Why is returning always 'faster' than going even though it's the same road?

DNVN - Although we may travel the same route, the return trip always feels shorter than the trip to the destination. This makes scientists curious about the reason.

The return trip always feels shorter than the outbound trip.

Initially, researchers thought the “return trip effect” might stem from familiarity with the route we’ve taken. As we travel along the same route, our brains take in every detail of our surroundings, and so when we return, the sense of time seems to fade. However, scientists have found that this effect also occurs when we fly, or even when we take a different route.

The real cause of the problem lies in the way our bodies perceive and measure time.

When we start a journey, we often have a timetable for when we will arrive. This makes us pay more attention to the time and check our watches frequently, making time seem to pass more slowly.

In addition, going out often brings more joy and excitement than returning. In addition, optimism also affects the feeling of the trip. When we start a journey with excitement, we often feel like the time to reach the destination is very long. Therefore, when preparing to return, we think that the return trip will also take a long time. However, this is no longer true, because we no longer feel the joy as when we went. The feeling of anticipation is gone, making us think that the return trip is faster.

Hien Thao

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/vi-sao-khi-tro-ve-luon-nhanh-hon-luc-di-du-cung-mot-con-duong/20250904100115860