The 315 area code covers central and northern New York State. Syracuse is its largest city, and Utica, Watertown, Rome and Oswego are also in it. It shares the area with the 680 area code.
Below are the location, the cities, the time zone and the history of 315, along with tips on unknown 315 calls.
315 Area Code Quick Facts
| State | New York |
| Location | Central and northern New York, including Syracuse, Utica and Watertown |
| Time zone | Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 during daylight saving time) |
| In service since | 1947 |
| Type | Original geographic area code |
| Shares its area with | 680 (overlay since March 11, 2017) |
| Toll-free? | No, it is a regular geographic area code |
Check any other code with our free area code lookup tool.
Where Is the 315 Area Code Located?
Area code 315 is located in upstate New York. It stretches from the western side of Wayne County east to Little Falls, and north to the Canadian border. Main cities:
- Syracuse
- Utica
- Watertown
- Rome
- Oswego
- Auburn
- Massena
What Time Zone Is the 315 Area Code In?
Syracuse is on Eastern Time.
- Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC-5, in winter
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), UTC-4, from mid March to early November
That makes it three hours ahead of Los Angeles and one hour ahead of Chicago. Most offices there answer between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time.
History of the 315 Area Code
- 1947: 315 is created as one of the original area codes.
- 1954: the southern part, including Binghamton, is split off as 607.
- March 11, 2017: 680 is added as an overlay, and ten-digit dialing comes into use.
The borders of 315 stayed the same for more than 60 years, which is unusual. The code was never split again after 1954. When numbers ran short, an overlay was chosen so that nobody had to change.
Close to the Canadian Border
The northern edge of the 315 area runs along the St. Lawrence River and the border with Canada. The Canadian cities on the other side use 613 and 343. Those numbers look like US numbers because both countries share the +1 country code, but a call across the river is a call to another country and may be billed differently.
How to Dial a 315 Number
Dial all ten digits for every call in this area.
- From the US or Canada: 1 + 315 + the seven-digit number
- From another country: your exit code + 1 + 315 + the seven-digit number
Is a Call From 315 a Scam?
A 315 call is usually from a household, college, hospital or small business in central New York. Fake utility calls are common, with callers who threaten to shut off heat or power unless you pay at once.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Someone who says they are from the IRS, Social Security or a court and demands payment
- Tech support calls about a virus on your computer
- Investment or crypto offers from a company you do not know
- Texts that ask you to click a link to fix a billing problem
Caller ID can be spoofed, so the number on your screen does not prove where a call comes from.
What to do with an unknown 315 call
- Let it ring out and check the voicemail.
- Search the full number online before you call back.
- Block the number and report it.
- Report scam calls at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at donotcall.gov.
- Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
How to Get a 315 Phone Number
A 315 number is easy to get, for personal or business use.
- Carriers: new lines in central and northern New York get 315 or 680 depending on supply.
- VoIP and virtual number providers: search by area code, pick a 315 number and forward calls to any phone.
- Toll-free numbers: a better fit if your customers are spread across the country.
Read our guides to virtual phone numbers and the 833 area code.
Area Codes Near 315
| 680 | Same area as 315 |
| 607 | Binghamton, Ithaca, Elmira |
| 585 | Rochester |
| 518, 838 | Albany, Schenectady |
| 716, 624 | Buffalo, Niagara Falls |
| 613, 343 | Ottawa and Kingston, Canada |
Related guides: 516 area code for Long Island, 332 area code for Manhattan, 929 area code for New York City.
315 Area Code FAQs
What city is area code 315?
Syracuse, New York. It also covers Utica, Watertown, Rome and Oswego.
What is area code 680?
It is the overlay for the 315 area and has been in service since March 11, 2017.
Is 315 near New York City?
No. It is in upstate New York, several hours north-west of the city.
What time zone is 315?
Eastern Time.
Is 315 a toll-free number?
No. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Final Word
The 315 area code has covered central and northern New York since 1947 and shares its area with 680. It is on Eastern Time. Verify unknown callers before you call back.
