Buffalo and Western New York are served by the 716 area code, joined in 2024 by the new 624 overlay. Together they cover the city of Buffalo, its suburbs, and nearby Niagara Falls. With the overlay now in place, 10-digit dialing is required across the region.
Fast Facts: Buffalo Area Codes
| City | Buffalo, New York |
| Primary Area Code(s) | 716 |
| Overlay Area Code(s) | 624 (2024) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – EST / EDT |
| Major Counties | Erie (also serves Niagara) |
| Dialing | 10-digit required |
Area Codes in Buffalo – Detailed Breakdown
716 – Buffalo, Niagara Falls & Western New York
The longtime area code for Western New York, 716 covers Buffalo and all of Erie and Niagara counties, including Niagara Falls, Cheektowaga, Amherst, and Tonawanda.
624 – Western New York overlay (newest)
Introduced in 2024, 624 is the new overlay for the 716 region and appears mostly on recently activated numbers across the Buffalo area.
Neighborhoods & Local Coverage
Within the city, the 716 and 624 codes reach every Buffalo neighborhood – from Downtown and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus to Allentown, the Elmwood Village, North Buffalo, South Buffalo, the West Side, Black Rock, and Riverside. The same codes cover the surrounding Erie County suburbs of Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Hamburg, and Lackawanna, as well as Niagara Falls, Lockport, and the rest of Niagara County to the north. Whether a number begins with 716 or 624, it can be based anywhere in this two-county region.
Buffalo is the second-largest city in New York and the economic hub of Western New York. The 716 area code was created in 1954 and served the entire region on its own for seventy years, until the 624 overlay arrived in 2024 to meet demand for new numbers. The regional economy blends healthcare and life sciences on the Medical Campus, higher education at the University at Buffalo, advanced manufacturing, banking, and a strong tourism industry built around nearby Niagara Falls.
Local Dialing Rules & International Calls
Because 716 now shares an overlay with 624, 10-digit dialing is required for every local call in the Buffalo area. To call a Buffalo number from outside the United States, dial your country’s exit code, then +1 (the North American country code), then the 10-digit number (area code + seven-digit line number).
Major ZIP Codes in Buffalo
Buffalo ZIP codes run roughly 14201–14280, with suburban Erie County and Niagara Falls communities covered by nearby 140xx and 141xx codes.
Spam & Scam Call Warnings in Buffalo
Scammers often spoof local Buffalo numbers to seem trustworthy. Watch for these tactics reported across the area:
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Utility Shut-off | Fake National Grid or NYSEG reps threatening to cut power unless you pay immediately. |
| Snow Removal / Home Repair Scam | Fraudulent contractors demanding upfront payment for winter driveway, roof, or ice-dam work. |
| IRS / Tax Scam | Callers threatening arrest over supposed unpaid taxes, demanding gift cards or wire transfers. |
| Bank Fraud Alert | Robocalls impersonating your bank about “suspicious activity” to phish account details. |
Red Flag: The IRS, Social Security Administration, and utilities like National Grid or NYSEG will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Hang up and verify using an official number.
↑ See the complete list of All US Area Codes by State – every area code across all 50 states in one directory.
Nearby New York Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is Buffalo, New York?
Buffalo is served by the 716 area code, along with the new 624 overlay introduced in 2024.
Do I have to dial 10 digits in Buffalo?
Yes. Since 716 now shares an overlay with 624, you must dial the full 10-digit number for every local call.
Does 624 cover the same area as 716?
Yes. 624 is a statewide-region overlay added in 2024 that covers the exact same Western New York territory as 716.
What county is Buffalo in?
Buffalo is the seat of Erie County; the 716/624 region also covers neighboring Niagara County.
Stay Safe & Explore More
- Verify an unknown caller in our Scam Alerts directory.
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