Albany, the capital of New York, is served by the 518 area code, joined in 2017 by the 838 overlay. Together they cover Albany, the Capital District, and much of northeastern New York. With the overlay in place, 10-digit dialing is required across the region.
Fast Facts: Albany Area Codes
| City | Albany, New York |
| Primary Area Code(s) | 518 |
| Overlay Area Code(s) | 838 (2017) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – EST / EDT |
| Major Counties | Albany (Capital District) |
| Dialing | 10-digit required |
Area Codes in Albany – Detailed Breakdown
518 – Albany & the Capital Region
One of the original 1947 area codes, 518 covers Albany and the entire Capital District – including Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs – as well as much of northeastern New York up to the Adirondacks and the Canadian border.
838 – Capital Region overlay
Introduced in 2017 as an overlay of 518, the 838 code covers the exact same northeastern New York region and appears mostly on recently activated numbers.
Neighborhoods & Local Coverage
The 518 and 838 codes cover every Albany neighborhood, including Downtown, Center Square, Washington Park, Pine Hills, Arbor Hill, the Mansion district, and Delaware Avenue, along with the suburbs of Colonie, Bethlehem (Delmar), and Guilderland. The same codes serve the wider Capital District cities of Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs, and reach north into the Adirondacks.
As the capital of New York State, Albany is dominated by government – the State Capitol, the Empire State Plaza, and thousands of state agency jobs – alongside a strong healthcare, higher-education, and technology presence, including the University at Albany and the region’s growing nanotechnology and semiconductor sector. The 518 area code has served the Capital Region since 1947, and the 838 overlay was added in 2017 to supply additional numbers.
Local Dialing Rules & International Calls
Because 518 now shares an overlay with 838, 10-digit dialing is required for every local call in the Albany area. To call a Albany 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 Albany
Albany ZIP codes run roughly 12201–12262, with surrounding Capital District communities in Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga covered by nearby 121xx, 123xx, and 128xx codes.
Spam & Scam Call Warnings in Albany
Scammers often spoof local Albany numbers to seem trustworthy. Watch for these tactics reported across the area:
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Government Impersonation | Callers posing as state agencies or courts – common in the capital – demanding payment or personal data. |
| Utility Shut-off | Fake National Grid reps threatening to cut power unless you pay immediately. |
| 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 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 codes does Albany use?
Albany is served by the 518 area code and its 838 overlay, both covering the Capital District and northeastern New York.
Do I have to dial 10 digits in Albany?
Yes. Since 518 shares an overlay with 838, you must dial the full 10-digit number for every local call.
Does 838 cover the same area as 518?
Yes. 838 is an overlay added in 2017 that covers the exact same Capital Region as 518.
What county is Albany in?
Albany is the seat of Albany County and the capital of New York State.
Why does the state capital have two area codes?
Albany’s 518 code, in use since 1947, ran short of available numbers as the Capital Region grew, so the 838 overlay was added in 2017 across the same northeastern New York area.
Stay Safe & Explore More
- Verify an unknown caller in our Scam Alerts directory.
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