New York City, New York

Where Is Area Code 646?

Area code 646 serves Manhattan in New York City, New York. It covers the Borough of Manhattan, which is also New York County. This area code is part of the local phone system for one of the most densely developed parts of the United States.

Area code 646 is used in communities across Manhattan, including neighborhoods such as Harlem, the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side, Midtown, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, and the Financial District. It serves the same geographic area as area codes 212, 332, and 917 under an overlay system. New telephone numbers in Manhattan may receive any of these area codes.

The area includes many of New York City's best-known landmarks and institutions. These include Central Park, Times Square, Wall Street, the Empire State Building, Columbia University, New York University, and the United Nations headquarters. Manhattan sits between the Hudson River and the East River.

History of Area Code 646

Area code 646 was introduced in 1999 as an overlay for Manhattan. It was added to the same territory long served by area code 212. The New York Public Service Commission approved the new code after demand for phone numbers grew.

Area code 646 did not replace 212. It overlaid 212, which meant both codes served the same area. Manhattan later received another overlay, area code 332, which entered service in 2017. Area code 917 also serves Manhattan as a citywide overlay for all five boroughs of New York City.

Key Facts About Area Code 646

• Area code 646 is in New York State and primarily serves Manhattan in New York City.
• Area code 646 is in the Eastern Time Zone.
• Area code 646 is an overlay area code, not an original 1947 area code.
• Area code 646 was introduced in 1999 for Manhattan.
• Area code 646 shares the same service area as area codes 212, 332, and 917 in Manhattan.
• Manhattan is coextensive with New York County, so area code 646 serves New York County.
• The 2020 United States Census counted 1,694,251 people in New York County.
• Major landmarks and institutions in the 646 service area include Central Park, Times Square, Columbia University, New York University, and the United Nations headquarters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 646 in?

Area code 646 is in New York.

What major cities use area code 646?

Area code 646 is used in New York City, specifically in the Manhattan borough.

Is area code 646 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 646 is a geographic area code for Manhattan in New York City.