Area code 402 isn’t just a random set of numbers; it’s a key part of Nebraska’s phone system, covering a significant chunk of the state, including some of its biggest cities.
This article will dive into the details of the location of the 402 area code, its history, and what makes it tick. We’ll explore where it’s used, what time zone it’s in, and how it’s changed over the years.
Where is area code 402?
Area code 402 covers a large swath of eastern and northern Nebraska, including cities like Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue.
The 402 area code includes a real mix of communities, from bustling urban areas to quiet, rural towns.
Omaha and Lincoln are the two biggest cities in the 402 area. We’ll dig a little deeper into the major cities and counties that use the 402 area code, and we’ll also share their populations.
What time zone is area code 402 in?
If you’re calling a number with the 402 area code, remember that you’ll be calling someone in the Central Time Zone (CT), also known as America/Chicago. This zone uses both Central Standard Time (CST) and Central Daylight Time (CDT).
CST is GMT-6:00, while CDT is GMT-5:00.
Like much of the United States, the 402 area code observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) from March to November. In 2025, DST starts on March 9th and ends on November 2nd.
A little history of the 402 area code
The 402 area code is one of the original 86 area codes created in 1947. At first, it covered the entire state of Nebraska.
That changed in 2011, when area code 531 was introduced as an overlay to 402. The overlay was necessary to make sure there were enough phone numbers available in that area of the country.
Until 1953, area codes with a “0” as the middle digit covered the entire state they were located in. Since the 402 area code was created before 1953 and has a “0” in the middle, it originally served everyone in Nebraska.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
The 402 area code is supported by a sophisticated telecommunications network, with both landline and mobile phone service providers.
Overlay Area Code
The 531 area code serves as an overlay for the 402 area code. This means that if you’re getting a new phone number in the region, you could be assigned a number with either the 402 or the 531 area code.
Telephone Carriers and Prefixes
A variety of telephone carriers operate within the 402 area code. Major landline carriers include Windstream, Lumen (formerly Qwest Corp.), and Great Plains Communications. Wireless carriers include Verizon, T-Mobile (formerly Sprint), and United States Cellular.
Dialing and Technical Information
Here’s a fun fact: if you were dialing from a rotary phone way back when area code 402 was introduced, you would have had to wait for 16 pulses to dial it. That’s kind of a lot compared to some other area codes from that era.
This tidbit shows how much telephone systems have changed over the years.
The Bottom Line
Area code 402 is more than just a prefix — it’s a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to connecting communities in eastern and northern Nebraska. Understanding its history, geographical reach, and the telecommunications infrastructure it supports is essential to understanding the region itself.
From its early days as one of the original area codes to the more recent addition of the 531 overlay, area code 402 has changed to meet the ever-changing needs of modern telecommunications.