New Jersey · Eastern Time
201 Area Code
The 201 area code is a telephone area code in New Jersey, covering Jersey City and the surrounding area. It lies in the Eastern Time zone.
Last updated June 5, 2026
Where is the 201 area code?
201 serves Jersey City and nearby communities in New Jersey. In the wider directory it sits in the Northeast region.
Overlay codes serving Jersey City
Jersey City is served by an overlay of 2 area codes: 201, 551. Because more than one code covers the same area, 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, so Jersey City numbers are no longer tied to a single prefix.
History of the 201 area code
201 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 Jersey City area ever since.
Is 201 a scam or spam risk?
201 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 201 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is local or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other New Jersey area codes
Explore more
See every code in New Jersey, compare codes across the Northeast region, or view all Eastern 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
201 area code FAQ
Where is the 201 area code?
The 201 area code is in New Jersey, serving Jersey City and the surrounding area in the Northeast region.
What time zone is 201 in?
201 is in the Eastern Time zone.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 201?
Yes. Because Jersey City is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 201 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 201 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.