909 Area Code: San Bernardino, CA | Location & Info

The 909 area code serves the Inland Empire region of Southern California, primarily covering San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Established in 1992, this area code has become synonymous with one of California’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions, encompassing major cities like San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Fontana. Whether you’re looking to understand local calling procedures, verify a phone number, or learn about the region’s telecommunications history, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the 909 area code.

What is the 909 Area Code?

The 909 area code is a geographic telephone area code serving the Inland Empire region of Southern California. It was established on November 14, 1992, as a split from the 714 area code to accommodate the rapidly growing population in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The 909 area code covers approximately 27,000 square miles of Southern California, making it one of the larger area codes in the state by geographic coverage.

This area code serves a diverse population of over 4 million residents across two major counties, encompassing everything from desert communities to mountain resorts. The region has experienced significant growth since the area code’s inception, driven by its proximity to Los Angeles, more affordable housing, and expanding commercial development. For current local times and timezone information across different regions, visit Current Local Times Around the World.

909 Area Code Location & Coverage

Cities and Regions Covered

The 909 area code covers an extensive area of Southern California’s Inland Empire. Major cities within the 909 area code include San Bernardino, the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County; Ontario, home to Ontario International Airport; Rancho Cucamonga, one of the region’s most affluent communities; Fontana, known for its Auto Speedway; Chino and Chino Hills; Upland; Montclair; and Pomona, which straddles the border with Los Angeles County.

The coverage extends throughout San Bernardino County, California’s largest county by area, which includes mountain communities like Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead, as well as High Desert cities such as Victorville, Hesperia, and Apple Valley. The western portion of Riverside County is also served by the 909 area code, including cities like Corona, Norco, and Eastvale. The region encompasses diverse geography ranging from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Mojave Desert, and from urban centers to rural agricultural areas.

Geographic Coverage Map

The 909 area code region is bounded by Los Angeles County to the west, Orange County to the southwest, San Diego County to the south, and extends eastward into the desert regions approaching the Arizona border. The northern boundary reaches into the Mojave Desert, while the southern portions include the Santa Ana Mountains. This strategic location makes the Inland Empire a crucial transportation and logistics hub for Southern California, with major interstate highways including I-10, I-15, and I-215 traversing the region.

Time Zone Information

The entire 909 area code region operates on Pacific Time, the same time zone as Los Angeles, San Diego, and the rest of coastal California. Daylight Saving Time is observed from the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November, when clocks are set forward one hour. This synchronization with the Pacific Time Zone is crucial for business operations, as the Inland Empire maintains strong economic ties with the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. If you need to set reminders or alarms across different time zones, check out our Timer Tools for convenient scheduling.

909 Area Code Details

History of 909 Area Code

When Was 909 Created?

The 909 area code was created on November 14, 1992, as part of California’s response to the explosive population growth in the Inland Empire during the 1980s and early 1990s. Prior to this date, the region was served by the 714 area code, which originally covered all of Orange County and the Inland Empire. As telephone numbers became scarce due to the proliferation of fax machines, pagers, and mobile phones, along with rapid residential and commercial development, the North American Numbering Plan Administration determined that a split was necessary.

The decision to create the 909 area code was driven by demographic and economic factors. The Inland Empire’s population had grown substantially as residents and businesses sought more affordable alternatives to coastal California communities. This growth pattern, combined with the increasing demand for telephone lines in the pre-cellular era, exhausted the available number combinations in the 714 area code. The split allowed Orange County to retain the 714 code while establishing 909 for San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Area Code Changes and Overlays

Following the initial 1992 split, the 909 region underwent another division in 1997 when the western portions of Riverside County, including cities like Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Temecula, were assigned the new 951 area code. This split, implemented on July 17, 1999, after a permissive dialing period, reduced the geographic coverage of 909 but allowed for continued number availability in both regions.

Unlike many California area codes that have implemented overlays, the 909 area code has remained without an overlay as of 2025. This means that all telephone numbers within the region continue to use the 909 prefix exclusively. However, telecommunications officials have indicated that an overlay may be necessary in the future as the region continues to grow and telephone number demand increases with the expansion of Internet of Things devices and additional mobile phone lines.

How to Call 909 Area Code

Dialing Within the Area Code

When making local calls within the 909 area code region, callers must use 10-digit dialing. This means you need to dial the full area code plus the seven-digit phone number, even for local calls: 909-XXX-XXXX. California implemented mandatory 10-digit dialing for local calls in most regions to prepare for potential overlay area codes and to standardize dialing procedures statewide. You do not need to dial “1” before the area code for local calls within the 909 region, though doing so will not prevent the call from connecting.

