Gilroy, California

Where Is Area Code 408?

Area code 408 is in California. It serves much of Santa Clara County in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, including Gilroy, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Campbell, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, and Saratoga.

Area code 408 also covers communities tied to Silicon Valley. Gilroy sits at the southern end of Santa Clara County, south of San Jose, and is known as the Garlic Capital of the World. The area includes the Santa Clara Valley and lies near major transportation routes such as U.S. Route 101 and Interstate 280.

The 408 calling area includes major regional landmarks and institutions. These include downtown San Jose, California's Great America in Santa Clara, and Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. It also serves parts of the region that connect to major technology employers and business centers in Silicon Valley.

History of Area Code 408

Area code 408 was created in 1959. It was split from area code 415 as California added more telephone service to meet growth in the South Bay and Santa Clara Valley.

Area code 408 was reduced in size in 1998, when area code 650 was created for the San Francisco Peninsula. In 2012, area code 669 was added as an overlay to the 408 region, which made 10-digit dialing necessary for local calls in the overlay area.

Key Facts About Area Code 408

• Area code 408 is in California and is most closely associated with San Jose, the largest city in Santa Clara County.
• Area code 408 serves Gilroy and much of Santa Clara County in the South Bay portion of the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Area code 408 is in the Pacific Time Zone and follows Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time.
• Area code 408 was established in 1959 as a split from area code 415.
• Area code 650 split from 408 in 1998, removing the San Francisco Peninsula from the 408 service area.
• Area code 669 became an overlay for area code 408 in 2012.
• The 408 and 669 area code region includes San Jose State University and Santa Clara University.
• Santa Clara County had a population of 1,936,259 at the 2020 U.S. Census, and area code 408 serves a large share of that county.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 408 in?

Area code 408 is in California.

What major cities use area code 408?

Major cities that use area code 408 include San Jose, Gilroy, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Campbell, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, and Saratoga.

Is area code 408 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 408 is a geographic area code for part of California.