New York · Eastern Time
518 Area Code
Area code 518 is in New York, serving eastern upstate New York, including the Capital District, Adirondacks and Saratoga. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 838, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 518 area code?
518 is a New York area code covering eastern upstate New York, including the Capital District, Adirondacks and Saratoga. In the wider directory it sits in the Northeast region.
Cities in the 518 area code
- Albany
- Schenectady
- Troy
- Saratoga Springs
- Glens Falls
- Plattsburgh
- Amsterdam
- Cohoes
- Gloversville
- Watervliet
- Rensselaer
- Hudson
- Johnstown
- Lake Placid
- Malone
Counties served by 518
Albany County, Schenectady County, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Warren County, Washington County, Clinton County, Columbia County, Montgomery County and Fulton County.
518 overlay codes and dialing
The 518 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 518, 838. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 518. 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 518 area code
518 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 Albany area ever since, with 838 later added as an overlay to supply more numbers.
Is 518 a scam or spam risk?
518 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 518 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Albany, NY or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other New York area codes
Explore more
See every code in New York, compare codes across the Northeast region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 5XX 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
518 area code FAQ
Where is the 518 area code?
The 518 area code is in New York, covering eastern upstate New York, including the Capital District, Adirondacks and Saratoga, in the Northeast region.
What cities are in the 518 area code?
Cities in the 518 area code include Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, Plattsburgh, Amsterdam, Cohoes, Gloversville and Watervliet.
What time zone is 518 in?
518 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 518 area code?
518 shares its territory with 838. Both codes (518, 838) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 518 area code start?
518 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 518?
Yes. Because 518 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 518 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 518 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.