The area code 540 is located in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Area code 540 serves Blacksburg, Virginia, and a wide swath of western and northern Virginia, stretching across the New River Valley, Roanoke Valley, and the Shenandoah Valley. It sits west and south of the Washington, DC suburbs (703/571) and outside the Richmond and Tidewater regions (804/757). The code was created in 1995 when 703 was split to handle growing demand in the Commonwealth. This region blends college-town energy, mountain scenery, and historic small cities.
Major communities and landmarks in the 540 area include:
In Blacksburg, 540 connects a major university town to the rest of the state. Fans know Lane Stadium and the Hokies, while outdoor lovers head to McAfee Knob on the Appalachian Trail, one of the most photographed overlooks in Virginia. Historic streets in Lexington and Staunton, plus Shenandoah’s rolling farms, give the area code a mix of college spirit, rail-city heritage, and mountain views. This makes 540 a notable bridge between Virginia’s urban corridors and its highland communities.
To meet demand, the overlay area code 826 now serves the same footprint as 540, which means 10-digit dialing is standard for local calls. Both landlines and wireless phone numbers use 540 (and 826) across the region. If you see a 540 phone number, it most likely traces back to western or northwestern Virginia, including Blacksburg and Roanoke.
“Area code 540 was created in 1995 from a split of 703.” — North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA)