Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Chasing Lights

Chasing the aurora means taking the wheel. This Northern Lights Big Bus Chase in Tromsø is built for one thing: getting you to the best sky view the night allows, with professional photographer guides and complimentary pictures afterward. You start early enough to beat the evening crowds, then you spend the night as part of a tight team that’s constantly adjusting to weather.

What I like most is the combination of a true “hunt” (long drives when needed) and the practical support: hot beverage and hot water, plus photo help so you’re not stuck guessing how to shoot aurora. The one drawback to plan around is that the evening can run late and the cold can be intense, including dark walks that don’t always feel flat and easy.

Key points before you go

• A real chase, with lots of driving to chase gaps in clouds when the sky shifts.
• Pro pictures included from your guides’ camera work, not just phone snaps.
• Hot drinks on board and off to help you last through the wait.
• Large-group logistics (up to 50) means less elbow room and more competition for prime spots.
• Late-night return window means you should protect your next morning.

Tromsø at 5:20 pm: what you’re signing up for

Your evening starts at 5:20 pm in Tromsø. You meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5 (postal code 9008) near the bus area at Tromsø Havn Prostneset. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so think of this as a round-trip bus experience, not a door-to-door hotel service.

The time commitment matters: you’re out for about 5 to 9 hours, and your return to Tromsø typically falls between 22:30 and 03:00. That late arrival changes how you plan the rest of your trip. If you’ve got a breakfast tour, an early flight, or a stubborn hangover of sleep debt, you’ll feel it.

Also, you should know what’s included vs. not. You get hot beverages and hot water, plus professional photographer tour guides. You do not get meals, and you’ll want to bring your own layers and winter gear.

How the aurora chase works: driving where the forecast improves

This isn’t a sit-and-hope outing. Guides drive where conditions are best that night to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora. The tour operates in all weather conditions, even when forecasts look rough. That’s a big deal in Tromsø, where weather can flip quickly from cloudy to clear.

Expect the “chase” part to be real. The evening may include many hours of driving, and you might be on the move more than you expect. On some nights it can mean long stretches with minimal scenery “breaks,” since the goal is position over comfort.

One more practical detail: the group size tops out at 50. A large group can be great for energy, but it also means you’ll be sharing viewpoints and space at stops. If you’re the type who wants solitude under the stars, this format may feel busy.

The guides and the photo plan: pro results after the lights

A standout here is the professional photography focus. The team includes professional photographer tour guides, and you receive professional pictures of the tour free of charge. That removes a common aurora headache. Instead of spending the whole night worrying about settings and composition, you can spend more time actually watching the sky do its thing.

You’ll also get guided explanations along the way. The guides in this operation are often a mix of enthusiastic aurora chasers and people who enjoy explaining the science and the stories behind what you see. Names you may run into include Marius, Soraia, Meda, Owen, Taylor, Nik, Alex, Tessa, Bailey, Irene, Mark, and drivers such as Rafael and Jamie. Seeing that kind of repeat-person team is a good sign for consistency.

What you should still bring: patience and a bit of flexibility. Even with expert chasers, aurora is natural, not guaranteed. And because this is a chase, the best spot might not be the one closest to your first preference.

The Tromsø stop: warm-up, positioning, and waiting for gaps

The tour’s main idea starts right in Tromsø. You gather in the early evening, then the team gets you ready for the chase—driving out to viewing areas with a focus on clarity and visibility.

A common rhythm goes like this: you drive to a first position, you get out for viewing and photos, and then you move again if the sky isn’t cooperating. Some nights include multiple stops, including options that give you more than one chance to catch lights building into visible waves.

On colder evenings, the guides also use warmth breaks as part of the plan. Several accounts describe a campfire moment plus warm drinks such as hot lingonberry tea or warm juice. You’re also told what’s happening before you change locations, which helps when you’re standing in the dark with a crowd.

One important caution: the viewing walk can be dark and slippery. Some stops involve uneven paths and descents to lakes or snow-covered ground. If you don’t handle icy footing well, build in extra time and wear footwear with real traction.

Cold reality check: what to wear so the chase stays fun

You’re dealing with Arctic conditions, so treat this as a winter survival exercise with a sky reward.

Clothing isn’t included, so you’ll want multiple layers, plus gloves and something warm for your face. People often underestimate how cold you feel when you’re standing still for long stretches. One effective trick is dressing so you can remove or add layers as the bus gets warm.

