Tromsø: Northern Lights Bus Chase with Flexible Route & Photos

Summary

Flexible aurora chase from Tromsø with expert guides and warm bus

You’ll join a group in Tromsø for a real chase after the Northern Lights, riding a heated bus with expert guides who know where to find clear skies. Sip something hot as you wait under open skies — sometimes roadside, sometimes deep inland — and get help capturing photos (or just watching). It’s unpredictable but honest, and you might remember that quiet more than anything else.

What’s the experience like?

We shuffled onto the big bus just after dark in Tromsø, everyone bundled up and kind of buzzing — some folks were already sipping their thermoses. Our guide, Erik, had this easy way of explaining how we’d be chasing the Northern Lights tonight, not just waiting for them. He checked his phone’s weather apps every few minutes, muttering about clouds over Finland and “maybe we’ll head inland.” There was this mix of hope and nerves in the air; I think I gripped my camera too tight for the first hour.

The road out of Tromsø felt endless at times — headlights bouncing off snowbanks, someone’s laughter drifting down from the back seats. We stopped once by a frozen lake (I swear it was colder than my freezer at home), and Erik handed out cups of hot chocolate that tasted like childhood. He showed us how to set our cameras for the aurora, but honestly, I just wanted to look up. At one point he said, “Don’t worry if you don’t get a perfect shot — sometimes you just watch.” That stuck with me.

When the lights finally showed up — green ribbons twisting above some empty stretch of road — it was quieter than I expected. No one really spoke; even Erik just let us stand there in the snow. My toes went numb but I didn’t care. Later, back on the bus, people shared photos (the guides sent theirs too), but I kept thinking about that hush under the sky. The ride home blurred together; I think we got back around 3am? Time felt weird by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights chase in Tromso

• Board heated bus in Tromso
• Travel to best weather locations
• Stop for Northern Lights viewing
• Receive expert guidance and photography tips

Top questions

How long does the Northern Lights bus tour from Tromsø last?

The tour lasts between 6 to 10 hours depending on conditions and where clear skies are found.

Is pickup included for this Northern Lights chase?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included at Tromsø Havn Prostneset Bus Terminal.

Will I get professional photos from the tour?

Yes, professional pictures taken during your tour will be sent to you free of charge.

What should I wear on this Northern Lights bus tour?

Dress in warm layers as it can get very cold outside even though the bus is heated.

Are there restroom facilities on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board the bus.

Is this Northern Lights chase suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available.

What happens if we don’t see the Northern Lights?

No refunds or free trips are offered if you do not see the Northern Lights during your tour.

What’s included

Your night includes pickup and drop-off at Tromsø Havn Prostneset Bus Terminal, hours of chasing clear skies by heated coach with expert local guides who help with photography tips (and send you their own pro shots afterward), plus hot drinks served onboard and access to a restroom so you can focus on watching for those elusive lights instead of worrying about logistics.