Massachusetts · Eastern Time
781 Area Code
Area code 781 is in Massachusetts, serving inner Boston suburbs ringing the 617 area, from Lynn to Weymouth. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 339, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 781 area code?
781 is a Massachusetts area code covering inner Boston suburbs ringing the 617 area, from Lynn to Weymouth. In the wider directory it sits in the Northeast region.
Cities in the 781 area code
- Lynn
- Waltham
- Malden
- Medford
- Revere
- Weymouth
- Woburn
- Braintree
- Lexington
- Burlington
- Needham
- Saugus
- Stoneham
- Wellesley
Counties served by 781
Middlesex County, Essex County, Norfolk County, Plymouth County and Suffolk County.
781 overlay codes and dialing
The 781 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 339, 781. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 781. 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 781 area code
781 went into service on September 1, 1997, created when it was split from 617. It serves Lynn and the surrounding part of Massachusetts, and today shares its territory with overlay code 339. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 781 a scam or spam risk?
781 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 781 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Lynn, MA or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Massachusetts area codes
Explore more
See every code in Massachusetts, compare codes across the Northeast region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 7XX 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
781 area code FAQ
Where is the 781 area code?
The 781 area code is in Massachusetts, covering inner Boston suburbs ringing the 617 area, from Lynn to Weymouth, in the Northeast region.
What cities are in the 781 area code?
Cities in the 781 area code include Lynn, Waltham, Malden, Medford, Revere, Weymouth, Woburn, Braintree, Lexington and Burlington.
What time zone is 781 in?
781 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 781 area code?
781 shares its territory with 339. Both codes (339, 781) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 781 area code start?
781 went into service on September 1, 1997.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 781?
Yes. Because 781 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 781 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 781 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.