Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Chasing Lights

The sky is worth chasing. Chasing Lights gives you a serious shot at seeing the aurora by driving away from Tromsø toward clearer skies, with photography-minded guides, free professional pictures, and a heated bus to use as your base. I especially like the real chase approach and the fact that guides may drive for hours rather than settle for the first mediocre viewpoint.

I also like the friendly, energetic guiding. Guides such as Alex, Soraia, Marius, Bailey, Taylor, Owen, and Meda have been praised for explaining the science, stars, Sámi and Norwegian culture, and photography. The main drawback is simple: this can be a long, crowded night, with a return anywhere from 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. The bus may also become uncomfortably hot on the way home.

Key points before you book

• A genuine weather chase: The bus goes wherever conditions look best, sometimes across the border into Finland.
• Up to 50 people: The large bus offers shelter and a practical base, but popular photo spots can feel crowded.
• Five to nine hours on the road: Some nights have involved about 11 hours of searching, so keep the next morning free.
• Free professional photos: Guides photograph the group under the aurora and send the files afterward.
• Warm drinks and occasional fire stops: Hot water or a hot drink is included, and some outings have included a campfire, warm berry juice, and cookies.
• Bring serious winter clothing: Clothes, tripods, and meals are not included, and the viewing stops can involve snow, ice, hills, and long waits outdoors.

Leaving Tromsø at 5:20 p.m.

You meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, by Tromsø Havn Prostneset bus terminal, at 5:20 p.m. The activity returns to this same meeting point. That sounds clear enough, but I would arrive early and confirm the exact bus bay. The practical description places the meeting near the number 5 bus parking spot outside the terminal, and this can be easy to miss in the dark.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach the meeting point yourself, and you also need to arrange your own way back from the terminal after the tour. That matters because a late return can leave you walking through Tromsø at 1 or 2 in the morning, often in winter conditions.

Once aboard, the guides explain the plan and start checking the evening’s cloud cover, road conditions, and forecast. The route is not a fixed sightseeing circuit. You might head south, east, or toward Finland, depending on where the clouds appear thinner and where aurora activity seems most promising.

This flexibility is the main reason to choose a chase tour instead of a short excursion to one viewing field. The guides are trying to improve your odds, not simply take you to a preselected spot and wait.

The long drive is part of the experience

The phrase big bus chase is important. This is not a quick ride outside town followed by a guaranteed two-hour show. It is a mobile search operation, and the vehicle can cover a great deal of ground.

Some outings have reached Finland after a long drive from Tromsø. One reported journey lasted roughly four hours each way, while another search lasted about 11 hours and found the aurora for only a few minutes. That may sound frustrating, but it reflects the nature of the northern lights. Clouds can cover Tromsø while the sky is clear farther inland, and a weak forecast can sometimes produce a surprising display.

I like that the guides do not give up quickly. Alex, Jaffa, Marius, Soraia, Meda, Brian, and others have been praised for staying upbeat and explaining what they are looking for. Their enthusiasm matters during a long wait in the cold, especially when the sky remains stubbornly dark.

Still, you should be comfortable with uncertainty. There is no refund or free repeat trip if the aurora fails to appear or you miss the meeting point. The operator says the tour runs in all weather conditions, while the booking terms also allow cancellation for poor weather, with a different date or full refund offered if the company cancels. Either way, you should treat the northern lights as a natural event, not a scheduled performance.

Finding the first clear patch of sky

The first stop is not really a sightseeing stop. Tromsø is the departure point, and the group travels to a location selected for that particular night. The guides may stop more than once as cloud cover changes.

A successful evening can unfold slowly. You may first get a faint green arc, then a brighter band, followed by waves of light overhead. One especially strong outing used three separate locations before the final stop produced a major display. Another group reached a snowy field after about two hours and watched the aurora move directly above them for 90 minutes to two hours.

The magic is often in the waiting. While you stand outside, guides may point out stars and planets, explain the science behind the aurora, or share Sámi and Norwegian traditions. Marius has been praised for explaining the physics, while Soraia and others have added stories about older beliefs and mythology.

Do not expect every stop to be flat or easy. One outing involved walking down a snowy hill toward a lake, then climbing back up over ruts and slick patches in the dark. If you are unsteady on snow or ice, use care and ask for help. The tour is open to most people, but that does not mean every viewing point feels effortless.

A large bus with real advantages

A group of up to 50 people changes the mood. You will not get the quiet, small-group feeling of a private chase, and busy viewing spots can become crowded when everyone reaches for a good photo position.

The size also limits where the vehicle can go. A big coach cannot use every narrow road or pull into every small field. Some departures with fewer people have switched to a minibus, which can reach smaller places and create a more personal atmosphere. That change is not guaranteed, but it has happened.

On the other hand, the large bus is useful. You have a warm place to sit between viewing periods, and that can make a major difference for children or anyone who struggles to stay outside for hours. Some reports also mention USB and USB-C charging ports. A toilet has been available on some buses, although it can only be used while the vehicle is stopped, so do not count on it during the drive.

