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

A highway is any public road; a freeway is a type of highway with full controlled access and no at-grade intersections; a parkway is a typically landscaped, often scenic corridor that may have limited or partial access and frequently restricts trucks. These labels describe both legal access rules and design intent, and they can vary by region and history.

How transportation agencies use the terms

In the United States, the terms have standard meanings in engineering and policy, even if everyday speech blurs them. Agencies like AASHTO and FHWA distinguish roads by access control, intersections, and permitted vehicles.

The following list outlines the core definitions commonly used in U.S. transportation practice.

• Highway: A broad legal term for any public road—rural or urban, two-lane or multilane. It may have driveways, traffic lights, and cross streets. All freeways and parkways are highways, but not all highways are freeways or parkways.
• Freeway: A divided highway with full control of access—no traffic signals or at-grade intersections; entry/exit only via ramps; grade-separated interchanges; typically limited to motor vehicles. Often synonymous with “interstate” segments in the U.S.; some states also say “motorway.”
• Parkway: A road conceived as a landscaped/green corridor, often scenic, with aesthetic design features. Access is limited or partially limited; commercial vehicles (especially trucks) are often restricted. A parkway can function like a freeway in places, but it doesn’t have to.

These distinctions center on function: “highway” is the umbrella, “freeway” is a fully controlled-access subset, and “parkway” describes a corridor designed for amenity and, often, restrictions on certain vehicles.

Design and operations: what you’ll experience on the road

Beyond names, the practical differences show up in design speeds, intersections, and who can use the road. Here’s how they typically compare in the field.

• Access control: Freeways are fully controlled (ramps only); highways may have any level of access; parkways range from partial to full control but emphasize scenic continuity.
• Crossings and intersections: Freeways use grade-separated interchanges only; other highways can have stoplights and cross traffic; parkways may mix interchanges with occasional at-grade junctions depending on the corridor.
• Speed and signals: Freeways have higher design speeds and no signals; highways may have mixed speeds and signals; parkways often feature moderate speeds suited to terrain and scenery.
• Entrances/exits: Freeways use on/off ramps; highways can have driveways and side streets; parkways may use ramps but can include scenic pull-offs and limited entrances.
• Medians and shoulders: Freeways are divided with medians/barriers and standard shoulders; highways may or may not be divided; parkways often have landscaped medians and non-standard, sometimes narrower shoulders.
• Vehicles allowed: Freeways typically allow motor vehicles only; parkways often restrict trucks and commercial vehicles (and sometimes vehicles over certain heights due to low, ornamental bridges); highways vary by jurisdiction.
• Purpose and setting: Freeways prioritize throughput and safety at high volumes/speeds; parkways balance mobility with recreation, scenery, and urban design; highways serve the full spectrum of mobility needs.
• Naming vs. function: A road’s name doesn’t guarantee its design. Some “Parkways” operate like freeways; some “Freeway”-named roads are not fully controlled-access in every segment.

In practice, the fastest way to tell a freeway from other roads is the absence of traffic signals and cross traffic—and the presence of on/off ramps and continuous medians.

Examples and edge cases

Examples help show how labels and real-world design sometimes diverge.

• Freeway examples: Most Interstate Highway System segments (e.g., I-5, I-95) are freeways; so are many state “motorways” (term used in some states and countries).
• Parkway examples: Merritt Parkway (CT) bans trucks and is fully access-controlled but has low, ornamental bridges; Baltimore–Washington Parkway (MD) is largely access-controlled with truck restrictions on the NPS-managed portion; Blue Ridge Parkway (VA/NC) is scenic with lower speeds and at-grade access to overlooks and trailheads.
• Highway as umbrella: U.S. Route 101 varies from urban freeway in parts of California to signalized arterial elsewhere; that variability exemplifies “highway” as the general term.
• “Expressway” wildcard: In U.S. usage, “expressway” often means partial access control (some signals or at-grade intersections remain), though in some countries “expressway” denotes full control of access.

These cases show that signage, local regulations, and the physical design—rather than the road’s name alone—determine how you can use the corridor.

Regional and international notes

Outside the U.S., equivalent terms differ, and “parkway” is mostly a North American concept.

• UK/Ireland: “Motorway” (M-roads) corresponds to U.S. freeways; “A-roads” range from high-quality dual carriageways to smaller arterials.
• Continental Europe: Autobahn (Germany), Autoroute (France), Autostrada (Italy), Autoestrada (Portugal), etc., are controlled-access motorways akin to freeways.
• Canada: “Highway” is generic; Ontario’s 400-series highways are freeways; several cities have named “Parkways,” some with truck limits (e.g., Ottawa’s parkways).
• Australia/New Zealand: “Motorway” and “freeway” generally indicate controlled-access roads; “highway” is generic.
• India and parts of Asia: “Expressway” usually means controlled-access; “National Highway” is broader, with varying access control levels.

