206 Area Code
The 206 area code is a historic telephone code in the United States that serves the city of Seattle and its immediate surrounding areas in King County, Washington. Established in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP) codes, 206 once covered the entire state of Washington. Over time, as demand for numbers grew, splits and overlays reduced its coverage to primarily the Seattle metropolitan core.
Understanding the 206 Area Code
The 206 area code identifies phone numbers located in Seattle and nearby suburbs. Because of the rapid population and technology growth in the region, additional codes such as 253 and 425 were created to cover surrounding areas. Today, 206 remains strongly associated with the city of Seattle and is seen as a cultural and business identity marker. The standard format for numbers is (206) NXX-XXXX.
206 Area Code Map and Geographic Location
The 206 area code map primarily covers the urban core of Seattle in western King County. This includes downtown Seattle, neighborhoods extending north to Shoreline, south to Burien and Tukwila, and west to White Center and Vashon Island. It represents the heart of the Puget Sound region.
All Major Cities and Areas in the 206 Area Code Region
- Seattle - Downtown, Capitol Hill, Ballard, West Seattle, Rainier Valley, Queen Anne, Beacon Hill
- Shoreline
- Burien
- Tukwila
- White Center
- Vashon Island
ZIP Codes within the 206 Telephone Zone (Examples)
- Seattle - 98101, 98102, 98103, 98104, 98105, 98115, 98116, 98118, 98121, 98122
- Shoreline - 98133, 98155, 98177
- Burien - 98146, 98148, 98166, 98168
- Tukwila - 98168, 98188
- Vashon Island - 98070
Time Zone
The 206 area code is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT). It observes Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC-8) in the winter and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC-7) during daylight saving time.
Dialing, Phone & Service Details
- Local dialing: 10-digit dialing (area code + number) is required for all calls within the 206 region due to overlay and numbering rules.
- Long-distance (within NANP): Dial
1 + area code + numberfor calls outside the local area. - International: From abroad, dial your international exit code +
1(USA country code) +206+ the 7-digit number (for example:+1 206 555 0123). - Services: Used across landlines, mobile phones, VoIP, businesses, government offices, and universities within the Seattle metro area.
Why the 206 Area Code Matters
The 206 number carries strong cultural and business identity, especially tied to Seattle's role as a hub of technology, aviation, shipping, higher education, and music. Major corporations like Amazon, Microsoft (nearby Redmond), and Starbucks are headquartered in the region. Many Seattleites see having a 206 number as a mark of local authenticity and connection to the city's history.
What area code is 206? / Where's area code 206?
What area code is 206? - 206 is a telephone area code serving the city of Seattle and surrounding suburbs in King County, Washington.
Where's area code 206? - It covers Seattle's urban core, including downtown, Shoreline, Burien, Tukwila, White Center, and Vashon Island.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 206 Area Code
What cities are covered by area code 206?
Seattle, Shoreline, Burien, Tukwila, White Center, and Vashon Island.
When was the 206 area code created?
206 was created in 1947 as one of the original NANP area codes covering all of Washington State. It was later split as demand grew.
Do I need to dial 10 digits for 206 numbers?
Yes. 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls due to number overlays and federal regulations.
How do I call a 206 number from outside the U.S.?
Dial your international exit code, then +1 206, followed by the 7-digit local number (for example: +1 206 555 0123).
Is 206 a cell phone or landline area code?
It can be either. 206 numbers are assigned to mobile phones, landlines, VoIP, and business systems in the Seattle area.
