Area Code 518 — New York
Covers Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and Glens Falls and surrounding areas in New York (NY).
Time zone: Eastern (ET) | Established: 1947
Where Is Area Code 518?
Area code 518 covers the Capital District and northeastern New York including Albany (the state capital) and the Adirondacks. 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 1.2 million residents across the Eastern (ET) time zone.
Albany is the largest city in the 518 area code and serves as the economic and cultural center of the region. Other notable communities include Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs, each contributing to the area’s mix of residential, commercial, and cultural activity. As home to the state capital, the region combines government employment with growing private-sector industries including healthcare and education.
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 518 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 518 Area Code
The following cities and communities are served by area code 518:
- Albany
- Schenectady
- Troy
- Saratoga Springs
- Glens Falls
Area Code 518 Details
| State | New York (NY) |
| Time Zone | Eastern (ET) (UTC-5 / UTC-4 (DST)) |
| Year Established | 1947 |
| Overlay Code | No |
| Approximate Population Served | 1,200,000 |
| Region | Covers the Capital District and northeastern New York including Albany (the state capital) and the Adirondacks |
Interesting Facts About Area Code 518
- Area code 518 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 518 includes New York’s state capital, making it a center for government services, policy, and public administration.
- 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: 212, 315, 332, 347, 516, 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 518?
Area code 518 serves Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and Glens Falls and surrounding communities in New York.
What time zone is area code 518?
Area code 518 is in the Eastern (ET) time zone (UTC-5 / UTC-4 (DST)).
Is 518 a toll-free number?
No, area code 518 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 518 established?
Area code 518 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
212 • 315 • 332 • 347 • 516 • 585 • 607 • 631 • 646 • 680 • 716 • 718 • 838 • 845 • 914 • 917 • 929 • 934
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