Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Chasing Lights

The best thing about this Tromsø excursion is that it is a true Northern Lights chase, not a short ride to one fixed viewpoint. Your guides watch the weather and drive wherever the sky looks most promising, sometimes around Tromsø and sometimes deep into Finland. On strong nights, you may spend hours beneath dancing green and purple light.

I like two things in particular: the free professional photos, which save you from wrestling with a camera in the cold, and the guides’ energy. Soraia, Alex, Bailey, Taylor, Marius, and others are praised for explaining the science, stars, Sámi culture, and local traditions in a lively way. The hot drinks, cookies, and occasional campfire are welcome touches.

The catch is simple: this can be a long, tiring night. The bus may return between 10:30 pm and 3 am, and the chase can involve many hours of driving. You also need proper winter clothing, since coats, thermal suits, meals, tripods, and hotel transfers are not included.

Key points to know before you book

• A real chase, not a fixed lookout: The bus follows cloud breaks and clearer skies, sometimes crossing into Finland.
• Free photos from tour photographers: Guides take portraits and aurora shots, then send the files to you after the trip.
• A large group of up to 50 people: Some departures use a big bus, while smaller groups may be moved to a minibus.
• A late and uncertain finish: The advertised duration is 5 to 9 hours, but difficult weather can push the return close to 3 am.
• Hot drinks and occasional fire stops: You may get hot water, warm juice, cookies, and time around a campfire.
• Dress for Arctic conditions: You supply your own warm clothing, and some viewing sites require careful walking over snow and ice.

What this Tromsø aurora chase is really like

Northern Lights tours in Tromsø all face the same problem: the aurora follows its own schedule. A clear forecast helps, but clouds can cover the sky at the wrong moment. This excursion deals with that uncertainty by putting wheels under you.

Instead of staying near town, the guides search for better conditions during the evening. A typical outing may involve driving south or east of Tromsø, stopping at more than one place, and waiting for the sky to change. One especially successful outing included three viewing spots before the group settled beside a large snowy field.

That flexibility gives you a better chance than a fixed-location tour, but it also makes the evening less predictable. You are not buying a guaranteed show. You are paying for transport, weather tracking, local judgment, explanations, photography, and a serious attempt to find the aurora.

The experience is rated 4.9 from 1,631 ratings, with 97 percent of people recommending it. That is a strong record, but it should not blur the main fact: no company can promise Northern Lights. Some nights produce an extraordinary display. Other nights involve long drives and only a brief glimpse, or no aurora at all.

Meeting at Tromsø Bus Terminal at 5:20 pm

The meeting point is Samuel Arnesens gate 5, at Tromsø Havn Prostneset Bus Terminal. The stated start time is 5:20 pm, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Give yourself extra time to identify the correct place. The pickup instructions have caused some confusion because Gate 5 refers to the outdoor bus parking area, not simply a numbered indoor gate. Arriving early is smart, especially in winter darkness, and checking the bus bay before the departure rush can save stress.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. That matters more on the return than at the start. A tour ending at 10:30 pm is manageable for many people in central Tromsø, but a 2 or 3 am arrival is another matter. Plan your walk back before you leave, and do not assume the bus will return early.

Children can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, though the snow and ice at some stops may make the outing harder for anyone who is not steady on their feet.

The drive: following cloud breaks instead of a set route

Once everyone is aboard, the guides assess the evening and choose a direction. The route is not a sightseeing circuit with a list of landmarks. It is a working search for darker skies and breaks in the cloud.

That can mean driving for two hours before reaching a promising field. On a poor-weather night, the bus has gone as far as Finland, followed by the long return to Tromsø. This is why the tour may last anywhere from five to nine hours, with difficult nights running even longer.

The journey can be useful in two ways. First, it takes you away from Tromsø’s city light. Second, it gives the guides more options when clouds sit over the first area. A fixed trip may be finished when the sky turns cloudy. This one can keep moving.

