518
Covers Upstate New York
One of the original area codes of 1947
City facts
Albany area codes
Area codes for Upstate New York: history, overlays and how to dial.
518838
Albany uses area codes 518 and 838.
About these area codes
838
Covers Upstate New York
In service since 2017
How to call a number in Albany
Inside the US
1 (518) 555-0123Dial 1, the area code, then the seven-digit number.Local call
555-0123Many areas now require the area code for local calls too; if a seven-digit call fails, add it.From outside the US
+1 518 555 0123Use your country's exit code or +, then 1 for the US.Albany is on Eastern Time (ET); check the time before calling from another zone.
Albany quick facts
Albany was settled in 1614 and incorporated in 1686.
Settled1614
Incorporated1686
CountyAlbany CountyNew York
Area codes518, 838Population100,081Census ACS estimateZIP codes1012202, 12203, 12205…Elevation148 ft45 m
Time zoneEastern TimeET
Dates, namesake and elevation from Wikipedia: Albany, New York and Wikidata (checked 2026-11-08); population and ZIP codes from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Questions
What area code is Albany?
Albany uses area codes 518 and 838.
When did area code 518 start?
Area code 518 is one of the original North American area codes of 1947.
When did area code 838 start?
Area code 838 dates from 2017.
What time zone is area code 518 in?
Albany is on Eastern Time (ET).
Sources: Area codes 518 and 838, Area codes 518 and 838 (Wikipedia) and Wikidata, checked 2026-11-08. Numbering plans change; the North American Numbering Plan Administrator is the official record.