There is no longer a distinction between the two. Historically, a highway, was the king's road, whereas commoners had to take the low road, often by the sea. The low road was usually a far more treacherous route, as natural obstacles (e.g. falling rocks) could be a problem, in addition to the fact that the slow speed of the route could make the traveler an easier target for robbers. A freeway was initially free to the travelling public, whereas nowadays many roads called freeways have tolls along the way.