Still, the drive is not always comfortable. The bus has been described as warm, even excessively hot, on the return journey. You may need to remove several layers indoors, then put them back on at the next stop. If the coach is full, the trip can feel crowded, and a large vehicle cannot reach every narrow or remote viewing area.

Some departures have used a minibus when numbers were smaller. That can create a friendlier group and allow access to different places, but it may mean no onboard toilet. A larger bus may have a toilet, though it can only be used while the vehicle is stopped. USB and USB-C charging ports have also been reported on the bus, a useful detail during a long night.

The viewing stops and the wait for the sky

At a good stop, the guides get you out of the vehicle and explain the plan. You might spend a short time at an initial viewpoint, then move farther from the road or population centers once the aurora begins to show.

The best accounts describe large open fields with deep snow, quiet lakes, and enough room for the light to spread overhead. One outing found a field where the aurora arrived slowly in the distance, then moved directly above the group in waves. The display lasted roughly 90 minutes to two hours.

That kind of night is the dream. The sky may begin with a faint pale arc, then grow brighter and more active. Green is the most common color, but strong displays can show purple or other shades. Your eyes may see more than your phone can record, which is one reason the included photography is valuable.

The waiting is part of the deal. You may stand in the cold while the guides check the sky and decide if another stop is worthwhile. Some nights reward patience. One difficult outing spent 11 hours searching and saw the lights for only a few minutes. The guides can improve your odds, but they cannot change the cloud cover or solar activity.

Walking conditions deserve more attention than the simple phrase viewing stop suggests. At least one site involved a dark, snowy path down a hill toward a lake, with ruts, ice patches, and slippery sections on the return. Wear boots with good grip and move at your own pace. You are responsible for bringing the clothing and footwear that keep you safe and warm.

Guides who add more than directions

The strongest part of this tour is often the staff. Names vary by departure, but praised guides include Soraia, Alex, Bailey, Taylor, Marius, Meda, Owen, Nick, Jefta, Irene, and others. Drivers such as Brian, Rafael, Jamie, Lorenza, Bjørn, and Ivan have also been singled out for calm, capable work.

The guides do more than point at the sky. They explain the solar activity behind the aurora, identify stars and planets during quiet periods, and share stories about Sámi and Norwegian culture. Some combine science with old Northern Lights mythology, which gives the waiting time a human side.

Their attitude matters because the night can involve long stretches without action. Guides such as Alex and Jaffa are praised for keeping spirits high, while Meda and Brian are described as patient in choosing several locations. That energy cannot produce an aurora, but it can make a disappointing forecast easier to handle.

Group size changes the feel. With as many as 50 people, the event is social and practical rather than private. At a busy stop, people may compete for good photo positions, and the guides can be pulled in several directions. If you want quiet, personal attention, a small-group tour would likely suit you better.

Free photos are a real part of the value

Aurora photography is difficult. You need a steady camera, the right settings, enough battery power, and a place to stand without blocking someone else. In freezing weather, even a simple phone photo can turn into a frustrating exercise.

Here, the tour’s photographers take pictures of you beneath the lights and send the files to you free of charge. The images include posed portraits with the aurora behind you, along with candid shots and wider sky views. Several guides, including Soraia, Bailey, Taylor, and Owen, have been praised for producing especially good photos.

This is one of the clearest reasons to consider the price. You are not just paying for a bus ride. You receive a record of the night that is likely to be better than anything most first-time aurora photographers can manage alone.

There is a practical tradeoff. With a large group, you may need to wait your turn for photos, and the guide’s attention is shared. Bring your own phone or camera for quick snapshots, but treat the professional pictures as an added service rather than a private photo session.

Tripods are not included. Meals are not included either, so eat before departure or bring suitable food if you need more than a hot drink during the evening.

Fire, warm drinks, and the social side of the night

When conditions allow, the guides may light a fire and gather the group around it. Hot water is included, and some outings have offered warm lingonberry or blackcurrant juice, cookies, and other simple treats.

These details sound small until you have spent an hour outside in Arctic winter. A fire gives you a place to warm your hands, and a hot drink makes the waiting easier. The guides may use this pause to explain the aurora or answer questions about the stars and local culture.

