Freeway vs. Highway — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
A freeway is a divided, controlled-access road with no stoplights or intersections, while a highway is a main road connecting major cities or regions, which may have intersections.
Difference Between Freeway and Highway
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Freeway and highway are terms that, while occasionally used interchangeably, have distinct features. A freeway is designed for speed and efficiency. Typically, a freeway will be a multi-lane road with multiple lanes in each direction, separated by a median. Unlike other roads, freeways have no direct access from properties or side streets. Instead, they offer entrance and exit ramps to manage the flow of traffic.
Highways, on the other hand, are broader in concept. They signify main roads that connect larger towns, cities, or regions. A highway can be as streamlined as a freeway or could have stoplights, intersections, and direct property access. Highways may or may not be toll roads, while most freeways are free, although exceptions like tollways exist.
Another defining characteristic of a freeway is the lack of traffic signals. Traffic moves unimpeded, with overpasses and underpasses aiding in the flow. Highways might have signals, especially when passing through towns or when there are intersections with other significant roads.
In some contexts, especially outside the U.S., "motorway" or "expressway" might be used similarly to "freeway". However, regardless of the term used, understanding the road's characteristics is crucial. So, while all freeways can be considered highways due to their function as major thoroughfares, not all highways meet the specific criteria to be termed freeways.
Comparison Chart
Traffic Signals
Absent (no intersections)
Can have signals and intersections
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Access
Controlled (entrance and exit ramps)
Varies (might have direct property/side street access)
Tolls
Typically free (exceptions exist)
Can be free or toll roads
Lanes
Multi-lane, divided by a median
Can be multi-lane or single-lane in each direction
Purpose
Designed for high-speed, uninterrupted travel
Main roads connecting cities, towns, or regions
Compare with Definitions
Freeway
A road featuring entrance and exit ramps.
He took the next exit off the freeway to refuel.
Highway
May or may not be a toll road.
The toll on the highway was five dollars.
Freeway
A multi-lane, divided road with controlled access.
The freeway allows for swift travel between cities.
Highway
A road that can have various features, from intersections to multiple lanes.
The highway passed through small towns and scenic areas.
Freeway
Primarily designed for high-speed travel.
The freeway reduced his commute time significantly.
Highway
Accommodates varying traffic, including slower vehicles.
Trucks and cars coexisted on the busy highway.
Freeway
Often free, though toll freeways can exist.
This freeway has no tolls, making it a preferred route.
Highway
A main public road connecting cities or regions.
The highway stretched from coast to coast.
Freeway
A road devoid of traffic signals and intersections.
With no stoplights, the freeway ensured a smooth drive.
Highway
Can be equivalent to a freeway or differ in structure and function.
This highway becomes a freeway after the next few exits.
Freeway
See expressway.
Highway
A highway is any public or private road or other public way on land. It is used for major roads, but also includes other public roads and public tracks.
Freeway
A highway without tolls.
Highway
A main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities
The highway to success
A six-lane highway
Freeway
(In parts of Canada, the U.S. and Australia) A highway with grade-separated crossings (rather than level crossings) and designed (and only permitted) for high-speed motor-traffic running in two directions on one separate carriageway each
Highway
A main public road, especially one connecting towns and cities.
Freeway
A toll-free highway.
Highway
(historical) A road that is higher than the surrounding land and has drainage ditches at the sides
Freeway
A broad highway designed for high-speed traffic
Highway
A main public road, especially a multi-lane, high-speed thoroughfare.
Highway
(figurative) A way; a path that leads to a certain destiny
You're on a highway to greatness.
Highway
Any public road for vehicular traffic.
Highway
(computing) bus
Highway
To travel on a highway
Highway
A road or way open to the use of the public, especially a paved main road or thoroughfare between towns; in the latter sense it contrasts with local street; as, on the highways and byways.
Highway
A major road for any form of motor transport
Common Curiosities
Is a freeway always a highway?
Yes, as both are major roads, but not all highways are freeways.
Can highways have stoplights?
Yes, unlike freeways, highways can have traffic signals.
How can I differentiate between a highway and a freeway while driving?
If there are traffic signals or intersections, it's a highway. If there's uninterrupted flow, it's a freeway.
Are freeways always free?
Mostly, but toll freeways do exist.
What's the primary purpose of a freeway?
To facilitate fast and efficient long-distance travel.
Are the terms "expressway" and "motorway" similar to "freeway"?
Yes, especially outside the U.S., these terms can be synonymous with "freeway".
Why are there no intersections on a freeway?
To allow for high-speed, uninterrupted travel.
Why might a highway pass through a town or city?
Highways connect regions and might serve local and long-distance traffic.
Can I access a property directly from a freeway?
No, freeways have controlled access with entrance and exit ramps.
Which is more urban, a freeway or a highway?
Both can traverse urban areas, but freeways are typically designed for uninterrupted flow, while highways might integrate more with local roads.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
