Columbus, Nebraska

Where Is Area Code 402?

Area code 402 is in eastern and northeastern Nebraska, including Columbus. It serves a large part of the state east of the Sandhills region and covers both urban and rural communities.

Major cities in area code 402 include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Norfolk, Fremont, and Columbus. The area code also serves many smaller communities across eastern Nebraska. In Columbus, the area code is used in Platte County.

This part of Nebraska includes the Platte River and the Missouri River along the state's eastern border. Notable places within the broader 402 region include Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, and the University of Nebraska campuses in Lincoln and Omaha.

History of Area Code 402

Area code 402 is one of the original North American area codes created in 1947. It originally covered the entire state of Nebraska.

Area code 308 was split from 402 in 1954 to serve western Nebraska. On February 5, 2011, area code 531 began overlaying 402 in eastern Nebraska. Since that date, new phone numbers in the same region may use either 402 or 531, and 10-digit dialing applies in the overlay area.

Key Facts About Area Code 402

• Area code 402 is in Nebraska, and Columbus is one of the cities that uses it.
• Area code 402 serves eastern and northeastern Nebraska, including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Norfolk, Fremont, and Columbus.
• Area code 402 is in the Central Time Zone.
• Area code 402 was created in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan.
• Area code 402 covered all of Nebraska until 1954, when area code 308 was assigned to western Nebraska.
• Area code 531 overlays area code 402 in the same eastern Nebraska service area, and the overlay began on February 5, 2011.
• Columbus, Nebraska, is the county seat of Platte County.
• Major institutions in the 402 region include the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 402 in?

Area code 402 is in Nebraska.

What major cities use area code 402?

Major cities in area code 402 include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Norfolk, Fremont, and Columbus.

Is area code 402 a toll-free number?

No, area code 402 is a geographic area code.