Kentucky · Central Time
270 Area Code
Area code 270 is in Kentucky, serving western and south-central Kentucky including Bowling Green, Owensboro and Paducah. It is in the Central Time zone (part of its territory observes Eastern Time). It shares its territory with overlay code 364, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 270 area code?
270 is a Kentucky area code covering western and south-central Kentucky including Bowling Green, Owensboro and Paducah. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 270 area code
- Bowling Green
- Owensboro
- Elizabethtown
- Paducah
- Hopkinsville
- Henderson
- Radcliff
- Madisonville
- Murray
- Glasgow
- Mayfield
- Campbellsville
Counties served by 270
Warren County, Daviess County, McCracken County, Hardin County, Christian County, Hopkins County, Calloway County, Barren County, Henderson County and Graves County.
Time zone note: Eastern in Louisville, Lexington and the east; Central in the west (Bowling Green, Paducah).
270 overlay codes and dialing
The 270 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 270, 364. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 270. 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 270 area code
270 went into service on April 19, 1999, created when it was split from 502. It serves Bowling Green and the surrounding part of Kentucky, and today shares its territory with overlay code 364. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 270 a scam or spam risk?
270 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 270 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Bowling Green, KY or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Kentucky area codes
Explore more
See every code in Kentucky, 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
270 area code FAQ
Where is the 270 area code?
The 270 area code is in Kentucky, covering western and south-central Kentucky including Bowling Green, Owensboro and Paducah, in the South region.
What cities are in the 270 area code?
Cities in the 270 area code include Bowling Green, Owensboro, Elizabethtown, Paducah, Hopkinsville, Henderson, Radcliff, Madisonville, Murray and Glasgow.
What time zone is 270 in?
270 is in the Central Time zone. Eastern in Louisville, Lexington and the east; Central in the west (Bowling Green, Paducah).
What is the overlay for the 270 area code?
270 shares its territory with 364. Both codes (270, 364) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 270 area code start?
270 went into service on April 19, 1999.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 270?
Yes. Because 270 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 270 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 270 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.