Nebraska · Central Time
402 Area Code
Area code 402 is in Nebraska, serving eastern Nebraska, including Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding towns. It is in the Central Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 531, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 402 area code?
402 is a Nebraska area code covering eastern Nebraska, including Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding towns. In the wider directory it sits in the Midwest region.
Cities in the 402 area code
- Omaha
- Lincoln
- Bellevue
- Fremont
- Hastings
- Norfolk
- Columbus
- Papillion
- La Vista
- South Sioux City
- Beatrice
- York
- Blair
- Nebraska City
Counties served by 402
Douglas County, Lancaster County, Sarpy County, Dodge County, Adams County, Madison County, Platte County, Dakota County, Gage County and York County.
Time zone note: Central in the east (Omaha, Lincoln); the Panhandle is Mountain.
402 overlay codes and dialing
The 402 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 402, 531. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 402. 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 402 area code
402 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 Omaha area ever since, with 531 later added as an overlay to supply more numbers.
Is 402 a scam or spam risk?
402 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 402 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Omaha, NE or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Explore more
See every code in Nebraska, compare codes across the Midwest region, or view all Central Time codes. You can also browse the 4XX 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
402 area code FAQ
Where is the 402 area code?
The 402 area code is in Nebraska, covering eastern Nebraska, including Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding towns, in the Midwest region.
What cities are in the 402 area code?
Cities in the 402 area code include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Fremont, Hastings, Norfolk, Columbus, Papillion, La Vista and South Sioux City.
What time zone is 402 in?
402 is in the Central Time zone. Central in the east (Omaha, Lincoln); the Panhandle is Mountain.
What is the overlay for the 402 area code?
402 shares its territory with 531. Both codes (402, 531) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 402 area code start?
402 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 402?
Yes. Because 402 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 402 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 402 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.