61% of Singles Won’t Travel More Than 30 Minutes for a First Date: ‘It’s Not Surprising,’ Says Expert—How to Know If It’s Worth Your Time A significant majority of singles are unwilling to travel more than 30 minutes for a first date, with many choosing to forgo potential matches due to distance. Experts suggest this pickiness stems from concerns about affordability, the perceived endless options on dating apps leading to fatigue, and a post-pandemic comfort with staying home. To navigate this, they advise pre-date phone calls to gauge interest and considering the density of dating options in one’s geographical area.

• 61% of U.S. singles will not travel more than 30 minutes for a first date.
• 38% have rejected a potential match because of the distance.
• Concerns about affordability, with average date costs rising, contribute to the reluctance.
• Dating apps provide a sense of endless options, leading to pickiness and dating fatigue.
• The pandemic has increased the comfort level of staying at home rather than going out.
• Experts recommend phone calls before meeting to assess a match’s commitment.
• Dating options are more plentiful in metropolitan areas compared to rural locations.