The Allmusic review by Matt Collar awarded the album 4 stars out of 5, stating "While Douglas has made his mark delving into various genre-crossing projects that often skirt the edges of hardcore improvisatory jazz, with Time Travel he has found just as much room to explore within a world of jazz possibilities".[3] Writing for All About Jazz, Troy Collins said "the current incarnation of Douglas' Quintet reflects the independent spirit of a pioneering artist whose intrepid enthusiasm manifests itself in his choice of gifted young collaborators. Lending credence to its title, Time Travel displays the boundless creativity of a group that derives equal inspiration from both past and future".[4]JazzTimes' Geoffrey Himes stated it "may well be the most mainstream jazz album Douglas has ever released".[5] The New York Times critic Nate Chenin ranked the album sixth on his top ten jazz releases of 2013.[6]