Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Chasing Lights

The best thing about this Tromsø tour is that it keeps moving. Rather than watching one patch of sky from town, the driver and guides follow clearer conditions, sometimes crossing into Finland. I like the free professional photos, and I like the mix of astronomy, Sámi and Norwegian culture, campfires, and hot drinks. The tradeoff is simple: this can mean a long night on a warm bus, with a return as late as 3 am.

I also like that the guides do more than point at the sky. Soraia, Alex, Bailey, Owen, Marius, Meda, and others are praised for clear explanations and strong photography, though your actual team will vary. The big group keeps the price reasonable, but up to 50 people can make the viewing area crowded and the experience less personal.

Key points to know before you book

• The bus is a mobile base: You can warm up between stops while the team searches for clearer skies.
• The chase may reach Finland: Four hours of driving in one direction is possible when Tromsø is cloudy.
• Free professional photos are included: Guides photograph you under the aurora and send the files afterward.
• The night can last until 3 am: The advertised length is 5 to 9 hours, but difficult conditions may stretch the outing.
• Hot drinks and fires add welcome comfort: Some departures include a campfire, hot blackcurrant or lingonberry drink, and cookies.
• A large group affects the mood: The maximum is 50 people, although smaller numbers may sometimes mean a minibus.

Why the moving chase matters around Tromsø

The Northern Lights are not a scheduled show. Clouds can cover Tromsø while clear skies sit an hour or two away, so the central idea here is to search rather than wait. The driver takes the bus toward the best available conditions, guided by forecasts, cloud cover, and what the team sees on the road.

That approach gives you a better chance than staying in town on a cloudy evening, but it cannot guarantee an aurora. On one difficult night, the group drove for roughly 11 hours and saw only a few minutes of activity. On better nights, the lights appeared soon after leaving Tromsø and continued in waves for an hour and a half or more.

I would treat this as an active search, not a comfortable sightseeing ride with a fixed timetable. The reward can be a huge, dancing display. The cost can be a long ride with little to see outside the windows.

Meeting at 5:20 pm in Tromsø

The meeting point is Samuel Arnesens gate 5, at Tromsø Havn Prostneset Bus Terminal. The practical detail that matters is the exact place to wait: it is outside by bus parking spot number 5. Arrive early and check the signs rather than assuming the coach will be obvious.

The bus leaves at 5:20 pm. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the terminal yourself and arrange your own way back after the tour. Since the return may be between 10:30 pm and 3 am, check your accommodation location before booking. A late walk through snow or an expensive taxi can change the real cost of the evening.

The group limit is 50 people. That is a sizable outing, and the bus may feel busy when everyone gets off to photograph the sky. On some departures, a smaller group has been moved to a minibus. That can create a friendlier setting, but you should not book expecting a small-group trip.

What happens after Tromsø

The first stretch is usually a drive away from Tromsø’s city lights. The guides explain the plan, discuss the forecast, and watch for places where cloud cover may break. Guides including Soraia, Alex, Marius, Bailey, Taylor, Owen, Meda, and others have been praised for keeping the group informed and upbeat, but the names on your departure may be different.

When the conditions look promising, the bus stops and you head outside. This is where warm clothing matters most. The supplied information does not include thermal suits, tripods, meals, or special outdoor clothing, and the cold can be severe. Bring several layers, warm gloves, extra socks, and something that covers your face. One useful trick is to keep your camera or phone ready before leaving the bus, since bare hands become uncomfortable quickly.

The exact viewing place can vary. One outing reached a snowy field, while another went down a dark, slippery path toward a lake. You might find a flat open area, but you should also be ready for uneven snow, ice, ruts, and a climb back to the bus. The dark makes footing harder. If you are not steady on snow or ice, tell the guide before walking away from the vehicle.

The possible Finland run

A real chase can take the group far beyond Tromsø. Several accounts describe a long drive south, including a trip into Finland. This is not a quick scenic detour. It can take hours each way, and on a cloudy night the ride may occupy most of the evening.

That distance is the main reason this tour can work when a local viewing spot does not. You are paying for a mobile search area, not only transport to a nearby field. Still, you need to be comfortable with the gamble. If the sky remains covered, the extra driving does not create an aurora.

The bus becomes your shelter during these long stretches. Some vehicles have USB and USB-C charging ports, and one account notes a toilet that can be used while the bus is stopped. Other departures may use a minibus without a toilet, so do not assume every vehicle has the same setup.

What the guides add to the night

The strongest part of the experience is often the guide team. The best guides explain what is happening without turning the evening into a lecture. You may hear about the solar activity behind the aurora, the stars and planets overhead, Sámi traditions, and Norwegian culture.

The science and folklore work well together. While you wait for the sky to change, a guide may point out a planet or constellation. After the lights appear, the team can explain why the colors and movement vary. Some guides have also used a campfire to talk about the physics, then shared older stories about the lights.

Names that appear repeatedly in the supplied material include Soraia, Alex, Bailey, Owen, Marius, Meda, Taylor, Nick, Brian, Jefta, Ivanka, Irene, Mark, and others. Do not expect a specific person unless Chasing Lights confirms your departure, but the pattern is clear: photography and explanation are central parts of the job.

