Cranston, Rhode Island

Where Is Area Code 401?

Area code 401 serves the entire state of Rhode Island, including Cranston. Rhode Island is in southern New England, between Connecticut and Massachusetts, with a coastline on Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Because Rhode Island is small, one area code covers the whole state.

Area code 401 covers major cities such as Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, East Providence, and Newport. It also covers all five Rhode Island counties: Providence County, Kent County, Washington County, Newport County, and Bristol County. Communities across the state use 401 for landlines and mobile phones.

Area code 401 includes notable places such as Narragansett Bay, Newport Harbor, and Block Island. It also serves the area around Rhode Island TF Green International Airport in Warwick and major state institutions in Providence. Cranston, the city named in this guide, is one of the largest cities in the 401 area.

History of Area Code 401

Area code 401 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes. It has served Rhode Island since the North American Numbering Plan began. Rhode Island has kept the same statewide area code for decades.

Area code 401 has not been split, and Rhode Island has not added an overlay area code. The state's small size helped one code cover the whole state as telephone service grew. In recent years, 401 has remained the only area code assigned to Rhode Island.

Key Facts About Area Code 401

• Area code 401 is in Rhode Island, and Providence is the state's capital and largest city.
• Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, Newport, and East Providence all use area code 401.
• Area code 401 is in the Eastern Time Zone.
• Area code 401 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code.
• Area code 401 is one of the original area codes created in 1947 under the North American Numbering Plan.
• Area code 401 covers all of Rhode Island, which is the smallest U.S. state by land area.
• Brown University in Providence and the University of Rhode Island in Kingston are both within area code 401.
• Rhode Island TF Green International Airport in Warwick and many communities along Narragansett Bay are within area code 401.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 401 in?

Area code 401 is in Rhode Island.

What major cities use area code 401?

Major cities that use area code 401 include Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, East Providence, and Newport.

Is area code 401 a toll-free number?

No, area code 401 is a geographic area code.