REVIEW · TROMSO
Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Chasing Lights
Book on Viator →Operated by Chasing Lights · Bookable on Viator
Aurora nights in Tromsø can feel like a gamble. This tour turns the odds in your favor with a real chasing plan and expert guides that drive to better conditions when the sky doesn’t cooperate.
I especially like the included pro photo results sent to you for free, and the way the guides mix practical aurora spotting with star talk as you wait. It’s also capped at 50 people, so you’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder for the whole night.
One thing to take seriously: it’s a long, cold, sometimes crowded night with lots of driving, and there’s no lights guarantee (and no refund if you miss the meeting time). If you hate late returns, this tour can be tough on your next-day plans.
In This Review
- Key highlights in quick bullets
- Why this Tromsø aurora chase works better than a simple viewing night
- Price and what you truly get for $151.15
- Timing, pick-up, and what the late return really means
- The chase itself: how guides turn forecasts into action
- Stop in Tromsø: what your evening feels like on the ground
- Comfort reality check: bus heat, crowding, and long driving
- What to pack: layers, cold-weather camera thinking, and tripod strategy
- Photos: how the included pro pictures change the value
- Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)
- The big question: the aurora is never guaranteed
- Should you book Chasing Lights Big Bus Chase with Chasing Lights?
- FAQ
- What time does the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase start?
- How long is the tour?
- Where do I meet and where do I get dropped off?
- Is the tour in English?
- How many people are in the group?
- What’s included, and what should I bring?
- Are children allowed?
- Do I get a refund if I don’t see the aurora?
Key highlights in quick bullets
- A true “chase” format: you drive where conditions look best that night
- Pro photographer guides: hands-on help with shooting and star explanations
- Hot beverage and hot water: warming breaks built in
- Included photo set: guides send professional pictures free of charge
- Group capped at 50: large enough for energy, small enough to stay workable
Why this Tromsø aurora chase works better than a simple viewing night
The classic mistake in Tromsø is thinking one fixed spot will be enough. Clouds drift. Wind shifts. The aurora can light up one horizon while the next one stays dark. This tour is built around the idea that you should move when the sky changes, not just wait and hope.
The “Big Bus Chase” part matters because it changes the rhythm. You spend time traveling, but you’re not doing it blindly. The guides take you to viewing areas based on what the conditions are doing, and that’s exactly what increases your chances of seeing aurora activity.
And when the lights show up, you’ll usually feel why this style tour gets such strong ratings. The guides help you look with intention, not just point and wait. You’re watching the sky with a plan—and that turns an anxious night into an organized one.
Other northern lights tours we've reviewed in Tromso
Price and what you truly get for $151.15
At about $151.15 per person, this isn’t “cheap,” but it also isn’t just transport and cold air. Your money goes toward the hard parts: vehicle time, guide time, and the whole photo-and-spotting workflow.
Here’s what you get that reduces the hidden costs:
- Professional pictures delivered to you for free
- Professional photographer tour guides (helping you frame, aim, and actually use your camera)
- Hot beverage and hot water (small thing, big difference when you’re waiting outside)
- Pick-up and drop-off at Tromsø Havn Prostneset, Bus Terminal
- A 5–9 hour night built around maximizing aurora chances
What you don’t get matters too. Clothes, tripods, and meals aren’t included, so you’ll need to plan for cold-weather gear and hunger. If you already own good winter layers and you’re okay with bringing your own tripod (or shooting handheld/with an alternative setup), the value looks better.
If you’re trying to buy the best “single night” chance in Tromsø without juggling logistics yourself, this price can feel fair. If you’re on a shoestring and expect the tour to provide every comfort and every guarantee, it won’t.
Timing, pick-up, and what the late return really means
This tour starts at 5:20 pm and typically runs 5–9 hours. Your return to Tromsø is often somewhere between 22:30 and 03:00 depending on the chase and when conditions finally turn on.
That late window isn’t a small detail. Tromsø days can start early, and the next morning might still be cold and busy. If you have a strict plan the following day, build in flexibility or schedule something lighter.
You’ll meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø, and you’ll be picked up/dropped off at Tromsø Havn Prostneset, Bus Terminal. The tour uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at booking time unless you book within 3 days (then you’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability).
One practical note from rider experiences: meeting instructions are sometimes easy to misread. I’d arrive a little early, stand where you can see the bus staging area, and don’t be shy about checking with staff or other participants.
The chase itself: how guides turn forecasts into action
The biggest promise of this tour is simple: the guides drive to wherever conditions look best. That’s not just marketing wording—it shows up in how the evening feels.
On many nights, the group moves between multiple stops so you can catch aurora activity as it appears. Some evenings involve staying out longer at one site; others mean a faster shuffle to a better horizon. You’re essentially following live decision-making, not a rigid script.
You also get more than “wait until it happens” energy. Guides bring aurora explanations while you’re out there—physics of the aurora, how to read the sky, and star/planet pointers. In the best moments, you don’t just watch lights. You learn what you’re seeing while it’s happening.
Also: the tour operates in all weather conditions. That means you should expect wind, snow, and variable cloud cover. One review-style lesson I take from this: the worst forecasted weather can sometimes produce the best display, because the aurora doesn’t care about your smartphone.
Stop in Tromsø: what your evening feels like on the ground
Even though the tour starts in Tromsø, the important part is what happens once you’re outside. You’ll get guided photo moments, short walks to viewing areas, and long waits while the sky does its thing.
Some nights end with a fire and warm drinks. You might also see small comfort touches like warm blackcurrant-style drinks or cookies, which make a big difference during long outdoor pauses.
