617 Area Code — Boston, MA
Area code 617 serves Boston and 3 other cities in Massachusetts. Local time follows America/New_York. It overlays with 857, so 10-digit dialling is required.
- State
- Massachusetts
- Primary city
- Boston
- Timezone
- America/New_York
- In service since
- 1947
- Type
- Geographic
- Overlay codes
- 857
Cities Served by 617
The 617 area code covers 4 cities and communities in Massachusetts.
- Boston
- Cambridge
- Brookline
- Newton
About Area Code 617
Area code 617 is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area code that has been in service since 1947. It is administered by NANPA on behalf of the FCC and serves the Massachusetts region anchored on Boston.
617 now shares its territory with an overlay code (857). 10-digit dialling is required for local calls within this region because the same 7-digit number can be assigned under either code.
Mobile numbers in 617 are portable: a person who moved away from Boston may still carry a 617 mobile number on their device. If you receive an unexpected call from a 617 number, run it through the reverse lookup tool above for the most accurate, free identification.
If you live or do business in Massachusetts, you may also interact with neighbouring or overlay codes (857). See the related codes section below to explore the rest of Massachusetts.
Other Massachusetts Area Codes
Continue exploring the Massachusetts numbering plan.
617 Area Code FAQ
Where is area code 617?
Area code 617 is located in Massachusetts, primarily serving Boston and surrounding cities including Cambridge, Brookline, Newton. The region operates on ET (America/New_York) time.
What state is 617 area code?
617 is a Massachusetts area code. It was put into service in 1947 and shares its geographic footprint with overlay code 857.
Is 617 a scam area code?
617 is a legitimate North American area code allocated by NANPA to Massachusetts. Like any geographic area code, scammers sometimes spoof 617 numbers — judge each call by content (urgent demands, unfamiliar transfers) rather than the area code alone. Run the specific number through our reverse lookup if you're unsure.
What time zone does 617 use?
Area code 617 operates on ET (America/New_York). Numbers in this area code follow standard Massachusetts time-zone rules including any daylight-saving transitions for that region.
Can I look up a specific 617 phone number?
Yes. Use the reverse lookup widget above to enter a full 617 number. NumLocation returns the line type (mobile, landline, VoIP), carrier, rate-center city, and any public listings tied to the number — free.
What's the difference between 617 and 857?
617 and 857 cover the same Massachusetts geographic area as overlay codes. Calls between them are local, but you must dial all 10 digits. New phone numbers in this region are assigned from either pool depending on what's available with the carrier at signup.