Area Code 256: Huntsville, Alabama
256 is a telephone area code serving Alabama, including Huntsville, Florence. It is part of the North American Numbering Plan and is dialed with the country code +1.
Numbers beginning with 256 are located in Alabama, United States (NANP region: North). The code covers Huntsville, Florence.
How to Dial Area Code 256
| Calling from | What to dial |
|---|---|
| Anywhere in the US or Canada | 1 256 XXX-XXXX (10-digit dialing: 256 + 7-digit number) |
| Local call inside the same area code | 7-digit number in most areas; 10 digits where an overlay code is active |
| From the UK or Europe | 00 1 256 XXX XXXX |
| From Australia | 0011 1 256 XXX XXXX |
| From a mobile phone anywhere | +1 256 XXX XXXX |
Whatever country you are calling from, the + symbol replaces the exit code. Save the contact as +1 256 XXXXXXX and it will dial correctly from any phone in the world.
Time Zone for Area Code 256
Calls to a 256 number ring in the America/Chicago time zone, standard offset UTC-06:00. Daylight saving time applies here, so the offset moves forward one hour from March to November.
Cities and Communities Served by 256
The following places fall inside the 256 calling area:
Other Area Codes in Alabama
These codes also serve Alabama. Area codes are assigned by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA).
| Area Code | Cities / Coverage |
|---|---|
| 205 | Birmingham, Tuscaloosa |
| 251 | Mobile |
| 334 | Montgomery, Auburn |
| 938 | Huntsville (overlay) |
See all 5 area codes in Alabama →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is area code 256?
Area code 256 is in Alabama, United States. It covers Huntsville, Florence.
What time zone is area code 256 in?
Area code 256 rings in the America/Chicago time zone (UTC-06:00 standard).
Do I need to dial 1 before area code 256?
Yes, for a long-distance call inside the US and Canada you dial 1 first, then 256, then the seven-digit number. The 1 is the North American long-distance trunk prefix — it is not the country code. From outside North America you dial your exit code then 1 then 256.
Is area code 256 toll-free?
No. 256 is a standard geographic area code, so normal long-distance rates apply unless your plan includes them. Toll-free NANP codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.