Highway vs. Freeway: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

No—while every freeway is a type of highway, not every highway is a freeway. A highway is a broad term for major public roads, whereas a freeway is a specific kind of highway with full, controlled access, no traffic lights, and grade-separated interchanges designed for uninterrupted, higher-speed travel. Below, we break down how the terms are used, what features distinguish them, and how regional naming conventions can add to the confusion.

Definitions and Core Distinctions

In everyday use, “highway” refers to significant public roads that connect cities, towns, and regions; this can include anything from multilane divided roads to two-lane routes with intersections and driveways. In transportation engineering, “freeway” denotes a highway built to a higher standard: it has full control of access, meaning vehicles enter and exit only via ramps, there are no at-grade intersections or traffic signals, and opposing directions are separated by a median or barrier. The goal is safe, efficient, continuous flow.

What makes a freeway different

The following list outlines the defining features of a freeway as recognized by transportation standards in the United States and widely mirrored elsewhere.

• Full access control: entry/exit only via on- and off-ramps
• No at-grade intersections, traffic lights, stop signs, or cross traffic
• Grade-separated interchanges (overpasses/underpasses) for all crossings
• Divided carriageways with medians or barriers
• No direct property or driveway access
• Designed for higher speeds and capacity, with safety shoulders and clear zones

These characteristics work together to maintain “free-flow” conditions—where the “free” in freeway refers to movement unimpeded by cross traffic, not necessarily the absence of tolls.

What a non-freeway highway can include

By contrast, many highways do not meet full freeway standards. Here are typical features you might encounter on non-freeway highways.

• At-grade intersections with traffic signals or stop signs
• Driveway and side-street access directly onto the roadway
• Mix of two-lane and multilane segments, sometimes undivided
• Pedestrian crossings, crosswalks, and bicycle access at grade
• Variable speed limits due to local traffic and land use

These roads still serve major regional travel needs but trade uninterrupted flow for broader local access and connectivity.

Do Freeways Have to Be Toll-Free?

No. Despite the name, freeways can be either toll-free or tolled. The “free” denotes free-flowing traffic rather than cost. In the U.S., some controlled-access corridors are tolled (often called “tollways” or “turnpikes”), yet they meet freeway design standards. Terminology varies by agency and region, but the presence of tolls does not inherently change the roadway’s functional design as a freeway.

How Terms Vary by Region

Different countries and even different U.S. states use overlapping terms to describe similar road types. The following list summarizes common regional labels and how they map to the freeway concept.

• United States: “Freeway” (full access control); “Expressway” often means partial access control but is sometimes used interchangeably; “Interstate” routes are generally freeways, though older exceptions exist.
• Canada: “Freeway” and “expressway” are used; Ontario’s 400-series highways are freeways.
• United Kingdom & Ireland: “Motorway” is the freeway equivalent; “A-roads” can be high-standard but often have at-grade access.
• European Union: “Motorway” (or local equivalents like Autobahn/Autostrada/Autoroute/Autopista) corresponds to freeway-standard roads; many are tolled.
• Australia & New Zealand: “Motorway” and “freeway” both denote controlled-access roads; usage varies by state or region.

While labels differ, the underlying engineering concept—full control of access and grade-separated interchanges—remains the marker of a freeway-class facility.

Practical Implications for Drivers

Understanding the distinction helps set expectations for speed, access, and safety features. Here’s what that means behind the wheel.

• On freeways, anticipate higher, more consistent speeds and merging via ramps, not intersections.
• On non-freeway highways, expect signals, occasional congestion from cross traffic, and frequent turning movements.
• Navigation: Interstates and motorways typically offer clearer, standardized signage geared to long-distance travel.
• Safety: Freeways minimize conflict points; non-freeway highways require more vigilance for turning traffic and pedestrians.

These differences shape travel time, route choice, and safety considerations, especially on unfamiliar roads.

Common Edge Cases and Exceptions

Real-world networks aren’t always tidy. The examples below highlight where terminology or design can blur.

• Corridor variability: A single numbered route (e.g., a U.S. Highway) can alternate between freeway segments and surface-road segments.
• Legacy constraints: Rare historical exceptions mean a few Interstate-designated segments may not fully meet modern freeway standards.
• Expressways: In some places, “expressway” denotes partial access control—fewer driveways, some interchanges, but still occasional signals.
• Toll facilities: Many toll roads are built to freeway standard; some agencies avoid the term “freeway” for tolled corridors, but the design is equivalent.

When in doubt, the presence of full access control and grade separation—not the route name or number—best indicates whether you’re on a freeway.

Bottom Line

A freeway is a specific kind of highway engineered for uninterrupted travel: fully controlled access, no at-grade crossings, and grade-separated interchanges. A highway is the broader category that includes freeways and many other major roads that may have intersections, driveways, and signals. Put simply: all freeways are highways, but not all highways are freeways.

Is freeway another word for highway?

A freeway is a highway where access to the roadway is controlled. Drivers can only enter a controlled-access highway by ramps.

Do people say freeway or highway?

In Southern California, people often refer to roads by number and article, such as “the 405” or “the 10.” These typically describe freeways. In Northern California, locals might say “Highway 101” even when referring to what is technically a freeway.

What’s the difference between a freeway and a highway?

Freeways are designed for uninterrupted traffic flow, with no stoplights, intersections, or pedestrian crossings. Highways, on the other hand, may include traffic signals, cross streets, and direct access to businesses or homes.

Why is it called a highway?

A “highway” is called that because the word itself combines “high” and “way” to describe an elevated, high-ground route or a main road, a term that dates back to the elevated Roman roads and medieval high-ground pathways. The term “highway” is a broad, older word for any significant public thoroughfare, while more specific terms like “freeway” or “interstate” refer to newer, high-speed, controlled-access roads.
 
Etymological Origins

• High + Way: Opens in new tabThe word “highway” comes from the Old English term heahweg, which literally meant a “main road” or a road on high ground. 
• Roman Roads: Opens in new tabAncient Roman roads were often raised above the surrounding terrain to prevent water from pooling and to create a solid, stable surface. This elevated construction is a key reason why these ancient roads were referred to as “high ways”. 
• Medieval Travel: Opens in new tabIn medieval Britain, people preferred to travel on high ground for drier conditions and better visibility. These routes, which were generally on the highest convenient path, also became known as highways. 

Evolution and Modern Usage

• “High” for Main: The “high” in “highway” also came to signify a road that was more important, or “main,” rather than just being geographically high. 
• Broader Term: Today, “highway” is an umbrella term that encompasses many types of roads, including freeways and interstates, as long as they are public and focused on mobility between locations. 
• Specific Types: Terms like “freeway” specifically refer to a road with controlled access, no stoplights, and high speed for efficient traffic flow.