Aspen Hill, Maryland
Area code 240
Where Is Area Code 240?
Area code 240 is in Maryland. It serves the western and central parts of the state, including the Maryland suburbs around Washington, D.C. Aspen Hill is one of the communities in this area code.
Area code 240 covers many places in Montgomery County and Prince George's County, along with western Maryland counties. Major cities and communities in the 240 service area include Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Frederick, Hagerstown, Cumberland, and Aspen Hill. The code is not limited to one city. It serves a broad part of Maryland.
Area code 240 reaches from dense suburban areas near the Capital Beltway to the mountains of western Maryland. Its coverage includes well-known places such as portions of the Washington metropolitan area, the C&O Canal National Historical Park region, and communities near the Appalachian Mountains in the western part of the state.
History of Area Code 240
Area code 240 began service on June 1, 1997. It was created as a split from area code 301, which had served much of Maryland since 1947. The split happened because the region needed more phone numbers as population and telecommunications use grew.
Area code 240 later became part of an overlay system with 301. On June 1, 1997, 240 initially served the western portion of the old 301 territory, while 301 remained in the Washington suburban core. In 2000, 240 became an overlay for the same region served by 301, which made 10-digit dialing necessary in that area. In 2023, area code 227 was added as another overlay for the 240 and 301 region.
Key Facts About Area Code 240
- Area code 240 is in the state of Maryland.
- Area code 240 serves Aspen Hill and other communities in Montgomery County.
- Area code 240 also serves major Maryland cities such as Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Frederick, Hagerstown, and Cumberland.
- Area code 240 is in the Eastern Time Zone.
- Area code 240 first went into service on June 1, 1997.
- Area code 240 was created from a split of area code 301.
- Area code 240 now operates as an overlay with area codes 301 and 227 in the same Maryland numbering plan area.
- The 240 service area includes major institutions and landmarks such as the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda and the University of Maryland, College Park area within the broader 301 and 240 region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 240 in?
Area code 240 is in Maryland.
What major cities use area code 240?
Major cities and communities that use area code 240 include Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Frederick, Hagerstown, Cumberland, and Aspen Hill.
Is area code 240 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 240 is a geographic area code in Maryland.
Last updated: April 2026