Even if the guides provide hot beverage, your comfort depends on your own gear. If you run cold easily, bring a hat that covers your ears, thick socks, and warmer gloves than you think you need.

Also plan your movement. Some viewing areas require walking down and up in snow and darkness. One person described ruts, ice patches, and a slick slope that felt riskier than a simple field. If you’ve got knee problems or balance issues, you should think carefully before signing up for this exact style of stop.

Bus comfort and crowding: the real tradeoffs of a big coach

A big-bus aurora chase has a trade: shared comfort for shared space.

On the plus side, the bus is your warm base between stops. You’re provided hot water and hot drinks, and you stay together as a group. In at least one account, the bus even had USB and USB-C charging ports, plus a toilet that only works when the bus is stopped.

On the downside, large groups can create bottlenecks. People cluster fast when aurora activity starts. At stops, it can turn into a quick scramble for the best angles—especially if the lights arrive in bursts rather than a steady display.

There’s also the comfort contrast. Some evenings feel overheated on the ride home, to the point where people shed layers just to stay sane. Seat belts and tight seating can add to the discomfort, especially if you’re on the bus for hours.

If you’re the type who needs personal space, consider whether you’ll still enjoy the experience when the group gets loud and crowded.

Price and value in Tromsø: what you’re paying for at $151.15

At $151.15 per person, you’re paying for more than a bus ticket. You’re paying for: a guide team that looks for aurora conditions, transportation that moves you fast when the sky changes, and professional photo support with pictures delivered afterward.

That “photo included” piece is meaningful. Aurora tours often charge extra for photography upgrades. Here, professional pictures are part of the deal, which shifts value in your favor if you want more than just memories—you want usable images.

You also get pick-up and drop-off at Tromsø Havn Prostneset, at the bus terminal area. That’s convenient if you’re already in that part of Tromsø. It also means you’ll want to budget time to reach the meeting point if your lodging isn’t walkable.

One traveler noted a practical pricing tip: they found the tour cheaper when booked directly through the company’s website than through some third-party sites, with an example comparing 1200 NOK vs. 1500 NOK. Prices can change, but it’s a smart habit to check the official channel before you pay the first price you see.

Who should book this (and who should pick something else)

I’d book this if you want a structured aurora chase and you like the idea of a team doing the hard decisions for you. This tour fits well if you:

• want the best odds through constant repositioning
• care about getting professional photos afterward
• don’t mind a late return and a long winter evening

You should think twice if you:

• can’t handle dark, icy walking from the road to a viewing spot
• need a guaranteed start-to-finish schedule without long driving
• dislike crowded conditions (up to 50 people is a lot when the lights start)

Families can work too. One parent chose this style partly because the bus gives a home-base rhythm for a child, and the guides handled the group well. Still, you’ll want to dress the child like a small mountaineer and keep an eye on slipping hazards.

Should you book this aurora chase?

Book it if you’re chasing effort and expertise: pro guides, a true chase mentality, and the added value of professional pictures. Go in with realistic expectations too. This is an aurora chase, not an aurora guarantee, and the evening may run long with lots of waiting.

Skip it if you’re fragile about late nights, slippery walking, or crowd stress. In that case, a different format—smaller group or different pick-up/route style—might suit you better.

If you can handle the cold and you’re okay staying flexible all night, this is one of the smarter ways to experience Tromsø aurora country, with less guesswork and better odds of leaving with images you’ll actually frame.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Northern Lights chase?

The tour runs about 5 to 9 hours, depending on conditions and where the guides take the group.

What time does the tour start in Tromsø?

The start time is 5:20 pm.

Where do I meet, and where do we end?

You meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. Pick-up and drop-off are at Tromsø Havn Prostneset, Bus Terminal, not at hotels.

Are professional photos included?

Yes. You get professional pictures of the tour sent to you free of charge.

Are hot drinks provided?

Yes. The tour includes a hot beverage and hot water.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What should I bring since clothes aren’t included?

You should bring winter clothing and layers. Clothes, tripods, and meals are not included.

Is the Northern Lights viewing guaranteed?

No. The tour says there are no refunds or free trips if the Northern Lights are not seen, or if you miss the meeting point on time.

What if I cancel close to the tour date?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling within 24 hours means no refund.

Does the tour run in all weather?

Yes. It operates in all weather conditions, and the guides often still find the best viewing options even when forecasts look poor.