Area code 860 covers Hartford and surrounding areas in Connecticut. It was activated in 1995 as an overlay of area code 203. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 959. For the full picture, see all Connecticut area codes.
| State | Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Hartford |
| Cities also served | Hartford, New Britain, West Hartford, Bristol, East Hartford, Middletown, Norwich, Manchester |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | August 28, 1995 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 203 |
| Overlay codes | 959 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 860
Area code 860 serves Central and eastern Connecticut, including Hartford County, New London County, Tolland County, Middlesex County, Windham County, and parts of Litchfield County, including the following cities and communities:
- Hartford
- New Britain
- West Hartford
- Bristol
- East Hartford
- Middletown
- Norwich
- Manchester
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 203, 475, 959.
How to Get a 860 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 860 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 860 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 860 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 860 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 860 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 860 number. If you already have a 860 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 Connecticut sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 860 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 860 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 860 numbers for Hartford, Connecticut — 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 860 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 860 area code still in use?
Yes. 860 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Central and eastern Connecticut, including Hartford County, New London County, Tolland County, Middlesex County, Windham County, and parts of Litchfield County.
What is the difference between 860 and 959?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Connecticut. 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 860?
Area code 860 is an overlay of 203. Both codes serve the same region of Connecticut.
Can I get a 860 number if I don't live in Connecticut?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 860 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 860 a scam area code?
No. 860 is a legitimate, active area code for Central and eastern Connecticut, including Hartford County, New London County, Tolland County, Middlesex County, Windham County, and parts of Litchfield County. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 860 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Connecticut businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities are covered by area code 860?
Area code 860 covers central and eastern Connecticut, including Hartford, New Britain, West Hartford, Bristol, East Hartford, Middletown, Norwich, and Manchester, among dozens of other cities and towns.
What is area code 959 and how does it relate to 860?
Area code 959 is an overlay to 860, activated on December 15, 2015. Both codes serve the identical geographic area in central and eastern Connecticut. New numbers may be assigned either 860 or 959; existing subscribers kept their numbers.
Do I need to dial ten digits when calling an 860 number?
Yes. Because 860 is overlaid by 959, all local calls within the region require ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number).
When did area code 860 split from 203?
Area code 860 went into service on August 28, 1995, splitting from the original 203 code, which had covered all of Connecticut since 1947.
Related Reading
- How Many Area Codes Are In the US?
- Who Invented Area Codes?
- Why Use Area Codes For Local Calls?
- What States Have the Most Area Codes?
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