Boston, Massachusetts

Where Is Area Code 617?

Area code 617 is in eastern Massachusetts, centered on Boston and nearby inner suburbs. It serves parts of Suffolk County and small parts of Norfolk County and Middlesex County. This area sits on Massachusetts Bay in the Greater Boston region.

Area code 617 covers Boston and several close-in cities and towns. Communities commonly associated with 617 include Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop, and parts of Quincy and Newton. The exact service area is shared with overlay area code 857.

This area includes some of the best-known places in Massachusetts. Landmarks and institutions in the 617 area include downtown Boston, Boston Common, Fenway Park, Logan International Airport, Harvard University in Cambridge, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

History of Area Code 617

Area code 617 is one of the original North American area codes created in 1947. It originally covered the northeastern part of Massachusetts, including Boston and a much larger surrounding area. As telephone use grew, the service area was reduced through later splits.

Area code 617 was split in 1988, when area code 508 was created for many suburbs and southeastern parts of Massachusetts. It was split again in 1997, when area code 781 took over many suburban communities around Boston. In 2001, area code 857 was added as an overlay for the same territory as 617, which made 10-digit dialing necessary in the area.

Key Facts About Area Code 617

• Area code 617 is in Massachusetts, and Boston is its best-known city.
• Area code 617 uses the Eastern Time Zone.
• Area code 617 is an original area code that first took effect in 1947.
• Area code 617 now serves Boston and nearby communities such as Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.
• Area code 617 was split by area code 508 in 1988 and by area code 781 in 1997.
• Area code 857 has overlaid area code 617 since 2001, and both codes serve the same geographic area.
• Major institutions in the 617 area include Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and several major Boston hospitals.
• The 617 area includes major landmarks such as Fenway Park, Boston Common, and Logan International Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 617 in?

Area code 617 is in Massachusetts.

What major cities use area code 617?

Area code 617 is used in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, along with parts of Quincy and Newton.

Is area code 617 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 617 is a geographic area code for Boston and nearby communities in Massachusetts.