Why does it always seem like a long time going somewhere and fast when you return?

Answer 1

Your perception has changed, at first you don't know what to expect or how far you have to go. On return you've been there done that.

Answer 2

On your way to a destination, you have no idea how far it is or how long it will take. On your way back you have some idea of what to expect as far as directions and traffic.

Another reason may be that you are usually worn out on the way home, and your mind is less active on what is going on, so when you get home it seems like less time has passed.

Also, going somewhere you might get lost, but on the way home you are more familiar with the route and can find which path easier. Knowing where to turn can save time.

Answer 3

I got the answer for this one, I thought about it a long time ago and figured it out. When you are going somewhere, you are not there until you actually arrive and get out of the car. Coming back, you start to recognize things 20-30 miles (or more) from home, so it feels like you are home before you really get there because it is familiar.

Answer 4

There are several reasons why it takes so long when you are trying to get somewhere and it could be that you are anxious, excited,or not sure of what to expect when you get to where you are going. Then the reason that it seems shorter getting home is that once you have been somewhere for a while, you are glad to get home.

Answer 5

I think 90% is anticipation of getting there. Or your more attentive when your going somewhere then coming back... usually if u are on your way back from somewhere, u know ur way and so are less attentive to details like time.

Answer 6

Hmm... Probably because you're excited to get where you're going to and that makes it seem longer because your looking foward to it. When you're returning from something, most of the time you just wanna stay where you are like on vacation. I guess it could work vice versa too. Yeah, that probably made no sense to you but whatever.

Answer 7

There was something abou this on Discovery Channel Daily Planet Jay's Journal.
Click on the link and watch the Video
if The link doesn't work go to exn.ca and click on jay's Journa the and go to page 2 and click on Tourist illusion to watch the video

http://www.exn.ca/dailyplanet/story.asp?id=2006030351

Answer 8

I have the total opposite feeling because i seem to get to my destination faster because i am all pumped up about getting there but when it time to return you are not as enthused because all you have to look forward to is going back to the grind of going to work.

Answer 9

when you drive to someplace you think would be really awsome, time doesn't go slower, but it seems like it because of the excitement of being there. it seems fast when you return because you didn't want to leave from where you went, time doesn't go any faster though.

Answer 10

Because you know the way (perhaps a little more than the first time), and so your brain plans what's going on and what you'll find, and this gives you the sensation of a faster time.