Bossier City, Louisiana

Where Is Area Code 318?

Area code 318 is in northern and central Louisiana, including Bossier City and much of the northwestern, northeastern, and central parts of the state. It serves a large geographic region rather than one single metro area. Bossier City and nearby Shreveport are two of the best-known cities in the 318 area.

Area code 318 covers communities such as Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, Natchitoches, Minden, and many smaller towns across northern and central Louisiana. Louisiana is divided into parishes rather than counties, so this area code reaches across many parishes in that part of the state. Bossier City is in Bossier Parish, directly across the Red River from Shreveport in Caddo Parish.

The region includes major waterways and landmarks such as the Red River and Cross Lake near the Shreveport-Bossier area. It also includes well-known institutions and sites such as Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

History of Area Code 318

Area code 318 was created in 1957 when it was split from area code 504. That change gave northern and central Louisiana a separate area code as telephone service expanded in the state. It is not one of Louisiana's original 1947 area codes.

Area code 318 changed again in 1999, when area code 337 was split off to serve southwestern Louisiana. In 2022, area code 457 was approved as an overlay for the same region served by 318. Because 457 overlays 318, new numbers in the area may use either code, and 10-digit dialing applies across the overlay area.

Key Facts About Area Code 318

• Area code 318 is in Louisiana, and Bossier City is one of the major cities in its service area.
• Area code 318 serves the Central Time Zone.
• Area code 318 was created in 1957 as a split from area code 504.
• Area code 337 split from area code 318 in 1999 to serve southwestern Louisiana.
• Area code 457 overlays area code 318, and the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the overlay in 2022.
• Area code 318 covers cities such as Bossier City, Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, and Natchitoches.
• Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City is one of the most notable military installations in the 318 region.
• Major universities in the 318 area include Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, the University of Louisiana Monroe in Monroe, and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 318 in?

Area code 318 is in Louisiana.

What major cities use area code 318?

Major cities in area code 318 include Bossier City, Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, and Natchitoches.

Is area code 318 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 318 is a geographic area code in Louisiana.