Alton, Illinois

Where Is Area Code 618?

Area code 618 is in southern Illinois. It covers the southern part of the state, including the Metro East region across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri. Alton, Illinois, is one of the cities in the 618 area.

Area code 618 serves many cities and communities in southern Illinois. Major cities in the area code include Belleville, East St. Louis, Alton, Edwardsville, Carbondale, Collinsville, Granite City, and O'Fallon. It also covers counties such as Madison County, St. Clair County, Jackson County, Williamson County, and Franklin County.

Area code 618 includes important landmarks and geographic features in southern Illinois. The Mississippi River forms much of the western edge of the region, and the Ohio River marks part of the southeast. The area also includes Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site near Collinsville, and Shawnee National Forest in far southern Illinois.

History of Area Code 618

Area code 618 was established in 1947. It was one of the original area codes created by AT&T and the Bell System in the North American Numbering Plan. From the start, it served southern Illinois.

Area code 618 later changed because of growing demand for phone numbers. On July 7, 2023, area code 730 began overlaying 618 in the same geographic region. Because of that overlay, 10-digit dialing applies across the 618 service area.

Key Facts About Area Code 618

• Area code 618 is in the state of Illinois, and Alton is one of the cities that uses it.
• Area code 618 covers southern Illinois, including the Metro East communities near St. Louis, Missouri.
• Area code 618 is in the Central Time Zone.
• Area code 618 was created in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes.
• Area code 730 overlays area code 618, and the overlay took effect on July 7, 2023.
• Area code 618 serves major cities such as Belleville, East St. Louis, Alton, Edwardsville, Carbondale, and Collinsville.
• Area code 618 includes Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.
• Area code 618 covers a large part of southern Illinois from the Mississippi River to the Ohio River.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 618 in?

Area code 618 is in Illinois.

What major cities use area code 618?

Major cities in area code 618 include Alton, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Carbondale, Collinsville, Granite City, and O'Fallon.

Is area code 618 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 618 is a geographic area code in southern Illinois.