Area Code 346 — Texas (overlay with area code 832/281)
Covers Houston, Pasadena, Pearland, Sugar Land, and League City and surrounding areas in Texas (TX).
Time zone: Central (CT) / Mountain (MT) | Established: 2014
Where Is Area Code 346?
Area code 346 serves the Houston metropolitan area as an overlay sharing coverage with area codes 832 and 281. Introduced in 2014 as an overlay to area code 832/281, it shares the same geographic footprint — new phone numbers in the region may be assigned either code. The area is home to approximately 4.5 million people and falls within the Central (CT) / Mountain (MT) time zone.
Houston is the largest city in the 346 area code and serves as the economic and cultural center of the region. Other notable communities include Pasadena, Pearland, and Sugar Land, each contributing to the area’s mix of residential, commercial, and cultural activity. The urban and suburban character of the area supports a diverse economy spanning healthcare, technology, education, retail, and professional services.
The introduction of area code 346 as an overlay meant that residents and businesses in the region transitioned to mandatory 10-digit dialing for all local calls. Unlike an area code split — which reassigns existing numbers to a new code — an overlay keeps all existing 832/281 numbers intact and simply adds 346 as a second option for new assignments. Texas currently uses 27 area codes to serve its residents.
Major Cities and Communities in the 346 Area Code
The following cities and communities are served by area code 346:
- Houston
- Pasadena
- Pearland
- Sugar Land
- League City
Area Code 346 Details
| State | Texas (TX) |
| Time Zone | Central (CT) / Mountain (MT) (UTC-6 / UTC-5 (DST)) |
| Year Established | 2014 |
| Overlay Code | Yes |
| Approximate Population Served | 4,500,000 |
| Region | Covers the Houston metropolitan area as an overlay sharing coverage with area codes 832 and 281 |
Interesting Facts About Area Code 346
- Area code 346 was introduced in 2014 as an overlay for area code 832/281, meaning both codes serve the exact same geographic area in Texas.
- Area code 346 serves approximately 4.5 million people, making it one of the more heavily used area codes in the country.
- Because 346 is an overlay code, all calls in the region require 10-digit dialing — you must dial the area code even for local calls.
Related Area Codes
Other Texas area codes: 210, 214, 254, 281, 325, 361, 409, 430, 432, 469, 512, 682, 713, 726, 737, 806, 817, 830, 832, 903, 915, 936, 940, 956, 972, 979
Arkansas: 870
Louisiana: 337, 318
New Mexico: 575, 505
Oklahoma: 580, 918
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities use area code 346?
Area code 346 serves Houston, Pasadena, Pearland, Sugar Land, and League City and surrounding communities in Texas.
What time zone is area code 346?
Area code 346 is in the Central (CT) / Mountain (MT) time zone (UTC-6 / UTC-5 (DST)).
Is 346 a toll-free number?
No, area code 346 is not a toll-free number. It is a geographic area code assigned to Texas. Toll-free area codes include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.
When was area code 346 established?
Area code 346 was established in 2014.
Is area code 346 an overlay code?
Yes, area code 346 is an overlay code that shares geographic coverage with area code 832/281 in Texas. Both codes serve the same area.
Other Texas Area Codes
210 • 214 • 254 • 281 • 325 • 361 • 409 • 430 • 432 • 469 • 512 • 682 • 713 • 726 • 737 • 806 • 817 • 830 • 832 • 903 • 915 • 936 • 940 • 956 • 972 • 979
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