Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Chasing Lights

The best thing about this Northern Lights chase is that the route is not fixed. Your guides study the clouds and drive toward clearer skies, sometimes crossing into Finland, instead of simply parking outside Tromsø and hoping for luck. Guides including Soraia, Alex, Bailey, Taylor, Owen, Marius, and Meda have been praised for their energy, astronomy talks, and photography.

I like two things right away: you receive professional photos free of charge, and the bus gives you a warm base during a long night outdoors. The main caution is the same feature that gives the tour its best chance: this can mean hours on the road, a return between 10:30pm and 3am, and, on an unlucky night, no aurora at all.

Key points to know before booking

• A real weather-led chase: The bus goes where the sky looks most promising, not to one preset viewing spot.
• Free professional photos: Guides photograph you beneath the aurora and send the files after the tour.
• Big group, up to 50 people: This keeps the price reasonable but can make the viewing area crowded.
• Long and unpredictable timing: The trip lasts about 5 to 9 hours, with some outings lasting around 11 hours.
• Hot drinks and occasional fire stops: You get a hot beverage and hot water, and some outings include a campfire, warm berry drink, and cookies.
• Simple meeting point: Meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, bus stop area 5, at Tromsø Bus Terminal for the 5:20pm departure.

A proper aurora chase from Tromsø

Northern Lights tours are not sightseeing buses with a quick photo stop. The aurora depends on darkness, solar activity, cloud cover, and your guide’s willingness to move. Chasing Lights takes that uncertainty seriously. You may drive south, east, or across the border toward Finland if the sky there offers a better chance.

That approach matters in Tromsø. A cloudy sky over town does not always mean the whole region is lost, and a clear sky in town does not guarantee strong activity. On one successful outing, the group drove for about two hours before reaching a snowy field where the lights later moved directly overhead. On another, the bus traveled deep into Finland and returned close to 4am without producing the experience the passengers wanted.

I appreciate the honesty of the format. This is a chase, not a promise. The company operates in all weather conditions because some strong displays appear on nights that look poor in the forecast. That also means you must accept a genuine risk of spending most of the night in the bus.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 1,631 reviews, with 97 percent of customers recommending it. Those figures point to a strong operation, but they should not be confused with a guarantee of clear skies. The guides control the route, safety, explanations, and photography. They do not control the aurora.

Meeting at Tromsø Bus Terminal at 5:20pm

The official meeting point is Samuel Arnesens gate 5, at the Tromsø Bus Terminal. More specifically, you should look outside for the number 5 bus parking spot. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to and from the terminal.

The pickup directions deserve care. The terminal can be confusing, especially in winter darkness, and the instruction to meet at gate 5 may not feel precise enough if you arrive at the wrong side of the station. I would arrive early, locate the outdoor bus area, and ask around if needed. Do not assume the bus will wait for a late arrival.

The tour begins at 5:20pm, but the end time is flexible. A shorter outing may finish around 10:30pm. A longer chase can run until 3am, and some accounts describe an 11-hour night. If you have a morning flight, a dog-sledding trip, or a packed sightseeing plan the next day, leave plenty of recovery time.

What happens once the bus leaves Tromsø

The first part is usually a drive away from the city lights. Your guides assess the cloud cover and discuss the plan as conditions change. You may stop once the group reaches a promising area, or you may continue farther if the sky still looks blocked.

This is where the professional guides add real value. Soraia, Alex, Bailey, Taylor, Owen, Marius, Meda, Brian, and others have been praised for explaining the science of the aurora, pointing out stars and planets, and keeping a large group organized. Some guides also add stories about Sámi and Norwegian culture, along with old myths about the lights.

The route can include several viewing areas. One successful night used three separate stops, with the guide and driver moving the group until they found better conditions. Another began with a short introduction to the lights, then continued to a quieter field away from other groups.

You should expect waiting. The aurora may appear quickly, fade, and return in waves. A strong display can last a few minutes or several hours. The patient approach is useful, but it can be tiring when you have already spent a long time on the road.

Getting out into the cold and dark

When the bus stops, you may walk through snow or along an uneven path to reach a better viewing spot. One group followed a snowy route downhill toward a lake, then had to climb back over icy patches and ruts. That is not a problem for most reasonably mobile adults, but it can be awkward in darkness.

Bring footwear with a firm grip. Wear several warm layers, thick socks, gloves, and something that covers your face. The supplied information makes clear that clothing is not included, and the cold can be severe even when the bus itself feels comfortable.

The guides may take you to an open field, a lakeside area, or another dark location. There is no promise of a flat, paved viewpoint. If you have limited mobility, ask the operator for current conditions before booking, since the route and stopping place change with the weather.

Once you reach the viewing spot, the guides help organize photos and explain what you are seeing. This is a major strength of the tour. You do not need to rely only on a phone camera. The professional photos are sent to you free of charge, and the guides have been praised for both posed portraits and spontaneous shots.

The free photos are a serious benefit

Aurora photography is difficult. Your eyes may see a green arc, but a phone can record a dark blur unless it is held still with the right settings. Professional guides bring the skill and equipment needed to place people in the frame with the lights behind them.

The photo service also saves you from choosing between watching the sky and operating a camera. You can look up while the guide handles the technical work. Several guides, including Soraia, Bailey, Taylor, Owen, and Alex, have received special praise for the quality of the images.

Do not confuse this with a private photography lesson. The bus may carry up to 50 people, so the guides must work through a large group. You may need to wait your turn, and the area can become crowded when everyone wants a picture at the same time.

That is the central tradeoff. A small minibus group can feel more personal, but the big bus usually keeps the cost lower and provides more room to retreat from the cold. On some departures with fewer bookings, the company has changed to a minibus. That can improve the atmosphere, though it may mean there is no onboard toilet.