Free photos are a real part of the value

Aurora photography is harder than it looks. You need a steady camera, suitable settings, a dark location, and someone who knows how to frame a person against the sky. The guides take professional pictures during the evening and send them to you free of charge.

This is especially useful if you have only a phone or do not want to carry a tripod. Several guides are also photographers, and the strongest accounts describe both posed images and candid shots. You may get photos with the lights directly above you, rather than a distant green smear on the horizon.

The service can be busy with a large group. Everyone wants a turn, and the guides may need to move quickly between people. Be patient and listen for the photography instructions. If the aurora is strong, you may have to choose between watching the sky and waiting for another portrait.

Campfires, hot drinks, and the cold

The included refreshment is a hot beverage and hot water. Depending on the stop and conditions, the team may light a fire and serve hot blackcurrant or lingonberry juice, sometimes with cookies. These small comforts matter when you have been standing in snow for a long time.

Do not mistake the hot drink for a meal. Food is not included, so eat beforehand and bring anything you need for the late return. The bus may be warm enough to thaw you out, but some departures have been described as excessively hot on the way home. Dress in removable layers so you can adjust without sitting through the ride in heavy outerwear.

The cold is not a minor detail. You can be outside for long periods while waiting for activity, and the best display may arrive after midnight. Good boots, thick socks, insulated gloves, and a face covering will improve the night more than any camera accessory.

How the $151.15 price works out

At $151.15 per person, this is not a cheap evening bus ride. The price includes transport, guides, photography, hot drinks, and a serious attempt to reach better conditions. The free photo package adds useful value, especially for couples and families who do not own night photography equipment.

The price also reflects uncertainty. You pay for the search even if clouds win, and the company does not offer a free replacement trip simply because the aurora fails to appear. That is standard for a natural event, but you should understand it before committing.

A direct booking price of 1,200 NOK was mentioned in the supplied material, compared with roughly 1,500 NOK through some tourism websites. Prices change, so check the current total in both places before paying. The listed third-party price is $151.15, and the cheaper option may be worthwhile if available with the same terms.

The difficult parts: crowds, heat, and late hours

A big bus gives you a warm base and can keep the price below a private chase. It also limits where the vehicle can go and puts many people at each stop. In a busy viewing area, you may find people competing for clear camera positions.

The return time is the bigger concern. A 9 pm finish is possible on a short, successful outing, but a midnight to 3 am return is also part of the deal. One account describes reaching accommodation close to 4 am after a long drive. Do not schedule an early excursion the next morning.

The coach temperature can swing from freezing outside to uncomfortably hot inside. Some people have needed to remove most of their outer layers on the return trip. I would bring a small bag for gloves, hats, and coats rather than stuffing everything under a seat.

Who will enjoy this chase most

I would choose this tour if seeing the aurora is a top reason for your Tromsø visit and you want the company to handle the driving and photography. It also suits families who want a warm bus between outdoor sessions, provided children can manage a very late night and are accompanied by an adult.

It works well for first-time aurora watchers who want explanations as well as pictures. The guide team can help you understand what you are seeing, and you do not need to own advanced camera equipment.

I would think twice if you dislike long bus rides, need a firm return time, or want quiet time under the sky. A private or smaller-group chase may feel calmer, but this experience is designed around a larger group and a wider search.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 5:20 pm start time. Cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

The provider operates in all weather conditions because poor conditions in Tromsø can sometimes lead to a clear view elsewhere. The cancellation terms also state that the experience may be canceled because of poor weather or because too few people book. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund.

There is no refund or free replacement simply because you do not see the Northern Lights, and missing the meeting point also forfeits the booking. Confirmation is normally immediate, though bookings made within three days of departure may take up to 48 hours to confirm.

Should you book the Chasing Lights big bus chase?

Book it if you want a determined, practical search with professional photos and guides who can fill the waiting time with useful explanations. The 97 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating from 1,631 ratings reflect a strong record, but the natural risk remains real.

I would book early in your Tromsø stay, not on your final night, so you have a chance to try again if clouds block the sky. Choose this tour for value, mobility, and a warm bus base. Skip it if a long drive, a crowded stop, or a return after midnight would spoil the rest of your trip.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights bus tour start?

It starts at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø, at the Tromsø Havn Prostneset Bus Terminal. The meeting point is outside at bus parking spot number 5.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 5:20 pm.

How long does the Northern Lights chase last?

The tour lasts about 5 to 9 hours. The return to Tromsø is usually between 10:30 pm and 3 am, though a difficult chase can run longer.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Pickup and drop-off are provided at Tromsø Havn Prostneset, not at hotels. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Can the bus travel into Finland?

Yes. This is a real chase, and the route can include many hours of driving. Some departures travel into Finland when conditions call for it.

Are professional photos included?

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

Are meals, clothes, or tripods included?

No. Clothes, tripods, and meals are not included. The tour does include a hot beverage and hot water.

Is the Northern Lights sighting guaranteed?

No. The aurora is a natural event, and there is no refund or free trip if you do not see it. The company operates in all weather conditions and tries to find the best available conditions.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.