Area code 318 covers Shreveport and surrounding areas in Louisiana. It was activated in 1957 as an overlay of area code 504. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 457. For the full picture, see all Louisiana area codes.
| State | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Shreveport |
| Cities also served | Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, Natchitoches, Minden, West Monroe |
| Time zone | Central (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST) |
| Year established | January 1, 1957 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 504 |
| Overlay codes | 457 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 318
Area code 318 serves Northern and central Louisiana, including the Shreveport–Bossier City metro area, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, and Natchitoches, including the following cities and communities:
- Shreveport
- Bossier City
- Monroe
- Alexandria
- Ruston
- Natchitoches
- Minden
- West Monroe
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 225, 337, 504, 985.
How to Get a 318 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 318 area code, each suited to a different need:
Ready to Get a 318 Number?
One-time fee. No monthly charges. Port to any carrier in 3–5 business days. NYC's most trusted source since 2009.
Browse 318 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 318 number directly, often with a one-time fee and ownership transferred to you (no recurring carrier fees). This is the option for picking a specific memorable number, or for getting an area code that most carriers won’t let you request. Browse our 318 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 318 number on request, especially for active overlay codes. You won’t usually get to pick the specific number, but you’ll get a working line in the area code. This is the cheapest option for anyone who doesn’t need a particular number.
- Port an existing 318 number. If you already have a 318 phone number with another carrier, you can transfer it (port it) to a new service provider while keeping the number. This works for landlines, cell phones, and VoIP services, though landlines outside of Louisiana sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 318 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 318 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 318 numbers for Shreveport, Louisiana — choose your number, port it to any carrier in 3–5 business days, and pay a one-time fee with no monthly charges. Browse available 318 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 318 area code still in use?
Yes. 318 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Northern and central Louisiana, including the Shreveport–Bossier City metro area, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, and Natchitoches.
What is the difference between 318 and 457?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Louisiana. New phone lines in the area may be assigned either code. The two codes work identically for calling, billing, and service.
What is the parent area code of 318?
Area code 318 is an overlay of 504. Both codes serve the same region of Louisiana.
Can I get a 318 number if I don't live in Louisiana?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 318 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 318 a scam area code?
No. 318 is a legitimate, active area code for Northern and central Louisiana, including the Shreveport–Bossier City metro area, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, and Natchitoches. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 318 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Louisiana businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities are covered by area code 318?
Area code 318 covers northern and central Louisiana, including Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, Natchitoches, Minden, and West Monroe, among many other communities.
Does area code 318 require ten-digit dialing?
Yes. Since the 457 overlay was introduced and mandatory ten-digit dialing took effect on August 25, 2025, all local calls within the 318/457 region must be dialed as ten digits.
What is the overlay for area code 318?
Area code 457 was added as an all-services distributed overlay to the 318 numbering plan area. New telephone lines using 457 became available beginning September 25, 2025. This was the first area code overlay in Louisiana.
How did area code 318 originate?
Louisiana was originally assigned area code 504 in 1947. In 1957, area code 318 was split from 504 to serve the northern and western portions of the state. In 1999, area code 337 was split from 318 to serve southwestern Louisiana.
