Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Free Photos

The best thing about this Tromso tour is its mobility. Instead of waiting under cloudy skies in town, you ride with the guides toward clearer weather, sometimes as far as Finland. That can mean a very late night, but it gives you a better shot at seeing the aurora when Tromso is covered in cloud or snow.

I like the free professional photos, since aurora photography is not easy on a phone. I also like the campfire setup, with hot drinks, biscuits, snacks, marshmallows, and sometimes food such as reindeer soup or Thai curry. The main drawback is the group size, which can reach 55 people, and the long drive can bring you back after 3 a.m.

Key points before you book

• The bus keeps moving: Guides watch the weather and may drive along the Norwegian coast or into Finland to find clearer skies.
• Photos are included: Your own camera is welcome, and professional aurora pictures are sent to you free of charge.
• Campfire comfort matters: Expect warm drinks, snacks, biscuits, and a fire during the wait, though dinner is not included.
• The tour can run very late: The advertised duration is 7 to 9 hours, but a successful chase may return well after midnight.
• A large group keeps the price down: Up to 55 people can join, making the $118.77 price reasonable for a full-night outing.
• Weather still wins: The guides can chase clear skies, but nobody can promise an aurora display.

The chase begins in central Tromso

You meet outside Fiskekompaniet on Killengreens gate in central Tromso. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, and the location is near public transportation, which helps when you are returning late at night.

The plan sounds simple: board the bus, leave Tromso, and follow the best weather and aurora forecasts. In practice, the route can change several times. The bus may stop to check the sky, then continue if cloud cover remains thick. On difficult nights, the drive has reached the north coast of Norway and continued toward Finland.

That flexibility is the heart of the experience. A fixed viewing platform cannot move away from rain or cloud. This bus can. Guides including Petra, Iris, Georgi, Angel, Vera, Jeremias, and others have been praised for staying positive and changing plans when conditions shift.

You should not expect a sightseeing tour with a string of formal stops. The main stop is simply wherever the sky offers the best chance. You might pull over at a dark roadside location, walk out into the snow, and wait. If the aurora appears elsewhere, you may return to the bus and continue.

Why the drive can be worth it

Tromso is a fine base for aurora watching, but weather can vary sharply over short distances. One night described by the operator’s customers began with rain and snow in Tromso, then led the bus well into Finland, where the sky finally opened. The group returned shortly after 3 a.m.

That kind of night shows both the strength and the cost of the chase. You may spend hours on the road, and the scenery is mostly something you watch through a bus window in darkness. Yet the long drive can turn a hopeless cloudy evening into a clear view of green ribbons overhead.

One group reached a good stop within about an hour and a half and stayed there for nearly two hours because the aurora kept dancing. In that case, there was no reason to keep driving. The guides watched the sky rather than following a rigid schedule.

I would treat the route as part of the adventure, not as a promise of scenic touring. In darkness, you may see little of the Arctic countryside. The real reward is getting away from Tromso’s cloud cover and city light.

What happens at an aurora stop

When the guides think conditions are promising, they help you leave the bus and find a viewing spot. You may see a faint gray or green glow at first. Cameras often show more color than your eyes, especially when the display is weak, so do not dismiss a pale streak immediately.

On a strong night, the lights may form ribbons, swirls, cascades, or broad green bands. Several accounts describe seeing the aurora with the naked eye, not just through a camera screen. One group saw almost two hours of activity from its first stop.

The waiting is part of the deal. You may spend a long time in cold and darkness before anything happens. Guides such as Iris and Angel have been praised for keeping people engaged with stories, explanations, and steady encouragement. That matters when the sky refuses to cooperate.

The experience can also end without a clear display. On one difficult outing, the group waited through cloud and snow before seeing only a faint smudge. Later, a swirl and cascade finally appeared. It was not a huge show, but the persistence of the guides made the night worthwhile.

That is a fair picture of aurora hunting. The tour company controls the route and timing, not solar activity or cloud cover. You are paying for a serious attempt, not a guarantee.

Campfires, hot drinks, and Arctic waiting time

The campfire is more than a pleasant extra. It gives you something to do between checks of the sky and takes the edge off a cold night. You can expect warm drinks and snacks, with biscuits and marshmallows appearing in several accounts. Some outings also included food such as reindeer soup, Thai curry, or a ready-to-eat meal, but dinner is officially not included, so do not book this expecting a full evening meal.

You may sit on reindeer skins near the fire, although seating is not guaranteed. One person wished for something to sit on after seeing other groups with more comfortable arrangements. If you are sensitive to cold or uncomfortable standing in snow, this is worth considering.

The guides may share stories about the aurora and Norse mythology while the group waits. That gives the night a stronger sense of place than simply standing in a car park with a camera. Still, the focus remains on the sky, not on a formal cultural program.

Bring your own food if you need a proper dinner. The tour lasts long enough that a hot drink and biscuits may not be enough, especially if you have children with you.

Free photos and how to get better results

The included photography is one of the clearest reasons to consider this tour. The guides take professional pictures of the aurora and of you beneath it, then send the files to you without an extra charge.

This is valuable because aurora photography usually requires a steady camera, careful focus, and a long exposure. The supplied information specifically says that a tripod is not included, so bring one if you want to try your own shots. A phone can capture a strong display, but you will get better control with a camera and tripod.

The results can vary. Some professional photos turn out excellent, with bright aurora behind the subject. Others may be less successful. That is normal when the lights move, clouds pass, people shift position, or the exposure misses the best moment.

