Seattle, Washington

Where Is Area Code 206?

Area code 206 is in western Washington and primarily serves Seattle and a few nearby communities in King County. It is one of the main telephone area codes in the Seattle metro area. The area lies in the Puget Sound region of the Pacific Northwest.

Area code 206 covers the city of Seattle and nearby places such as Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Mercer Island, and Vashon Island. It also serves parts of unincorporated King County. The code is much smaller than it once was because later splits created other area codes for nearby parts of western Washington.

This area includes major regional landmarks and institutions. Seattle sits on Puget Sound between Elliott Bay and Lake Washington. Notable places in the 206 area include downtown Seattle, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the main campus of the University of Washington.

History of Area Code 206

Area code 206 was one of the original North American area codes created in 1947. At first, it covered the entire state of Washington. That changed as telephone use grew and the state added more area codes.

In 1957, eastern Washington split off into area code 509. In 1995, much of the Seattle suburbs and nearby areas moved to area code 360, and in 1997 more of the central Puget Sound region moved to area code 425 and area code 253. Since June 10, 2017, area code 564 has overlaid 206, which means both area codes can serve the same geographic area and 10-digit dialing is required.

Key Facts About Area Code 206

• Area code 206 is in the state of Washington and is most closely associated with Seattle.
• Area code 206 is in the Pacific Time Zone, observing Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time.
• Area code 206 is an original area code from 1947 under the North American Numbering Plan.
• Area code 206 now serves Seattle and nearby communities in King County after several splits reduced its size.
• Area code 206 shares its service area with overlay area code 564, which took effect on June 10, 2017.
• The 206 area includes major Seattle landmarks such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Seattle’s downtown waterfront.
• The University of Washington’s main campus in Seattle is within the 206 area code.
• King County, which includes most of the 206 service area, had a 2020 census population of 2,269,675, though area code 206 covers only part of the county.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 206 in?

Area code 206 is in Washington state.

What major cities use area code 206?

Area code 206 primarily serves Seattle, along with nearby communities such as Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Mercer Island, and Vashon Island.

Is area code 206 a toll-free number?

No, area code 206 is a geographic area code for Seattle and nearby parts of Washington.