Alabama · Central Time
256 Area Code
Area code 256 is in Alabama, serving northern and northeastern Alabama including Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, Gadsden and Anniston. It is in the Central Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 938, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 256 area code?
256 is a Alabama area code covering northern and northeastern Alabama including Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, Gadsden and Anniston. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 256 area code
- Huntsville
- Decatur
- Madison
- Florence
- Gadsden
- Anniston
- Athens
- Cullman
- Albertville
- Muscle Shoals
- Scottsboro
- Fort Payne
- Oxford
- Talladega
Counties served by 256
Madison County, Morgan County, Limestone County, Lauderdale County, Etowah County, Calhoun County, Marshall County, Cullman County, DeKalb County and Jackson County.
256 overlay codes and dialing
The 256 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 256, 938. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 256. 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 256 area code
256 went into service on March 23, 1998, created when it was split from 205. It serves Huntsville and the surrounding part of Alabama, and today shares its territory with overlay code 938. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 256 a scam or spam risk?
256 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 256 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Huntsville, AL or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Alabama area codes
Explore more
See every code in Alabama, compare codes across the South region, or view all Central 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
256 area code FAQ
Where is the 256 area code?
The 256 area code is in Alabama, covering northern and northeastern Alabama including Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, Gadsden and Anniston, in the South region.
What cities are in the 256 area code?
Cities in the 256 area code include Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, Florence, Gadsden, Anniston, Athens, Cullman, Albertville and Muscle Shoals.
What time zone is 256 in?
256 is in the Central Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 256 area code?
256 shares its territory with 938. Both codes (256, 938) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 256 area code start?
256 went into service on March 23, 1998.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 256?
Yes. Because 256 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 256 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 256 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.