Taquilla vs. boletería
While both taquilla and boletería refer to the physical place where you buy entrance passes, the choice depends largely on the region. Taquilla is primarily used in Spain, whereas boletería is the standard term in most Latin American countries.
Taquilla
A2This word is used in Spain and typically refers to the window or counter where tickets are sold. Unlike its counterpart, taquilla has two other distinct meanings: it can refer to a personal locker (like in a gym or school) and it is the standard term for box office regarding movie revenue.
Hay mucha gente esperando frente a la taquilla del cine.
(There are a lot of people waiting in front of the cinema ticket office.)
La película fue un gran éxito de taquilla este fin de semana.
(The movie was a big box office hit this weekend.)
Por favor, compre sus billetes de tren en la taquilla número cuatro.
(Please buy your train tickets at ticket window number four.)
Guardé mi ropa en la taquilla del gimnasio antes de nadar.
(I stored my clothes in the gym locker before swimming.)
Boletería
A2Derived from the word boleto (ticket), this is the preferred term in Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Colombia. It refers exclusively to the office or counter where tickets are sold for events or transportation.
La boletería del estadio abre tres horas antes del partido.
(The stadium ticket office opens three hours before the match.)
Debes ir a la boletería central para cambiar tu pasaje de autobús.
(You must go to the central ticket office to change your bus ticket.)
Pregunté en la boletería si quedaban asientos disponibles.
(I asked at the ticket counter if there were any seats left.)
La boletería del teatro no acepta pagos con tarjeta de crédito.
(The theater box office does not accept credit card payments.)
Summary
Use taquilla if you are in Spain or if you are discussing the financial earnings of a movie. Use boletería when referring to a ticket counter in the majority of Latin America.