Area Code 46 – Akureyri

Geographic Overview

The +354 46 prefix is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Akureyri area in northern Iceland. Akureyri, often referred to as the 'Capital of the North,' is the country's second-largest urban area outside the capital region of Reykjavík. The code serves the municipality of Akureyri and its surrounding communities, including Hjalteyri, Hauganes, and other localities within the broader Eyjafjörður region. As a geographic code, it is tied to the PSTN infrastructure of this specific region, although in modern Iceland, many numbers under this prefix may be routed over IP-based networks.

Dialing Format

Iceland uses a closed numbering plan with no trunk prefix. All national numbers, including those beginning with 46, are seven digits long. To call an Akureyri number from within Iceland, subscribers must dial the full seven-digit number, e.g., 460 1234. When calling from abroad, the international format is +354 460 1234, where +354 is the country code for Iceland and 46 is the NDC. There is no local dialing prefix; the entire number is always dialed, even for calls within the same exchange.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers (within Iceland): Dial the seven-digit number directly, e.g., 460 1234. No area code or trunk prefix is required.
• International callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 00 from most European countries, 011 from the US/Canada), then Iceland's country code 354, followed by the seven-digit subscriber number, e.g., 00 354 460 1234.

Numbering Plan Considerations

Iceland's numbering plan is administered by the Post and Telecom Administration (PTS). Geographic codes like 46 are allocated based on historical exchanges and are not portable outside their designated region. However, number portability within the same geographic area is possible, so a number starting with 46 may be served by a different operator than the original incumbent. Overlay codes are not in use in Iceland; the country maintains a single, unified numbering plan with no area code changes.

For businesses and residents in Akureyri, having a 46 prefix signals a local presence, which can be important for customer trust and local marketing. For those outside Iceland, understanding the correct international dialing format ensures seamless connectivity to this vibrant northern hub.