Dialing From Other Area Codes

When calling a 909 area code number from outside the region but within the United States or Canada, you must dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit phone number: 1-909-XXX-XXXX. This is the standard format for all long-distance calls within the North American Numbering Plan. Long-distance charges may apply depending on your phone service provider and calling plan, though many modern cellular and VoIP plans include unlimited nationwide calling.

International Dialing

To call a 909 area code number from outside the United States, you must first dial your country’s international access code, followed by the U.S. country code “1,” then the area code and phone number: +1-909-XXX-XXXX. For example, from the United Kingdom, you would dial 00-1-909-XXX-XXXX, while from Australia, you would dial 0011-1-909-XXX-XXXX. The plus sign (+) in phone number formatting indicates that the caller should use their country’s specific international dialing prefix.

Nearby Area Codes

The 909 area code is surrounded by several other Southern California area codes, reflecting the region’s integration into the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. The 951 area code directly borders 909 to the south and east, covering the remainder of Riverside County. To the west, the 626 and 909 area codes meet in the Pomona Valley, while the 714/657 area codes of Orange County lie to the southwest.

Population & Demographics

The 909 area code region serves a population of approximately 2.8 to 3.2 million residents across San Bernardino County and the western portions of Riverside County formerly included in the area code. San Bernardino County alone is home to over 2.1 million people, making it the fifth-most populous county in California. The region has experienced consistent population growth over the past three decades, driven by more affordable housing compared to coastal California, expanding employment opportunities, and excellent transportation connections to Los Angeles and Orange County.

The Inland Empire is characterized by significant demographic diversity, with large Hispanic/Latino, African American, Asian American, and White populations. The region’s economy has evolved from its historical roots in agriculture and Route 66-era transportation to become a major logistics and warehousing hub for Southern California. The presence of Ontario International Airport, along with numerous distribution centers for major retailers and e-commerce companies, has transformed the economic landscape. The region also boasts several institutions of higher education, including California State University, San Bernardino, and the University of California, Riverside (in the adjacent 951 area code), contributing to workforce development and research.

Major industries in the 909 region include logistics and warehousing, healthcare, education, retail, manufacturing, and tourism. The mountain communities of Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead attract visitors year-round for skiing, hiking, and lake recreation, while the lower desert areas support a growing residential population seeking affordable homeownership. For more information about time zones and scheduling across different regions, explore our Blog Guides Section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 909 a California area code?

Yes, the 909 area code is exclusively a California area code serving the Inland Empire region, specifically San Bernardino County and parts of western Riverside County. It does not extend into any other state.

What cities are in the 909 area code?

Major cities in the 909 area code include San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Chino, Chino Hills, Upland, Montclair, Pomona, and mountain communities like Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead. The area code also covers High Desert cities including Victorville, Hesperia, and Apple Valley.

Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in 909?

Yes, 10-digit dialing is required for all calls within the 909 area code region. You must dial 909 followed by the seven-digit phone number, even for local calls. However, you do not need to dial “1” before the area code for local calls.

When was the 909 area code created?

The 909 area code was established on November 14, 1992, when it was split from the 714 area code to serve the growing Inland Empire region of Southern California.

Will 909 get an overlay area code?

As of 2025, the 909 area code does not have an overlay. However, telecommunications officials have indicated that an overlay may be implemented in the future if telephone number demand continues to increase with population growth and the proliferation of mobile devices and Internet of Things technology.

What time zone is the 909 area code in?

The 909 area code is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), observing Pacific Standard Time (PST) during winter months (UTC-8) and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) during summer months (UTC-7). The region observes Daylight Saving Time along with the rest of California.

How do I call a 909 number from outside the US?

To call a 909 area code number from outside the United States, dial your country’s international access code, followed by 1 (the U.S. country code), then 909 and the seven-digit phone number. The format is: +1-909-XXX-XXXX.

What area code did 909 split from?

The 909 area code was split from the 714 area code in 1992. Later, in 1999, the 909 area code itself was split, with the western portions of Riverside County receiving the new 951 area code.

Conclusion

The 909 area code has served the Inland Empire region of Southern California since 1992, covering major cities like San Bernardino, Ontario, and Rancho Cucamonga. Operating in the Pacific Time Zone, this area code encompasses a diverse and rapidly growing region of over 3 million residents across San Bernardino County and portions of western Riverside County. Understanding the 909 area code’s coverage, history, and dialing procedures is essential for residents, businesses, and anyone communicating with this dynamic Southern California region. Whether you’re verifying a phone number, planning business operations, or simply curious about telecommunications geography, the 909 area code remains an important identifier for one of California’s most significant metropolitan areas.