Area Code 261 – Patras
The phone area code for Patras is 261 (international format +30261). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 261
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
📍 Geographic Location of Patras
Geographic Overview
The +30 261 area code is the National Destination Code (NDC) for the city of Patras, the regional capital of Western Greece and the third-largest urban center in the country. It covers the municipality of Patras and its surrounding metropolitan area, including the communities of Rio, Antirrio (via the Rio-Antirrio Bridge), and parts of the Achaia regional unit. As a geographic code, it is assigned to fixed-line PSTN and VoIP services that are registered to physical addresses within this specific calling area.
Dialing Formats
When calling a Patras landline from within Greece, subscribers must dial the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code and the local subscriber number. For example, a local number such as 2710 123456 would be dialed as 0261 0123456 from other parts of Greece. However, from abroad, the leading zero is omitted, and the full international format becomes +30 261 0123456. The total number length after the country code is 10 digits, including the NDC.
Numbering Structure
Numbers under the 261 code are structured as 261 (NDC) followed by a 7-digit subscriber number. The first digit of the subscriber number often indicates the specific exchange or service type, but this is not a strict rule. The Greek numbering plan follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations, and the 261 code is part of the country's geographic numbering scheme managed by the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT).
Overlay and Dialing Considerations
Patras does not currently have an overlay code, meaning the 261 code is the sole geographic code for the area. Local calls within the same NDC can often be dialed using only the 7-digit subscriber number, but for clarity and to avoid misdialing, it is recommended to always use the full 10-digit format (including the leading 0) for domestic calls. For international callers, the plus sign (+) or the international access prefix (00 in most countries) must be used, followed by 30 and the 10-digit number.
Services and Usage
The 261 code is used for both residential and business fixed lines, including DSL and fiber-optic internet services that are bundled with PSTN lines. It also supports fax and alarm systems. VoIP providers may assign numbers with this code to users who have a physical presence in the area, but the service is location-independent in terms of routing. Emergency services (112) and other special numbers are not affected by this code.