When traveling abroad, look for the local term for controlled-access roads—often “motorway” or “expressway”—to find freeway-equivalent facilities.

Common misconceptions

Because everyday language and official definitions don’t always align, a few myths persist.

• Myth: “All parkways are slow and two-lane.” Reality: Many parkways are multilane and partially or fully access-controlled but still restrict trucks or emphasize scenery.
• Myth: “Freeway means toll road.” Reality: Tolling is separate from access control; a freeway may be tolled or free. Conversely, some toll roads are not fully access-controlled.
• Myth: “If it’s called a Highway, it must be high-speed.” Reality: “Highway” can be anything from a rural two-lane to an urban boulevard with signals.
• Myth: “Expressway equals freeway everywhere.” Reality: In the U.S., “expressway” often allows some at-grade access; internationally, the term varies.

Understanding access control and vehicle restrictions is more reliable than relying on the name alone.

How to tell what you’re on, quickly

When you’re behind the wheel, a few cues settle the question fast.

• No cross streets or signals, entry via ramps only: You’re on a freeway (or motorway).
• Landscaped corridor with “No Trucks” or height restrictions and scenic pull-offs: Likely a parkway.
• Mix of driveways, signals, and cross traffic: A general highway or arterial, not a freeway.

Signs indicating vehicle restrictions, exit-only ramps, and continuous medians are the most dependable telltales.

Summary

“Highway” is the catch-all term for public roads. A “freeway” is a highway with full controlled access—no at-grade crossings, ramps only, and higher design speeds. A “parkway” is a landscaped corridor with limited or partial access and frequent restrictions on commercial vehicles; it may function like a freeway in places but is defined by its scenic and regulatory character. When in doubt, look for access control and vehicle restrictions rather than the road’s name.

What is the difference between a parkway freeway and highway?

a freeway is part of a highway with 2 or more lanes on each side, no tolls, sometimes termed expressway, no intersections or cross streets. a parkway is a major public road, usually decorated, sometimes part of a highway, has traffic lights.

Is the parkway a freeway?

These are not freeways; they have a slow 25-mile-per-hour (40 km/h) speed limit, pedestrian crossings, and stop signs. In Cincinnati, parkways are major roads which trucks are prohibited from using.

What are the three types of highways?

Highways are split into at least four different types of systems in the United States: Interstate Highways, U.S. Highways, state highways, and county highways. Highways are generally organized by a route number or letter. These designations are generally displayed along the route by means of a highway shield.

What is the difference between a freeway and a highway?

A freeway is a specific type of highway that features fully controlled access to allow for high-speed, uninterrupted travel by eliminating intersections, stoplights, and pedestrian crossings. In contrast, “highway” is a broad term that encompasses many kinds of roads, including freeways, but also includes other major public roads that may have traffic signals, cross-traffic, pedestrian crossings, and intersections with smaller roads. 
Freeway

• Definition: A controlled-access highway designed for high-speed, high-volume, and uninterrupted travel. 
• Characteristics:
  • Controlled Access: Entry and exit are only via ramps and interchanges. 
  • No Intersections: No at-grade intersections with other roads. 
  • No Stoplights or Pedestrian Crossings: Traffic flow is continuous. 
  • Divided Traffic: Separate lanes for opposing directions. 
  • Higher Speed Limits: Designed for faster travel. 
  • Examples: Many Interstates and expressways are freeways. 

Highway

• Definition: Any major public road connecting cities or towns, which can vary significantly in design and access. 
• Characteristics:
  • Varied Access: Can be limited-access or not controlled at all. 
  • Intersections and Traffic Control: May include stoplights, stop signs, and roundabouts to manage cross-traffic. 
  • Direct Access: May allow direct access to businesses, neighborhoods, or local streets. 
  • Cross-Traffic: Features cross-traffic from other roads. 
  • Lower Speed Limits: Speed limits are often lower to accommodate intersections and other obstacles. 
  • Examples: Includes state highways, county highways, and even some two-lane rural roads. 

Key Takeaway
Think of it this way: all freeways are highways, but not all highways are freeways. A freeway is a specialized highway built with limited access to prioritize speed and efficiency, whereas a highway is a more general category of major roadways.