718 Area Code: Queens, NY | Location & Time Zone

The 718 area code serves New York City’s outer boroughs, including Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx. Established in 1984, the 718 area code was one of the first area code splits in the New York metropolitan area, separating these boroughs from Manhattan’s 212 area code. Today, it remains one of the most recognizable area codes in the United States, serving millions of residents and businesses across New York’s diverse outer borough communities.

Understanding the 718 area code is essential for anyone living in, doing business with, or calling these vibrant New York City neighborhoods. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 718 area code, including its geographic coverage, time zone information, dialing instructions, and historical background.

What is the 718 Area Code?

The 718 area code is a telephone area code serving four of New York City’s five boroughs: Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx. It was established on September 1, 1984, as part of a split from the original 212 area code, which had served all of New York City since the implementation of the North American Numbering Plan in 1947.

This area code covers approximately 8 million residents, making it one of the most populous area codes in the United States. The 718 area code region encompasses diverse neighborhoods, from the residential communities of Queens to the cultural hub of Brooklyn, the waterfront charm of Staten Island, and the urban landscape of the Bronx.

Due to high demand for telephone numbers, the 718 area code now shares its territory with two overlay codes: 347, introduced in 1999, and 929, added in 2011. This means all three area codes serve the same geographic region, and callers must dial 10 digits for all local calls within these boroughs.

718 Area Code Location & Coverage

Cities and Regions Covered

The 718 area code covers a vast and diverse portion of New York City. Major neighborhoods and regions include Astoria, Flushing, Jamaica, and Long Island City in Queens; Williamsburg, Park Slope, Bensonhurst, and Coney Island in Brooklyn; St. George, Stapleton, and Tottenville in Staten Island; and Fordham, Pelham Bay, Riverdale, and Hunts Point in the Bronx.

Queens, the largest borough by area, features diverse communities ranging from residential neighborhoods to bustling commercial districts. Brooklyn, the most populous borough, combines historic brownstone neighborhoods with modern waterfront developments. Staten Island offers a more suburban character while remaining part of New York City, and the Bronx features a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural landmarks including Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo.

Geographic Coverage Map

The 718 area code coverage area spans approximately 236 square miles across New York City’s outer boroughs. The region is bounded by Long Island Sound to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the Hudson River to the west, and Westchester County to the north. This territory includes numerous waterfront areas, bridges, and transportation hubs that connect the outer boroughs to Manhattan and surrounding regions.

Time Zone Information

The 718 area code region operates on Eastern Time, which is shared by New York State and much of the eastern United States. Daylight Saving Time is observed from the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November, when clocks are set one hour ahead. For accurate current time information across different time zones, visit Current Local Times Around the World.

718 Area Code Details

History of 718 Area Code

When Was 718 Created?

The 718 area code was created on September 1, 1984, as part of the first major area code split in New York City. Prior to this date, all five boroughs of New York City shared the 212 area code, which had been in place since 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan was established. As the population and demand for telephone numbers grew throughout the 1960s and 1970s, it became clear that New York City would need additional area codes to meet future demand.

The decision to split the 212 area code was driven by the rapid exhaustion of available phone numbers. Manhattan retained the prestigious 212 area code, while the four outer boroughs—Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island—were assigned the new 718 area code. This split was one of the earliest examples of area code expansion in a major metropolitan area and set a precedent for future area code changes across the United States.

Area Code Changes and Overlays

As the outer boroughs continued to grow, the 718 area code itself began running out of available numbers. In response, the 347 area code was introduced on October 1, 1999, as an overlay to the 718 region. This was New York City’s first experience with an overlay area code, meaning that 347 covered the exact same geographic territory as 718 rather than splitting the region into separate zones.

The overlay system required a significant adjustment for residents, as all calls within the outer boroughs now required 10-digit dialing, even for local calls. A second overlay, 929, was added on April 16, 2011, to provide additional numbering capacity. Today, all three area codes—718, 347, and 929—serve the same geographic area, and telephone numbers with any of these codes can be assigned to any location within Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, or Staten Island.

How to Call 718 Area Code

Dialing Within the Area Code

Due to the overlay system, all calls within the 718 area code region require 10-digit dialing. To make a local call within Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, or Staten Island, you must dial the full 10-digit number: the 3-digit area code (718, 347, or 929) followed by the 7-digit phone number. For example: 718-555-1234. You do not need to dial “1” before the area code for local calls, though some phone systems may accept this format as well.

