Highway vs. Freeway: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A highway is a main road, often connecting cities and towns; a freeway is a type of highway without tolls or intersections, designed for faster travel.
Key Differences
Highways are major public roads that can be any type of roadway - local, rural, urban, or intercity - and may have traffic lights and intersections. Freeways, however, are designed for unimpeded travel, without any stops or direct access from properties, featuring controlled access points. The terms highway and freeway are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have specific differences in their design and function.
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Nov 09, 2023
The term highway covers a broad category of roadways and includes many types of roads, from two-lane rural roads to multi-lane, high-speed roads. Freeways, a subset of highways, are characterized by having multiple lanes separated by a median, with entrance and exit via ramps, and are built exclusively for high-speed vehicular traffic. Highways may have cross traffic, at-grade intersections, traffic signals, and stop signs, which are not found on freeways.
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Nov 09, 2023
Highways are used in a general sense to denote major roads intended for travel by the public between significant destinations. Freeways, in contrast, are designed to facilitate long-distance travel efficiently, bypassing traffic congestion commonly found in urban centers and eliminating direct access from adjacent land. A highway can have commercial establishments and direct property access along its path, while a freeway typically does not allow such direct access.
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Nov 09, 2023
Maintenance and funding for highways can come from various levels of government, from local to federal, and some highways require the payment of tolls. Freeways are usually built and maintained by higher levels of government and are financed through public funds, thus are toll-free in many cases. However, some regions may have toll freeways, known as tollways or turnpikes.
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Nov 09, 2023
Both highways and freeways are integral to a country's transportation infrastructure, serving to connect distant areas and facilitate trade, travel, and economic activity. While a highway might be part of a daily commute within a city or a scenic drive through the countryside, a freeway is more likely to be used for getting from one city to another quickly, without the impediment of traffic lights or congestion.
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Nov 09, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Access Control
May have at-grade intersections, access points
Controlled access with on and off ramps
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Traffic Signals
Can have stop signs, signals
No traffic signals, designed for continuous flow
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Speed Limits
Varies, often lower due to intersections
Usually higher for uninterrupted travel
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Nov 09, 2023
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Highway and Freeway Definitions
Highway
A highway is a main public road, especially one connecting major destinations.
The highway was congested with holiday traffic.
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Nov 08, 2023
Freeway
A freeway is a divided highway designed for high-speed travel with no tolls or traffic lights.
He sped up as we merged onto the freeway.
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Nov 08, 2023
Highway
Highways can be multi-lane roads facilitating regional or national travel.
She drove across the state on the highway to visit her family.
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Nov 08, 2023
Freeway
Freeways connect urban areas and are designed to carry large volumes of traffic.
The freeway connects the two major cities efficiently.
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Nov 08, 2023
Highway
A highway may include rural or urban roads and often has traffic control measures.
The new highway has improved the commute for rural areas.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Freeway
A freeway is a type of controlled-access highway typically without direct property access.
The properties were quite due to the absence of a freeway exit.
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Nov 08, 2023
Highway
Highways are often managed by state or local governments and may require tolls.
They avoided the toll highway to save money.
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Nov 08, 2023
Freeway
Freeways have multiple lanes and feature ramps for entering and exiting.
The new freeway has really eased our cross-city travel.
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Nov 08, 2023
Highway
Highways can be part of strategic routes for trade and transportation.
Trucks frequently use this highway to transport goods to the city.
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Nov 08, 2023
Freeway
Freeways are usually maintained by higher levels of government without direct commercial access.
They are building a new service area off the next freeway exit.
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Nov 08, 2023
Highway
(historical) A road that is higher than the surrounding land and has drainage ditches at the sides
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Nov 07, 2023
Highway
A main public road, especially a multi-lane, high-speed thoroughfare.
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Nov 07, 2023
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
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Nov 07, 2023
Highway
(figurative) A way; a path that leads to a certain destiny
You're on a highway to greatness.
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Nov 07, 2023
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.
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Nov 07, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are all freeways highways?
Yes, all freeways are a specific type of highway.
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Nov 09, 2023
Are freeways safer than highways?
Freeways often have fewer points of conflict (like intersections), which can reduce certain accident risks.
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Nov 09, 2023
What defines a freeway?
A freeway is a high-speed, controlled-access highway without tolls or intersections.
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Nov 09, 2023
Why are there no traffic signals on a freeway?
Freeways are designed for continuous traffic flow without stops.
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Nov 09, 2023
What is a highway?
A highway is a major public road system used for travel between areas.
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Nov 09, 2023
Do freeways have rest stops?
Many freeways have designated rest stops for travelers.
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Nov 09, 2023
How are freeways funded?
Freeways are usually funded by state or federal governments and are often toll-free.
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Nov 09, 2023
Can a highway become a freeway?
A highway can be upgraded to a freeway if it's redesigned for controlled-access.
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Nov 09, 2023
Are freeways always multiple lanes?
Most freeways are multiple lanes to support the volume and speed of traffic.
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Nov 09, 2023
Do highways always connect cities?
Highways connect cities but can also serve local or regional traffic.
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Nov 09, 2023
Can businesses be accessed directly from a freeway?
No, freeways do not allow direct property access; service areas are accessed via exits.
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Nov 09, 2023
Can freeways reduce travel time?
Yes, freeways are designed to reduce travel time between distant points.
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Nov 09, 2023
Is it illegal to stop on a freeway?
Generally, stopping on a freeway is only legal in emergencies.
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Nov 09, 2023
Why do highways have speed limits?
Highways have speed limits to enhance safety, especially where there are intersections or residential areas.
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Nov 09, 2023
Can pedestrians use highways?
Some highways permit pedestrians, but freeways generally do not.
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Nov 09, 2023
What maintenance do freeways require?
Freeways require regular maintenance for surfaces, signs, and safety features.
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Nov 09, 2023
Why do some highways have lights but freeways usually don't?
Highways may have lights for intersections and safety; freeways use overhead lighting only where necessary, like interchanges.
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Nov 09, 2023
How are highways funded?
Highways can be funded by local, state, or federal governments, and sometimes through tolls.
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Nov 09, 2023
Are bicycles allowed on highways?
Bicycles can be allowed on certain highways but are banned from freeways.
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Nov 09, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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