New Jersey · Eastern Time
201 Area Code
Area code 201 is in New Jersey, serving northeastern New Jersey: Hudson County and most of Bergen County. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 551, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 201 area code?
201 is a New Jersey area code covering northeastern New Jersey: Hudson County and most of Bergen County. In the wider directory it sits in the Northeast region.
Cities in the 201 area code
- Jersey City
- Bayonne
- Union City
- Hoboken
- West New York
- Hackensack
- North Bergen
- Fort Lee
- Fair Lawn
- Teaneck
- Englewood
- Paramus
- Bergenfield
- Ridgewood
Counties served by 201
Hudson County and Bergen County.
201 overlay codes and dialing
The 201 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 201, 551. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 201. Because more than one code covers the same ground, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes.
History of the 201 area code
201 is one of the original area codes assigned in 1947, when AT&T and Bell Laboratories created the North American Numbering Plan and divided the country into the first 86 numbering plan areas. It has served the Jersey City area ever since, with 551 later added as an overlay to supply more numbers.
Is 201 a scam or spam risk?
201 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 201 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Jersey City, NJ or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other New Jersey area codes
Explore more
See every code in New Jersey, compare codes across the Northeast region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 2XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
201 area code FAQ
Where is the 201 area code?
The 201 area code is in New Jersey, covering northeastern New Jersey: Hudson County and most of Bergen County, in the Northeast region.
What cities are in the 201 area code?
Cities in the 201 area code include Jersey City, Bayonne, Union City, Hoboken, West New York, Hackensack, North Bergen, Fort Lee, Fair Lawn and Teaneck.
What time zone is 201 in?
201 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 201 area code?
201 shares its territory with 551. Both codes (201, 551) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 201 area code start?
201 went into service on January 1, 1947 as one of the original 1947 North American area codes.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 201?
Yes. Because 201 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 201 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 201 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.