total.
If you're comparing this to other shows before you pick one, see our guide to Broadway running times for the full list. The Lion King's 2 hours 30 minutes is 15 minutes shorter than Hamilton's 2 hours 45 minutes; see our guide to how long Hamilton runs for that show's own breakdown.
Taking Children to The Lion King
Broadway.com states the show is "recommended for ages 6 and up," and that "all guests must have a ticket, regardless of age." Separately, its FAQ states that "children under 2 will not be admitted."
Our suggestion, not a seller rule: a two-and-a-half-hour sit, split by a single intermission, is worth weighing against your own child's attention span, separately from the age guidance above.
What Time Will It End?
Our estimate, not an official rule: add 2 hours 30 minutes to the show's start time. For example, if the curtain is at 7:00 pm, the show would end around 9:30 pm; if it's a 2:00 pm matinee, around 4:30 pm. These are hypothetical examples, not the actual schedule. Check the current one before you go. A late curtain or a long ovation can push the real end time later.
Before You Go
Latecomers are seated at the discretion of management, according to Broadway.com. Broadway.com also states: "Cloakroom service is available to patrons during the winter months. No bags or luggage will be checked." The Lion King plays the Minskoff Theatre, 200 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036.
For what to wear, see our Broadway dress code guide.
Our lottery guide lists The Lion King among the shows running a Broadway Direct lottery as of October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is The Lion King recommended for?
Broadway.com recommends the show for ages 6 and up. All guests must have a ticket, regardless of age, and children under 2 will not be admitted.
What happens if you arrive late to The Lion King?
Latecomers are seated at the discretion of management, according to Broadway.com.
Can you check a bag or coat at The Lion King?
No bags or luggage will be checked, though cloakroom service is available during the winter months, according to Broadway.com.
Is there a lottery for The Lion King?
According to our lottery guide, Broadway Direct runs a lottery for The Lion King as of October 2026. The guide explains how to enter.
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