Temperature control is one of the odd practical issues. The bus can be cold while everyone is preparing to go outside, then become extremely warm on the return drive. Wear layers that you can remove quickly. A base layer and fleece are easier to manage than one enormous coat that leaves you overheated indoors.

The guides make the night work

The strongest part of this experience is usually the staff. Guides are not simply checking attendance and pointing at the sky. They are driving the mood, explaining the conditions, helping with photos, and keeping a large group moving.

Names praised across different outings include Soraia, Marius, Alex, Bailey, Taylor, Owen, Meda, Brian, Irene, Mark, Jefta, Michiel, Nick, and Ivan. The exact team changes, but the pattern is consistent: warm personalities, strong enthusiasm, and a willingness to explain what is happening.

Photography is a real service here. Guides use professional cameras and take individual and group shots beneath the aurora. The images are sent to you free of charge afterward, which adds meaningful value to the ticket. You can put your phone away and enjoy the sky instead of spending the entire evening trying to balance a camera on a snowbank.

The photos are not a reason to ignore your own camera if you have one. Tripods are not included, and guides cannot provide one for every person. But the supplied images can be especially valuable if you are traveling light or do not know how to photograph in darkness.

Fire, hot drinks, and cold fingers

The included refreshment is modest: hot water and a hot beverage. On some evenings, guides have also lit a fire and served warm blackcurrant or lingonberry juice, sometimes with cookies. These extras are not a substitute for dinner, so eat before departure and bring your own food if you need more than a drink.

The fire stop can be one of the nicest parts of the evening. After staring upward for a long time, standing around a small fire gives everyone a chance to warm hands, talk, and hear more about the aurora. It also breaks up the return journey.

Pack as if you will spend a long time outside. Warm socks, insulated gloves, a hat, and protection for your face are sensible. One person specifically wished for more socks, a warmer face covering, and better gloves after finding the cold much harsher than expected.

The company does not provide clothing or thermal suits. Some people wished those items and more substantial snacks were included, but that is reflected in the tour’s basic format and price. You are buying the chase, transport, guiding, and photos, not a complete winter outfitting package.

What $151.15 buys you

At $151.15 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an evening in Tromsø. The value depends on how much you care about active searching and professional photos.

You are paying for five to nine hours of transport, guides who monitor conditions, a driver who may cover a long distance, hot drinks, and a collection of photographs. If you had to arrange a private vehicle and a photographer separately, the cost could rise quickly. For a solo visitor or couple without a car, the bus also solves the problem of reaching remote viewing areas.

The tradeoff is time. A short evening with no aurora may feel expensive, especially if you spend most of the night on the highway. A spectacular show can make the same price feel reasonable, particularly when the guides find a dark field, build a fire, and deliver strong photos afterward.

One useful price detail: the company’s own website has been cited at about 1,200 NOK, while third-party booking sites have been around 1,500 NOK. Check the direct price before paying. Exchange rates change, and the listed price here is shown in U.S. dollars, but the comparison is still worth making.

Timing, comfort, and who should book

I would book this tour early in a Tromsø stay rather than on your final night. The company cannot control the aurora, and having another evening available gives you room for a second attempt if clouds win the first time.

This experience suits you if you:

• Want the best practical chance of finding a clear sky
• Prefer a warm bus to sitting outdoors for the whole evening
• Value professional photos
• Enjoy astronomy, local stories, and an energetic guide
• Can handle a late return and several hours on the road
• Are comfortable with a group of up to 50 people

I would think twice if you need a firm finish time, dislike long drives, or want a quiet private outing. Families may appreciate the bus as a warm base, but children need to remain with an adult and must be able to manage a late night.

The tour is not designed around a meal, hotel transport, or guaranteed viewing time. Plan dinner beforehand, arrange your return from Prostneset, and leave the next morning open if possible.

Should you book the Chasing Lights bus chase?

I would book it if seeing the aurora is a major reason for your Tromsø visit and you accept that the search may take all night. The best value comes from the team’s effort: guides keep moving when conditions are poor, photograph you under the lights, explain what you are seeing, and sometimes finish with a fire and warm berry drink.

I would not book it expecting a polished, tightly timed sightseeing tour. You might spend hours driving, wait in deep snow, share the best viewpoint with many people, and return close to 3 a.m. That is a fair price for some people and a deal breaker for others.

For the right visitor, this is a strong choice. Bring warm layers, eat before leaving, arrive early at gate 5, check the direct company price, and keep your expectations realistic. The sky decides the grand finale, but Chasing Lights gives you a capable team and a real chance to find it.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø, near Tromsø Havn Prostneset bus terminal.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 5:20 p.m.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Tromsø.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five to nine hours. The return time can be anywhere from 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

How many people can join the tour?

It is a group tour with a maximum of 50 people. A smaller group may sometimes use a minibus instead of the large bus.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the meeting point yourself and arrange your return from there.

Are photographs included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, since clothes are not provided. Tripods and meals are also not included. A hat, gloves, warm socks, and several removable layers are useful for the outdoor stops.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the 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 will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.