Reward for driving to shul

Hi,

We are taught that if one has a choice of two synagogues to attend, one closer and one farther away, one should choose the more distant synagogue, since there is reward for travelling to the synagogue. [Note: This would seem to apply only if travelling to one synagogue did not entail passing the other synagogue, for reasons beyond the scope of this post.]

There are two different approaches to this principle:
a) Travelling further entails greater effort, and is therefore eligible for greater reward
b) Travelling further affords time to prepare for prayer

According to the former approach, there is greater effort in driving further than in driving a shorter distance. According to the latter approach, though, driving requires use of one's mind, and therefore driving further does not afford more time to prepare.

We tend to side with the first approach. Therefore, there is greater reward for driving further.

(Rivivot Ephraim 1:68)

Have a great day,
Mordechai