Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Chasing Lights

The best part of this Tromsø excursion is that you do not simply wait beside town and hope the clouds move. The bus follows the clearest skies it can find, sometimes driving for hours toward Finland, while guides such as Soraia, Alex, Marius, Owen, and Bailey explain the aurora and photograph you beneath it. The chase is real, and the return can be as late as 3 am.

I like the free professional photos, which save you from trying to manage a camera in the cold, and I like the campfire stops with hot drinks and astronomy stories. The tradeoff is the size and length of the outing: up to 50 people may share the bus, and a difficult night can mean a very long ride with no lights at all.

Key points before you book

• You may cross into Finland: The route changes with cloud cover, and the bus can spend many hours on the road.
• Professional photos are included: Guides photograph each group beneath the aurora and send the files free of charge.
• The bus leaves at 5:20 pm: Meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, outside Tromsø Bus Terminal, not at your hotel.
• Expect a late return: The stated return window is about 10:30 pm to 3 am, depending on the chase.
• Warm drinks help, but clothing is your responsibility: Bring layers, winter boots, gloves, and face protection.
• This is a large group experience: The maximum is 50 people, though the company may use a minibus on smaller departures.

A genuine aurora chase from Tromsø

This is not a short excursion to a fixed viewing platform. Chasing Lights treats the evening as a moving search for a break in the clouds and a dark place with a good view of the sky.

You meet at 5:20 pm at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, by the Tromsø Bus Terminal. The precise instruction is to gather at the number 5 bus parking spot outside. I would arrive early and look for other people carrying winter gear, since the meeting directions can feel less obvious than they should.

Once everyone is aboard, the guides check the forecast, cloud cover, and aurora conditions. The route is not fixed. You might drive south around Tromsø, stop several times, or continue across the border into Finland if that offers a better chance of clear skies.

That flexibility is the main reason to choose this outing over a simple roadside viewing trip. It also explains the broad five to nine hour duration. On a difficult night, the group may spend 11 hours chasing a weak display. The guides can improve your position, but they cannot create an aurora or order the clouds away.

What the long bus ride really means

A big bus gives you a warm base while the team searches. That matters in northern winter, especially if you are traveling with a child who may struggle to stay awake outside. You can return to the vehicle between viewing periods rather than standing in snow for the entire evening.

The downside is time. A bus may travel for two or four hours before reaching a promising place, and then spend more time waiting for the sky to open. One route reached Finland and returned to Tromsø in the early morning. If you have a morning flight, a dog-sled trip, or a full day of sightseeing planned afterward, the late return may affect your schedule.

The bus has been praised for comfort, charging ports, and, on some vehicles, a toilet that can be used while the bus is stopped. Vehicle arrangements can change. A smaller minibus may replace the big bus when numbers are low, and that may not have a bathroom. Ask at booking if onboard facilities matter to you.

Heat is another practical issue. The bus can become extremely warm on the way back, especially after people have layered up for outdoor viewing. Wear clothing that you can remove easily rather than one thick, difficult-to-manage outfit.

At the viewing stops, the sky is only half the show

When the guides find a promising location, they explain the plan before sending everyone outside. You may stop more than once, first for a quick look and then at a larger field or lake where the group can settle in.

The most impressive evenings have included long periods of green and purple light moving in waves overhead. On one successful outing, the first lights appeared after about two hours of driving, followed by a stronger display in a snowy field. The group stayed outside for roughly 90 minutes to two hours while the activity continued.

Conditions underfoot can be difficult. A route down a snowy hill to a lake may include ruts, ice patches, and a slippery climb back to the bus. This is not always a flat field beside the road. If you are unsteady on snow or ice, take small steps, use sturdy footwear, and ask a guide for help.

You should also expect darkness rather than a polished viewing site. One poorly managed moment involved people walking along a dark path while a guide moved ahead. The setting can feel wonderfully wild, but you need to use care and keep track of the route back to the bus.

Free photos are a real part of the value

Aurora photography is hard. Your phone may show a faint green smear, while a proper camera can capture the sky, the snow, and your face at the same time. Chasing Lights sends professional photos to you free of charge, which is one of the strongest features of this experience.

Guides including Soraia, Bailey, Taylor, Owen, and Alex have been praised for taking both posed portraits and spontaneous photos. They generally work their way through the group rather than photographing only the first people who reach the best spot.

With up to 50 people, you should not expect a private photo session. There may be a wait, and people can crowd the most popular viewing positions. Still, having a trained photographer on hand means you can put your phone away and watch the sky.

The photos also add value to the $151.15 price. You are paying for transport, route decisions, guides, photography, hot drinks, and the possibility of a cross-border chase. The price is less attractive if the sky stays clouded, since there is no guaranteed sighting. For that reason, I would schedule this early in your Tromsø stay if you have enough nights to try again.

Guides who add science, stories, and calm

The guide quality is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Names frequently associated with especially warm and lively tours include Soraia, Alex, Marius, Owen, Bailey, Taylor, Jefta, Meda, Irene, Mark, Brian, Nick, and others. Staffing changes from departure to departure, so you cannot book a particular guide unless the company confirms it.

The best guides do more than point upward. Marius has explained the physics behind the aurora beside a campfire, while Soraia and other photographers have helped people pose and find good camera angles. Some guides explain stars and planets during quiet periods. Others bring in Sámi and Norwegian cultural information or tell traditional stories about the lights.