You should also confirm how and when the files will be delivered. One person received photos within an hour of returning, while another had trouble getting all of them after emailing the company. That does not cancel out the value of the service, but it is sensible to check your inbox and contact the operator promptly if the files do not arrive.

Take your own photos too. The guides have been praised for helping people pose and allowing plenty of attempts. You may get a better personal image by taking several shots rather than relying on one official portrait.

Guides who make a cold night easier

The guides are central to the quality of the evening. Petra was praised for helping with pickup confusion and for giving useful photography help. Iris received repeated praise for her cheerful manner, patience, aurora knowledge, and ability to keep the group waiting when the sky looked unpromising.

Georgi has been singled out for taking strong photographs and explaining the lights. Angel was praised for driving the chase toward Finland in poor weather and keeping spirits high while the group waited. Jeremias was described as passionate and helpful during a good display.

Names and guide assignments can change, so you cannot request a particular person with certainty. What you can expect is a team that appears to take the search seriously. The best accounts describe guides who were visibly pleased when the group finally saw the aurora, rather than treating the night as a routine bus run.

Communication may not always be perfect. One account found that the guides could have given more information to the whole group while people waited. With a large bus, it is easy for announcements to miss people at the edge of a viewing area. Stay near the guide when the group leaves the bus and listen for instructions about returning.

Big bus value versus big bus limits

The price is $118.77 per person. For a 7 to 9 hour outing with transportation, WiFi, a restroom, warm drinks, snacks, campfires, and professional photos, that is a reasonable price in Tromso, especially if the bus reaches a clear viewing area.

The large vehicle helps keep the cost below some small-group aurora tours. Several people were also upgraded to a mini bus, but that appears to be an occasional operational decision, not something you should expect when booking this product.

The tradeoff is space and personal attention. The maximum group size is 55, so boarding, organizing photos, and moving everyone from the bus to the viewing area can take time. A smaller vehicle may feel more intimate and may make it easier to ask questions, but it may cost more.

I would choose this bus if price matters and you are comfortable sharing the night with a crowd. I would look for a smaller tour if you strongly dislike group travel or want more individual photography help.

WiFi is listed as included, but it did not work for one family during the ride. Treat it as a useful extra, not a reason to book. The onboard restroom is more important, given the long drive and late return.

Clothing, comfort, and what to pack

Warm clothes are not included in the official details. Some outings supplied Arctic suits and boots, but this was not consistent enough to treat as guaranteed. Ask the operator before departure if you want to know exactly what clothing will be available.

You should arrive prepared for extended time outdoors in winter conditions. Pack layers, warm socks, gloves, a hat, and sturdy footwear. Bring a tripod if you want to take your own long-exposure photos. Dinner is not included, so pack something more filling than the supplied snacks if you need it.

A small power bank is also practical for a long night of photography, though it is not listed as an included or required item. Keep your camera and phone easy to reach, since the aurora can appear suddenly after a long quiet spell.

Most people can participate, but the supplied details do not describe specific accessibility arrangements. If you have mobility, medical, or cold-weather concerns, contact Arctic Explorers before booking.

The late return is part of the bargain

The stated duration is approximate, and real timing depends on the weather and the route. A short successful chase may finish within the expected window. A difficult night can take much longer, especially if the bus goes into Finland and waits for the cloud to break.

Several outings returned around 3 a.m. That affects more than your bedtime. You may have an early flight, a morning tour, or a young family waiting for sleep the next day. Leave your following morning open if you can.

The late finish is not necessarily poor organization. It often means the guides kept searching instead of giving up when the forecast looked difficult. Still, you should decide in advance how much time and energy you are willing to spend for a chance at the lights.

This is a weather-dependent experience. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If you cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this Tromso aurora chase

I would recommend it to you if seeing the Northern Lights is a top reason for visiting Tromso and you want a mobile, lower-cost way to search. It also suits photographers who want help with camera settings and a set of professional pictures without paying a separate photographer.

It works well for people who can handle a long night, changing plans, cold outdoor waits, and a large group. The campfire and snacks add comfort, but they do not turn the tour into a relaxed evening picnic.

I would hesitate if you need a firm return time, dislike long bus rides, or want a quiet private experience. I would also think twice if you are not prepared to bring warm clothing, since the official details do not include it.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the best practical chance of finding clear skies without paying for a private guide. The strongest reasons are the mobile route, persistent guides, campfire breaks, and free professional photos.

Go in with realistic expectations. You might see a spectacular display over two hours, or you might spend the night chasing cloud and see only a faint glow. The bus can improve your odds, but it cannot control the weather or the aurora.

For $118.77, I think it offers solid value, especially if the photos arrive promptly and you are happy with a large group. Pack warmly, protect the next morning from other plans, and accept the long ride as part of the hunt.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase start?

The tour starts outside Fiskekompaniet on Killengreens gate, 9008 Tromso, Norway.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Tromso.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is approximately 7 to 9 hours. The actual return time can be later if the bus travels a long distance to find clearer skies.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Are professional photos included?

Yes. Pictures taken during the experience are sent to you free of charge.

Is dinner included?

No. Dinner is not included, although warm drinks and snacks are provided. Some outings also included biscuits, marshmallows, or other food.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm clothes are not included in the official tour details. Some outings supplied Arctic suits and boots, but you should confirm availability and bring suitable winter clothing.

Is a tripod included?

No. A tripod is not included.

What happens if poor weather cancels the tour?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.