Kentucky · Eastern Time
859 Area Code
Area code 859 is in Kentucky, serving central Kentucky Bluegrass region and Northern Kentucky near Cincinnati. It is in the Eastern Time zone.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 859 area code?
859 is a Kentucky area code covering central Kentucky Bluegrass region and Northern Kentucky near Cincinnati. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 859 area code
- Lexington
- Covington
- Richmond
- Florence
- Georgetown
- Nicholasville
- Independence
- Erlanger
- Winchester
- Danville
- Newport
- Fort Thomas
- Berea
- Versailles
Counties served by 859
Fayette County, Kenton County, Boone County, Campbell County, Madison County, Scott County, Jessamine County, Clark County, Boyle County and Woodford County.
Time zone note: Eastern in Louisville, Lexington and the east; Central in the west (Bowling Green, Paducah).
Dialing 859
Lexington, KY is currently served by the single area code 859, with no overlay. Ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) always works and is increasingly the norm nationwide; some local calls may still connect with seven digits. If a future overlay is added, 10-digit dialing would become mandatory.
From outside the US, dial +1 859 followed by the seven-digit number.
History of the 859 area code
859 went into service on April 1, 2000, created when it was split from 606. It serves Lexington and the surrounding part of Kentucky. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 859 a scam or spam risk?
859 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 859 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Lexington, 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 Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 8XX 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
859 area code FAQ
Where is the 859 area code?
The 859 area code is in Kentucky, covering central Kentucky Bluegrass region and Northern Kentucky near Cincinnati, in the South region.
What cities are in the 859 area code?
Cities in the 859 area code include Lexington, Covington, Richmond, Florence, Georgetown, Nicholasville, Independence, Erlanger, Winchester and Danville.
What time zone is 859 in?
859 is in the Eastern Time zone. Eastern in Louisville, Lexington and the east; Central in the west (Bowling Green, Paducah).
When did the 859 area code start?
859 went into service on April 1, 2000.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 859?
Ten-digit dialing always works, and many areas now require it; some local calls in this area may still connect with seven digits.
Is 859 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 859 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.