Freeway vs. Turnpike — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 17, 2024
A freeway is a high-speed road with no tolls and limited access, while a turnpike is a toll road designed for faster travel.
Difference Between Freeway and Turnpike
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A freeway is a type of highway designed for high-speed vehicular traffic, typically featuring multiple lanes, no tolls, and restricted access points to minimize traffic disruptions. A turnpike, on the other hand, is a type of highway where drivers are required to pay a toll to use the road. Historically, turnpikes were private roads with gates or "pikes" that were turned upon payment of the toll, hence the name.
Freeways are generally funded by public money through taxes and do not require toll payments from users. They are a common feature in the Interstate Highway System in the United States, providing free access across states and regions. Turnpikes, however, rely on toll collections and may be managed by private companies or government authorities to fund their construction, maintenance, and operation.
While both freeways and turnpikes are designed for efficient, high-speed travel, the main distinction lies in the toll requirement. Freeways offer unrestricted, toll-free access, promoting ease of travel, while turnpikes require payment, which can contribute to the upkeep of the roadway but may also add a financial burden to users.
Comparison Chart
Definition
High-speed road with no tolls
Toll road designed for faster travel
Funding
Public money through taxes
Toll collections
ADVERTISEMENT
Access
Unrestricted, toll-free
Requires payment
Common Features
Overpasses, underpasses, interchanges
Toll booths, electronic toll collection
Example Usage
Interstate highways
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Compare with Definitions
Freeway
A controlled-access highway.
The freeway has multiple entry and exit ramps.
Turnpike
A toll road.
They paid the toll to use the turnpike.
Freeway
A high-speed highway with no tolls.
The cars zipped along the freeway at 65 mph.
Turnpike
Historically, a gated road where a toll was collected.
In colonial times, turnpikes were common.
Freeway
A road designed for uninterrupted traffic flow.
We took the freeway to avoid the city traffic.
Turnpike
A managed road with specific access points.
They took the turnpike to save time on their trip.
Freeway
Part of the Interstate Highway System.
The I-10 freeway stretches from California to Florida.
Turnpike
Abbr. Tnpk. or Tpk. A toll road, especially an expressway on which tolls are charged.
Freeway
A major road designed for long-distance travel.
They drove the entire length of the freeway without stopping.
Turnpike
A tollgate.
Freeway
See expressway.
Turnpike
A frame consisting of two bars crossing each other at right angles and turning on a post or pin, to hinder the passage of animals, but admitting a person to pass between the arms; a turnstile.
Freeway
A highway without tolls.
Turnpike
A gate or bar set across a road to stop carriages, animals, and sometimes people, until a toll is paid,
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
Turnpike
(Scotland) A winding stairway.
Freeway
A toll-free highway.
Turnpike
(military) A beam filled with spikes to obstruct passage; a cheval de frise.
Freeway
A broad highway designed for high-speed traffic
Turnpike
A toll road, especially a toll expressway.
Turnpike
(mathematical economics) A trajectory on a finite time interval that satisfies an optimality criterion which is associated with a cost function.
Turnpike
To form (a road, etc.) in the manner of a turnpike road, or into a rounded form, as the path of a road.
Turnpike
A frame consisting of two bars crossing each other at right angles and turning on a post or pin, to hinder the passage of beasts, but admitting a person to pass between the arms; a turnstile. See Turnstile, 1.
I move upon my axle like a turnpike.
Turnpike
A gate or bar set across a road to stop carriages, animals, and sometimes people, till toll is paid for keeping the road in repair; a tollgate.
Turnpike
A turnpike road.
Turnpike
A winding stairway.
Turnpike
A beam filled with spikes to obstruct passage; a cheval-de-frise.
Turnpike
To form, as a road, in the manner of a turnpike road; to throw into a rounded form, as the path of a road.
Turnpike
(from 16th to 19th centuries) gates set across a road to prevent passage until a toll had been paid
Turnpike
An expressway on which tolls are collected
Turnpike
A highway requiring payment for access.
The turnpike had several toll booths along its length.
Turnpike
A road funded through toll collections.
Revenue from the turnpike supports its maintenance.
Common Curiosities
What is a freeway?
A high-speed road with no tolls and limited access points for uninterrupted travel.
How is a freeway funded?
Freeways are typically funded through public money collected from taxes.
What is a turnpike?
A toll road designed for faster travel, requiring payment from users.
How is a turnpike funded?
Turnpikes are funded through toll collections from road users.
What features are common on turnpikes?
Turnpikes have toll booths or electronic toll collection systems.
Are there tolls on freeways?
No, freeways do not require toll payments.
Do turnpikes have controlled access?
Yes, turnpikes also have controlled access, often through toll plazas.
Are there tolls on turnpikes?
Yes, turnpikes require users to pay tolls for access.
What features are common on freeways?
Freeways often have overpasses, underpasses, and interchanges for smooth traffic flow.
What is the main difference between a freeway and a turnpike?
The main difference is that freeways are toll-free, while turnpikes require payment.
Can turnpikes be privately managed?
Yes, turnpikes can be managed by private companies or government authorities.
Why do turnpikes charge tolls?
Tolls help fund the maintenance and operation of the turnpike.
Are turnpikes common in all states?
Turnpikes are more common in certain states, often in the northeastern United States.
Can freeways be part of the Interstate Highway System?
Yes, many freeways are part of the U.S. Interstate Highway System.
Do freeways have controlled access?
Yes, freeways have controlled access with limited entry and exit points.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Antinomy vs. Paradox
Next Comparison
Bailee vs. BailerAuthor Spotlight
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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