Campfires, hot drinks, and time outside

The included refreshments are simple: a hot beverage and hot water. On some outings, the guides light a fire and serve warm blackcurrant or lingonberry juice, sometimes with cookies. These details matter after standing in snow for an hour.

The fire stop also gives the evening a social center. Guides have used the time to explain the physics of the aurora, discuss mythology, point out stars, and speak with people in the group. It is a welcome change from watching the road through a bus window.

Do not expect a meal. Food is not included, and the tour may last long enough for you to need something more substantial. Eat before departure and consider carrying a small snack if permitted. Bring your own tripod if you want one, since tripods are not supplied.

The bus can be warm, but that is not always an advantage. Some passengers found the heating excessively strong on the return trip and had to remove several layers. Dress in layers so you can adjust easily. You need serious insulation outside and flexible clothing inside.

The big bus tradeoff

A maximum of 50 people gives this experience a different feel from a small private chase. You get a larger vehicle, a more social atmosphere, and a better indoor base, but the group can feel crowded at the viewing site.

Picture-taking may become competitive when everyone wants the same open angle. The bus also limits access to narrow roads and smaller stopping places. A minibus or private tour may reach more intimate locations, but it will usually cost more.

The group format works best if you see the evening as a shared expedition rather than a quiet private outing. People from many countries may introduce themselves during the ride, and the guides often make an effort to keep the mood lively. Guides such as Alex, Tessa, Jefta, Soraia, Marius, and Ivanka have been singled out for warmth, organization, and high energy.

Families should note that children must be accompanied by an adult. The long hours, cold, darkness, and uncertain return time may be hard for younger children, although one family appreciated having the bus as a warm home base for a child who might not stay awake outdoors.

Is $151.15 good value?

At $151.15 per person, this is not a cheap evening. Yet the price includes round-trip transport from Tromsø, professional guides, the weather-led chase, hot drinks, and free professional photographs. If you had to arrange a photographer, transport, and a long-distance drive separately, the total would rise quickly.

The value depends on your priorities. I think the price is fair if you want the best practical chance of finding a break in the clouds and care about having good pictures afterward. It is less appealing if you want a short, fixed-duration outing or dislike long bus rides.

The company website has been reported as charging 1,200 Norwegian kroner, compared with roughly 1,500 kroner through some booking sites. It is worth checking the direct price before paying, while also comparing the cancellation terms and date availability.

No tour can guarantee the lights. You are paying for transport, planning, local weather decisions, guiding, and photography, not for the aurora itself. That distinction is important on a cloudy night.

Timing, comfort, and the trip home

The return journey can be the hardest part. After standing outside in bitter cold, you may be tired and ready for bed, but the bus may still have hours to go. If the route reaches Finland, the drive back to Tromsø can take much of the night.

The bus has been described as comfortable, and some departures include USB and USB-C charging ports. One bus has a toilet that can be used while the vehicle is stopped. Do not rely on a bathroom being available on every vehicle, especially if the group is moved to a smaller minibus.

Hotel drop-off is not included. You finish back at the meeting point, so check how you will get from the terminal to your accommodation at 1am, 2am, or 3am. If your lodging is not within walking distance, arrange a taxi or another late-night option in advance.

This is also why I would book the chase early in your Tromsø stay, not on your final night. If clouds defeat the first attempt, you may have time to try again. The cancellation policy gives you a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure, but there is no refund for a late cancellation, missing the meeting point, or simply failing to see the lights.

Who should book this Tromsø aurora tour?

I would choose this tour if you want a serious attempt at seeing the aurora without paying for a private vehicle. It suits adults, families with older children, and photographers who value free portraits more than a small-group setting.

It is also a good match if you can handle an uncertain schedule. You need patience for long drives, flexibility about the return time, and the right clothing for standing in snow. The guides can improve your odds, but they cannot promise a display.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, a tight schedule, a very early flight, or little tolerance for crowded groups. A small-group tour may suit you better if personal space and quiet viewing matter more than price.

Should you book Chasing Lights?

Yes, if your main goal is to give yourself a strong, organized chance of seeing the Northern Lights from Tromsø. The weather-led route, free professional photos, experienced guides, and warm bus make it a practical choice, and the most successful nights sound genuinely memorable, with fires, hot berry drinks, astronomy talks, and bright aurora overhead.

Book it with clear expectations. You may spend nine or even eleven hours on the road, walk over icy ground, share the viewing area with many people, and return long after midnight. Schedule it early in your stay, dress for extreme cold, arrive early at gate 5, eat beforehand, and arrange your journey home. If you accept those conditions, the $151.15 price buys more than a bus ride. It buys a well-planned attempt at one of nature’s least reliable shows.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase meet?

Meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, at the Tromsø Bus Terminal in Norway. The meeting area is outside near the number 5 bus parking spot.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 5:20pm.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 to 9 hours. The return to Tromsø can be between 10:30pm and 3am, depending on the chase.

Does the tour guarantee that I will see the Northern Lights?

No. The aurora is a natural event, and there are no refunds or free replacement trips simply because the lights do not appear.

Where does the bus go?

The route changes according to weather and cloud conditions. The bus may travel far from Tromsø and can reach Finland.

How many people can join?

The group can include a maximum of 50 people.

Are professional photos included?

Yes. Professional photos taken during the tour are sent to you free of charge.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are provided at the Tromsø Bus Terminal meeting point, not at your hotel.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, suitable winter footwear, and any tripod or food you want for the evening. Clothes, tripods, and meals are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If the company cancels because of poor weather or too few bookings, you are offered another date or a full refund.