Area codes in Albany, New York
Albany, New York uses 2 area codes — 518 and 838. The main Albany area code is 518.
Area codes serving Albany
Phone numbers in Albany are written as ten digits — for example (518) 555-0190 — and fall in the Eastern Time zone.
How Albany came to have 2 area codes
The original Albany area code is 518, in service since 1947. As the area ran low on available numbers, an overlay code was added over the same region for new phone lines: 838 (2017). Existing numbers kept their original code — an overlay never forces anyone to change their number — which is why Albany now uses all 2 codes and every local call is dialed with ten digits.
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Nearby cities
- Schenectady area codes
- Poughkeepsie area codes
- Bristol area codes
- Utica area codes
- Hartford area codes
- Danbury area codes
- Rome area codes
- New Haven area codes
More cities in New York
- New York City area codes
- Brooklyn area codes
- Buffalo area codes
- Rochester area codes
- Syracuse area codes
- Queens area codes
- Staten Island area codes
- Ithaca area codes
Frequently asked questions
What is the area code for Albany?
The main area code for Albany, New York is 518. Albany is now served by 2 area codes in total: 518, 838.
How many area codes does Albany have?
Albany has 2 area codes: 518, 838.
Why does Albany have more than one area code?
As Albany used up the numbers available in its original area code (518, in service since 1947), additional "overlay" codes were added over the same area so new phone numbers could keep being assigned.
How do you dial a Albany number?
Dial all 10 digits — the area code (518 or 838) followed by the 7-digit local number. From abroad, dial +1, then the area code and number.
Sourced from the official NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administrator) numbering database, current as of August 2, 2026. Refreshed monthly.