Area Code 212 – New York | Cities, Time Zone & Details

Area Code 212 — New York

Covers Manhattan, Midtown, Wall Street, Harlem, and Chelsea and surrounding areas in New York (NY).

Time zone: Eastern (ET)  |  Established: 1947

Where Is Area Code 212?

Area code 212 covers the borough of Manhattan in New York City — one of the most iconic area codes in the country. It is one of the original 86 area codes established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The region serves approximately 1.6 million residents across the Eastern (ET) time zone.

Manhattan is the largest city in the 212 area code and serves as the economic and cultural center of the region. Other notable communities include Midtown, Wall Street, and Harlem, each contributing to the area’s mix of residential, commercial, and cultural activity. The region supports a diverse economy with opportunities in healthcare, education, retail, and various service industries.

New York is served by 19 area codes in total, reflecting the state’s population growth and demand for telephone numbers over the decades. Area code 212 is one of the original codes from 1947 and has been a fixture of the New York telephone landscape ever since.

Major Cities and Communities in the 212 Area Code

The following cities and communities are served by area code 212:

  • Manhattan
  • Midtown
  • Wall Street
  • Harlem
  • Chelsea

Area Code 212 Details

StateNew York (NY)
Time ZoneEastern (ET) (UTC-5 / UTC-4 (DST))
Year Established1947
Overlay CodeNo
Approximate Population Served1,600,000
RegionCovers the borough of Manhattan in New York City — one of the most iconic area codes in the country

Interesting Facts About Area Code 212

  • Area code 212 is one of the original 86 area codes established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan, making it one of the oldest area codes still in use.
  • Area code 212 serves approximately 1.6 million residents in New York, centered around the Manhattan area.
  • New York uses 19 area codes in total, reflecting its large population and the ongoing demand for telephone numbers.

Related Area Codes

Other New York area codes: 315, 332, 347, 516, 518, 585, 607, 631, 646, 680, 716, 718, 838, 845, 914, 917, 929, 934

Connecticut: 203, 860

Massachusetts: 413

New Jersey: 201, 973

Pennsylvania: 570, 717

Vermont: 802

Frequently Asked Questions

What cities use area code 212?

Area code 212 serves Manhattan, Midtown, Wall Street, Harlem, and Chelsea and surrounding communities in New York.

What time zone is area code 212?

Area code 212 is in the Eastern (ET) time zone (UTC-5 / UTC-4 (DST)).

Is 212 a toll-free number?

No, area code 212 is not a toll-free number. It is a geographic area code assigned to New York. Toll-free area codes include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.

When was area code 212 established?

Area code 212 was established in 1947. It is one of the original 86 area codes created as part of the North American Numbering Plan.

Other New York Area Codes

315  •  332  •  347  •  516  •  518  •  585  •  607  •  631  •  646  •  680  •  716  •  718  •  838  •  845  •  914  •  917  •  929  •  934