The area code 502 is located in Louisville, Kentucky.
Area code 502 serves north-central Kentucky, anchored by Louisville on the Ohio River and the state capital, Frankfort. This area code covers the Louisville Metro and nearby communities, linking key government, business, and cultural hubs. Established in 1947, it was one of the original North American area codes and remains central to Kentucky’s communications. The region observes Eastern Time and sits just across the river from southern Indiana.
From world-famous landmarks like Churchill Downs—home of the Kentucky Derby—to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center, the 502 area blends history, sports, and culture. In Frankfort, the Kentucky State Capitol stands along the Kentucky River, adding civic importance to the 502 footprint. The area is also known for bourbon heritage, with notable distilleries and urban tasting experiences in Louisville. Many locals casually refer to the region as “the 502.”
“Area code 502 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes.” — North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA)
Originally, 502 covered most of Kentucky before later splits created other codes, including 606 (1954) and 270 (1999). Today, 502 identifies calls and phone numbers tied to the Louisville-Frankfort corridor and surrounding communities. If you see a 502 number, it most often points to this north-central Kentucky region. Its mix of government centers, riverfront neighborhoods, and iconic sports and bourbon sites makes 502 one of the state’s most recognized area codes.