Dialing From Other Area Codes

When calling a 718 number from outside the New York City outer boroughs, you must dial 1 followed by the area code and the 7-digit phone number. The format is: 1-718-XXX-XXXX. This applies whether you’re calling from Manhattan (212, 646, or 332 area codes), from elsewhere in New York State, or from any other state in the United States. Long-distance charges may apply depending on your calling plan, though many modern mobile and landline plans include unlimited nationwide calling.

International Dialing

To call a 718 area code number from outside the United States, you must first dial your country’s international access code (often 00 or 011), followed by the United States country code (1), then the area code and phone number. The complete format is: +1-718-XXX-XXXX. For example, from the United Kingdom, you would dial 00-1-718-555-1234. International calling rates vary by carrier and country, so check with your service provider for specific charges. For timing your international calls perfectly, use our Timer Tools.

Nearby Area Codes

The 718 area code is surrounded by several other area codes serving the greater New York metropolitan area. Manhattan’s 212, 646, and 332 area codes are immediately adjacent, separated only by the East River and Upper New York Bay. To the east, the 516 area code serves Nassau County on Long Island. To the north, the 914 area code covers Westchester County. Across the Hudson River to the west, northern New Jersey area codes 201 and 551 serve communities that are part of the New York metropolitan economic region.

Population & Demographics

The 718 area code region is home to approximately 8 million people, representing more than 40% of New York City’s total population. This makes it one of the most densely populated area code regions in the United States. The four boroughs served by 718 are remarkably diverse, with residents representing virtually every country, culture, and language in the world.

Queens is the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, with residents speaking over 138 languages. Brooklyn has experienced significant growth and development in recent decades, particularly in neighborhoods like Williamsburg and DUMBO. The Bronx is known for its cultural contributions, including hip-hop music and Yankee Stadium, while Staten Island offers a more suburban atmosphere with strong Italian-American and other ethnic communities.

Economically, the 718 area code region is highly diverse, ranging from working-class neighborhoods to affluent waterfront communities. Major industries include healthcare, education, retail, transportation, manufacturing, and increasingly, technology and creative industries. The region is home to several major hospitals, universities including St. John’s University and Brooklyn College, and numerous small businesses that form the backbone of the local economy. For more information about area codes and telecommunications, visit our Blog Guides Section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cities are in the 718 area code?

The 718 area code covers four of New York City’s five boroughs: Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. This includes major neighborhoods such as Astoria, Flushing, Williamsburg, Park Slope, Fordham, Riverdale, and St. George, among many others. The area code serves all communities within these boroughs, from densely populated urban centers to residential neighborhoods.

Is 718 the same as 347 and 929?

Yes, the 718, 347, and 929 area codes all serve the same geographic region covering Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The 347 area code was added in 1999 as an overlay to 718, and 929 was introduced in 2011. All three codes cover identical territory, and phone numbers with any of these area codes can be assigned anywhere within the four outer boroughs.

Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in 718?

Yes, all calls within the 718 area code region require 10-digit dialing. You must dial the area code (718, 347, or 929) followed by the 7-digit phone number, even when calling someone in the same neighborhood. This requirement was implemented because of the overlay area codes that serve the same geographic area.

When was the 718 area code created?

The 718 area code was established on September 1, 1984, when it was split from the original 212 area code. This split separated Manhattan, which retained 212, from the four outer boroughs, which received the new 718 area code. It was one of the first major area code changes in the New York metropolitan region.

What time zone is the 718 area code in?

The 718 area code operates in the Eastern Time Zone. This means Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) during the winter months and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) during the summer months when Daylight Saving Time is observed. The time zone is the same as Manhattan and the rest of New York State’s eastern regions.

Why are there three area codes for the same area?

The 718 area code region has three area codes—718, 347, and 929—because of population growth and the high demand for telephone numbers. When 718 began running out of available numbers, 347 was added as an overlay in 1999, covering the same geographic area. When more numbers were needed, 929 was added in 2011. This overlay system allows for more phone numbers without dividing the region into smaller geographic zones.

Conclusion

The 718 area code is an integral part of New York City’s telecommunications infrastructure, serving millions of residents and businesses across Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Since its establishment in 1984, it has become one of the most recognizable area codes in the United States, representing the diverse and vibrant communities of New York’s outer boroughs. Understanding the 718 area code, along with its overlay codes 347 and 929, is essential for effective communication within this dynamic region.

Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or visitor, knowing how to properly dial phone numbers in the 718 area code region ensures smooth communication. With 10-digit dialing required for all local calls and the Eastern Time Zone governing the region’s schedule, staying connected in New York’s outer boroughs is straightforward once you understand the basics. The 718 area code will continue to serve this growing metropolitan area for years to come, representing the heart of New York City beyond Manhattan.