Expect that the viewing areas can involve slippery paths and changes in elevation. One rider described a steep, dark walk down and back up to a lake area. If you’re not steady on your feet, plan extra caution and consider whether you can handle short-but-treacherous segments in snowy darkness.
And yes, this tour can get crowded at the photo spots. With up to 50 people, you’ll see people trying to claim their angle and share camera time. It’s not chaos all the time, but it can feel competitive in the moment when the aurora finally turns on.
Comfort reality check: bus heat, crowding, and long driving
The bus is part of the experience, and it comes with trade-offs.
Positively, you’re moving together with guide support, and the group size cap helps. Many guides are high-energy and organized—names that show up repeatedly in rider accounts include Soraia, Alex, Marius, Meda, Marius and Ivanka, Owen, Jefta, Nich/t, and Taylor, plus drivers like Rafael, Brian, Ivan, Lorenza, and Jamie. You might not meet the same exact team, but the consistent theme is that guides manage the group with momentum and warmth.
The downsides are also consistent:
- You may be on the bus for a long time, with frequent waiting outside
- The bus can get surprisingly hot on the ride back, and some people reported having to cool down layer-by-layer
- You might be in a tight area when the group is loading/unloading quickly
One rider mentioned a toilet on board when the bus is stopped, and another noted USB/USB-C charging ports. Those details aren’t guaranteed for every vehicle swap, but they’re worth knowing as “possible bonuses.”
And remember: some nights can run far. One account described driving about 4 hours into Finland, then returning late. That’s not the average promise—but it’s a real possibility when the team decides the best conditions are out of Norway’s immediate Tromsø area.
What to pack: layers, cold-weather camera thinking, and tripod strategy
If you book this tour, treat it like you’re dressing for winter camping, not a casual night out. The biggest mistake I see people make in aurora season is underestimating how long you’ll be outside.
Bring:
- Many layers you can adjust
- Warm gloves that work while handling your camera
- A hat that covers your ears
- Something to protect your face from wind
- Footwear with good grip for snowy, dark paths
Tripods: tripods aren’t included, so decide in advance if you’re bringing one. Also, think about space. With a large group, it’s not always easy to set up in tight spots, and you may find your tripod needs to stay low-profile and out of everyone’s line of sight.
If you prefer not to haul a tripod, don’t panic. The guides are there for a reason, and their pro-photo support can help you get results with whatever you brought—especially if you listen and adjust quickly.
Photos: how the included pro pictures change the value
This is one of the most praised parts of the experience. You’re not paying extra to get something usable. Professional pictures are included and sent to you free of charge.
That matters because aurora photography has a steep learning curve. Your eyes can see the lights, but capturing them can be tricky with settings, focus, and timing. With pro photographer guidance, you’re more likely to get at least some shots that look like the sky you experienced.
In rider stories, guides often took photos of individuals and groups with strong results—even when the group was large. Some evenings included thoughtful moments like asking people to gather, getting shots with good backgrounds, and sharing images right away afterward.
You’ll still want your own photos too. But that included set reduces the “I missed it” feeling if your own settings weren’t perfect.
Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)
This is a strong match if you:
- Want a single-night plan with maximum chase energy
- Like learning while you watch, not just standing silently in cold air
- Appreciate guided photo help and getting a pro image set afterward
- Are okay with late returns and flexible next-day pacing
It may be a tougher fit if you:
- Need to be back early (return can reach around 03:00)
- Struggle with slippery snowy walks or uneven ground
- Hate crowds at viewing stops when the aurora first appears
- Have limited tolerance for long driving nights
If you’re traveling with kids, remember that children must be accompanied by an adult. The bus can act like a warm base, but the cold time outside still has to be managed with layers and patience.
The big question: the aurora is never guaranteed
This tour runs in all weather conditions, and that’s good for your odds—but it doesn’t remove the reality of nature.
You should go in with the understanding that seeing the northern lights can’t be promised. And if the lights don’t appear, there are no refunds or free trips tied to that outcome. The same applies if you miss the meeting point on time.
The practical lesson I’d take is this: book with the right mindset. You’re buying a chase experience and guided aurora hunting. If you treat it like a sure thing, you’ll feel the sting more than you need to.
Should you book Chasing Lights Big Bus Chase with Chasing Lights?
I’d book this tour if your top goal is “maximize my chances” and you want real guide energy plus included pro photos. The price makes more sense when you consider that someone is actively managing the chase, moving you to better sky options, and then delivering a professional photo set.
I wouldn’t book it if you hate late nights or you’re not comfortable with long cold waits and potentially slippery walking. In that case, you may want a different style of aurora option with gentler logistics.
My final practical advice: plan to wear layers you can move in, build a flexible next day, and accept that the sky calls the shots. When it works, it’s the kind of night that sticks with you for years—because you weren’t just watching from one spot. You were part of the chase.
FAQ
What time does the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase start?
It starts at 5:20 pm.
How long is the tour?
The tour runs about 5 to 9 hours.
Where do I meet and where do I get dropped off?
You meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø. It ends back at the meeting point, and pick-up/drop-off is listed for Tromsø Havn Prostneset, Bus Terminal.
Is the tour in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English.
How many people are in the group?
The tour is capped at a maximum of 50 travelers.
What’s included, and what should I bring?
Included items are professional pictures, pick-up & drop-off at the listed terminal, professional photographer tour guides, hot beverage and hot water, and the 5–9 hour tour. Not included: clothes, tripods, and meals, and hotel pick-up/drop-off.
Are children allowed?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I get a refund if I don’t see the aurora?
There’s no refund or free trip if the northern lights are not seen or if you fail to meet on time. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
