The 502 area code is the Louisville area code. It covers Kentucky’s largest city, its suburbs and the state capital, Frankfort. For now it is the only area code in its region, although an overlay has been approved.
Below are the cities in 502, the time zone, the history and what to do about unknown 502 calls.
502 Area Code Quick Facts
| State | Kentucky |
| Location | Louisville, Frankfort and north-central Kentucky |
| Time zone | Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 during daylight saving time) |
| In service since | 1947 |
| Type | Original geographic area code |
| Overlay | None |
| Toll-free? | No, it is a regular geographic area code |
Check any other code with our free area code lookup tool.
Where Is the 502 Area Code Located?
Area code 502 is located in north-central Kentucky, along the Ohio River. Main cities and towns:
- Louisville
- Frankfort
- Georgetown
- Shelbyville
- Bardstown
It also reaches into parts of Hardin and Meade counties, including the Fort Knox Army post.
What Time Zone Is the 502 Area Code In?
Louisville 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 puts it three hours ahead of Los Angeles and one hour ahead of Chicago. A quick time check saves you from calling someone at dinner or before breakfast.
History of the 502 Area Code
- October 1947: 502 is created as an original area code. It covers the entire state of Kentucky.
- 1954: eastern Kentucky becomes 606.
- 1999: western Kentucky becomes 270.
- August 19, 2025: the Kentucky Public Service Commission approves a new overlay code, 761, for the 502 area.
The 761 code has been reserved but is not yet in use. Forecasts say 502 will run out of number blocks around the third quarter of 2027, so the overlay is expected before then.
What the 761 Overlay Will Mean
When 761 starts, nobody with a 502 number will have to change it. New lines may be given 761 instead, and both codes will cover the same area. If you have not already switched, expect to dial the area code for every local call.
Louisville is a major air cargo and logistics hub and is known for bourbon and horse racing, so shipping notices and event or ticket calls from 502 are common.
How to Dial a 502 Number
Local calls in this area are dialed with the area code included.
- From the US or Canada: 1 + 502 + the seven-digit number
- From another country: your exit code + 1 + 502 + the seven-digit number
Is a Call From 502 a Scam?
A 502 number is usually a local household or business. Fake delivery notices are a natural fit for a shipping hub, so be careful with texts about a package that include a link.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Fake bank or card fraud alerts that ask for your PIN or passcode
- Calls about Medicare, health insurance or a car warranty you never asked about
- Messages that claim a family member is in trouble and needs money
- Pressure to stay on the line and act right now
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 502 call
- Hang up as soon as a call feels wrong. You do not owe a stranger an explanation.
- Verify the caller through an official number, not the one they give you.
- Block the number.
- Report scam calls at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at donotcall.gov.
- Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
How to Get a 502 Phone Number
You do not have to live in Louisville to use a 502 number.
- Carriers: any new line in the area currently gets a 502 number. That will change once 761 is in service.
- VoIP and virtual number providers: search by area code, pick a 502 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 800 area code.
Area Codes Near 502
| 859 | Lexington, Covington |
| 270, 364 | Bowling Green, Owensboro, Paducah |
| 606 | Eastern Kentucky |
| 812, 930 | Southern Indiana, across the Ohio River |
| 513, 283 | Cincinnati, Ohio |
Related guides: 317 area code for Indianapolis, 314 area code for St. Louis, 470 area code for Atlanta.
502 Area Code FAQs
What city is area code 502?
Louisville, Kentucky. It also covers Frankfort, Georgetown, Shelbyville and Bardstown.
Is Lexington in 502?
No. Lexington uses 859.
Is there a new area code for Louisville?
Yes. An overlay code, 761, was approved in August 2025 but is not yet in service.
What time zone is 502?
Eastern Time.
Is 502 a toll-free number?
No. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Final Word
The 502 area code has covered Louisville since 1947 and is on Eastern Time. A 761 overlay is on the way. Check unknown callers before you click a link or call back.