Do not treat the refreshments as dinner. The tour does not include meals, and the exact snacks may vary. Pack something practical if you know you will be hungry late at night.

The campfire also helps soften the large-group format. People from different parts of the world often introduce themselves, share the excitement, and compare what they see. If your group is moved into a minibus, the atmosphere may feel more personal still.

Is $151.15 a fair price?

At $151.15 per person, this is not a cheap evening outing. The value depends on what you want from an aurora tour.

If you only need a ride outside town and are happy to find your own viewing spot, the price may feel high. You also need to pay for your own warm clothing, food, and transport to and from the bus terminal.

I think the price is easier to justify if you value the full package: a 5 to 9 hour search, weather-based route changes, professional guides, free photos, hot drinks, and the possibility of a campfire. A long-distance chase into clearer skies would be difficult to arrange on your own, especially when roads are snowy and the best direction changes during the evening.

One booking note gives a lower direct-company price of 1,200 NOK compared with around 1,500 NOK through some booking sites. Prices can change, so check Chasing Lights directly before paying. The difference may be worthwhile, but compare the cancellation terms and exact inclusions.

The biggest drawbacks to weigh first

The chief drawback is the lack of control over the schedule. A clear night may end early if the lights appear quickly, but a cloudy night can stretch toward 3 am. That late return can affect your next day in Tromsø, especially if you have another early excursion booked.

The second issue is comfort. The bus may be hot on the way home, while the viewing sites can be bitterly cold. You need to manage layers rather than assume the operator supplies thermal suits. One piece of advice is worth taking seriously: bring extra socks, warm gloves, and something to cover your face.

The third issue is the walking. Snowy paths may be uneven, dark, and slick. If you expect a flat field beside the bus, you could be surprised by a descent to a lake or a walk across deep snow.

Finally, there is no refund or free replacement trip simply because the aurora does not appear or because you miss the meeting point. The separate cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. Within 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or too few bookings, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book the Chasing Lights big bus chase?

I would choose this for a first visit to Tromsø when seeing the aurora is a major goal. It gives you experienced route planning, a serious search area, helpful photography, and support during a long night outside.

It also suits families with older children, people who prefer a warm bus as a base, and anyone who wants an explanation of what they are seeing. The included photos are particularly useful if you do not want to carry a tripod or learn night photography before your holiday.

I would hesitate if you dislike long drives, need a firm return time, have difficulty walking on icy ground, or want a quiet small-group experience. In that case, a smaller departure or a private chase may be a better fit.

Book it early in your Tromsø stay if you can. The company cannot control the sky, and giving yourself another possible night allows you to try again if the first chase is cloudy.

Should you book this Tromsø Northern Lights tour?

Yes, if you accept the gamble. Chasing Lights gives you one of the better tools available for an uncertain natural event: the ability to move toward clearer skies. The free photos, warm drinks, campfire stops, and lively guides add real value.

Just prepare for a late night, a large group, possible hours on the road, and cold, slippery viewing sites. If you understand that the tour offers a determined search rather than a guaranteed performance, the $151.15 can buy a memorable Arctic evening and photographs you will keep long after the snow is gone.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase start?

It starts at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, at Tromsø Havn Prostneset Bus Terminal in Tromsø, Norway.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 5:20 pm.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the same meeting point at Tromsø Havn Prostneset Bus Terminal.

How long does the tour last?

The planned duration is approximately 5 to 9 hours. The return to Tromsø may be between 10:30 pm and 3 am, depending on the chase.

How many people can join?

The maximum group size is 50 people.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must meet the group at the stated bus terminal location.

Are professional photos included?

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

Are meals and winter clothing included?

No. Clothes, tripods, and meals are not included. Hot beverages and hot water are included.

What happens if the Northern Lights do not appear?

There is no refund or free replacement trip if the lights are not seen. The aurora is a natural event and cannot be guaranteed.

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 accepted for a refund.

What happens if the operator cancels?

If poor weather or too few bookings cause the cancellation, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.