That teaching matters on a slow night. If the aurora is weak, you still have something useful to listen to while waiting. If the sky suddenly brightens, a guide can help you understand what you are seeing instead of leaving you to guess.

The staff also handle the unglamorous work: organizing a large group, checking that people return to the bus, choosing safe stopping places, and keeping spirits up when the forecast is poor. On a long night, a friendly, active guide makes a noticeable difference.

Campfires, hot drinks, and cold-weather reality

Outdoor stops often include a small fire, hot water, and a warm drink. Some outings have included hot blackcurrant or lingonberry juice, cookies, and time around the flames while the guide talks about the sky.

This is a modest service, not a meal. Meals are not included, and you should eat before departure or carry suitable food if you need something substantial. Tripods and clothing are also not included.

Do not treat the hot drink as a substitute for proper winter gear. The cold can be severe, especially when you stand still beside a field or lake. Bring:

• Several warm layers
• Insulated winter boots
• Thick socks, ideally with a spare pair
• Warm gloves or mittens
• A hat that covers your ears
• A scarf or face covering
• Hand warmers if you already use them

The company supplies hot beverages and hot water, but you supply the protection that lets you stay outside long enough to enjoy the aurora.

Big bus comfort versus crowd size

The maximum group size is 50. That gives the excursion a social feel and keeps the cost below a private chase, but it limits the sense of solitude.

At a popular stop, people may cluster around the same open space, compete for clear photo positions, or need extra time to receive individual pictures. The bus also restricts access to some narrow roads and smaller pull-offs. A minibus can reach more intimate places, but it may have fewer facilities.

Some departures have changed from a big bus to a minibus because of smaller numbers. That can produce a friendlier atmosphere, with people introducing themselves and guides speaking more directly to the group. You should not book this expecting that smaller format every time.

I see the tour as a practical choice for someone who values mobility, warmth, and included photography more than privacy. If you want quiet and personal attention, a small-group or private chase may suit you better, though it will normally cost more.

Timing, meeting point, and return plans

The official start time is 5:20 pm. Pick-up and drop-off take place at Tromsø Havn Prostneset, Bus Terminal. Hotel pick-up is not included, so you need to reach the meeting point yourself and return from there after the chase.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. That detail matters because the return may happen between 10:30 pm and 3 am. If you are staying outside central Tromsø or are not within walking distance of your accommodation, plan your late-night journey before you leave.

I would avoid booking a fixed early-morning activity after this outing. Even a successful display can keep the group outside for a while, and a cloudy night may lead to a longer drive while the guides search for an opening.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, but the outdoor stops may involve snow, ice, uneven ground, and long periods of standing. Anyone with limited mobility should ask the company about the route and vehicle before booking.

Cancellation and the risk of missing the lights

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the 5:20 pm start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The tour generally runs in poor weather because cloud gaps can appear far from Tromsø. The company also says that if it cancels because of weather or because too few people have booked, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

There is no refund or free repeat trip simply because the aurora fails to appear, and there is no refund if you miss the meeting point. Arrive early, keep the meeting details with you, and accept that the main attraction is natural and uncertain.

That uncertainty is not a flaw in the guides. It is the basic bargain of an aurora chase. You are paying for a serious attempt, not a guaranteed performance.

Who will get the most from this tour?

I would choose this experience if you want the best practical chance of finding clear skies without arranging a rental car or studying weather maps yourself. It is especially suitable if free photos matter to you, if you prefer a warm bus between stops, or if you are comfortable with a late night.

It also works well for first-time aurora watchers. The guides explain the science, help with pictures, and provide hot drinks while you wait. You do not need to know how to use a camera to come home with memorable images.

I would think twice if you dislike long drives, need an early bedtime, want a quiet outing, or expect a heated vehicle to solve every cold-weather problem. The group may spend hours on the road and still see nothing. A large bus can also feel crowded when everyone reaches the same viewpoint.

Should you book the Chasing Lights big bus chase?

Yes, if you want a determined, mobile search with strong guide support and free professional photography. The $151.15 price is reasonable for transport that can reach well beyond Tromsø, several hours of guiding, hot drinks, and a set of aurora portraits.

Book it early in your stay, bring serious winter clothing, and leave the next morning flexible. If the sky clears, the experience can include a spectacular display, a fire in the snow, and photos you could not easily make yourself. If the clouds stay closed, you may remember the bus ride more than the sky.

That is the honest choice: this is one of Tromsø’s better options for maximizing your chances, but it is still a chase, not a promise.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase meet?

Meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø, at the Tromsø Bus Terminal. The stated meeting time is 5:20 pm, and the group gathers outside at the number 5 bus parking spot.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five to nine hours. The stated return window is between 10:30 pm and 3 am, depending on driving time and the aurora search.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. Pick-up and drop-off are provided at Tromsø Havn Prostneset, Bus Terminal. Hotel transport is not included.

What happens if the Northern Lights do not appear?

There is no refund or free repeat trip if the aurora is not visible. The guides search for the best available conditions, but the lights are a natural event and cannot be guaranteed.

Are professional photos included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring warm outdoor clothing, winter boots, gloves, and any food you may need. Clothes, tripods, and meals are not included, while hot drinks and hot water are provided.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.