Aurora chasing feels like a night mission. This Tromsø northern lights chase is interesting because the guides drive you to where conditions look best, while professional photographers help you capture the moment. The trade-off: this is a real chase with long hours of driving, and the lights aren’t guaranteed every night.

Plan on a start time of 5:20 pm and a return that can land between 22:30 and 03:00. With a group capped at 50, you’ll get the benefits of a coordinated plan, but you also need to accept a bigger crowd at popular photo spots and chilly waits in the dark.

Key things that make this aurora chase work

• A real chase, not a single viewpoint: the team drives to the best-looking conditions that night.
• Free professional photo package: the guides take the pictures for you and send them to you after.
• Hot beverage breaks: hot water and a hot drink help you last longer outside.
• Expert guidance with star-and-aurora talk: you’re not just standing there—you get explanations along the way.
• Maximum group size matters: up to 50 people means organized energy, but also crowding at the stops.

The basic idea: why a guided aurora chase beats guessing

Tromsø is famous for the aurora, but you still can’t control the sky. What you can control is whether you have a plan that reacts fast when the clouds shift or the aurora pops.

That’s where this tour earns its keep. Instead of parking at one place and hoping, you ride with a team that actively searches. Guides like Soraia, Marius, Meda, Owen, Alex, and Taylor show up in the experience with a similar goal: keep you moving toward better viewing chances and give you context while you wait.

Even if you’ve never shot the aurora before, this setup helps. You’re guided on timing, where to stand, and how to spend your time outside so you’re not wasting the best minutes. When you do see the lights, you’ll be surprised how quickly the “okay, where are they?” phase turns into “wait, they’re moving!”

5:20 pm start to late-night return: the timing reality check

The tour runs 5 to 9 hours and starts at 5:20 pm. That means you begin while it’s still light enough to get oriented, then slide into full dark quickly—so being ready before you board matters.

You should also expect the schedule to flex. The return time ranges from 22:30 to 03:00, and that’s not just a guess. The experience can include “many hours of driving,” and some nights can stretch into long-distance routes (including reports of driving toward Finland). In other words: don’t plan early breakfasts the next morning like you’re on a museum tour.

One practical upside of the late timeline: it gives the guides room to wait. Aurora activity often comes in waves. If the sky gives you nothing at one spot, you’re not stuck there for the whole evening.

How pickup and meeting points actually play out

Pickup and drop-off are set at Tromsø Havn Prostneset, bus terminal. But the official start/end meeting point is listed as Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø.

In plain terms: arrive early and don’t count on finding it at the last second in winter darkness. Even on a well-run group tour, you’ll be dealing with cold fingers, dim parking areas, and people arriving with cameras, hats, and bags. I’d rather you wait 10 minutes before departure than scramble when you’re already shivering.

Also note this: it ends back at the meeting point, so plan transportation accordingly. If you’re staying far from Samuel Arnesens gate 5, you’ll likely want a backup plan for getting back after the tour finishes.

Stop 1 in Tromsø: your warm-up phase before the chase

The itinerary begins in Tromsø, where your guides get the group set for the night. This is the “get ready” stage: instructions, photo basics, and that all-important shift from normal city time into aurora time.

A big part of the tour’s appeal is that the guides don’t just point out the sky—they explain what’s happening. People mention guides describing aurora science and even star-and-planet pointers while you’re waiting. That kind of talk turns waiting into something you can follow, instead of just standing around hoping.

You’ll also notice the guides’ photo focus right away. Since professional pictures are included, you’re not solely responsible for capturing everything. That lowers the pressure if you don’t have the right camera settings, a tripod, or aurora experience. (Tripods aren’t included, so if you want one, bring it yourself.)

The chase stops: waiting outside, crowd management, and real walking

This is where the experience becomes “northern Norway winter” fast.

You’ll likely spend time outdoors at dark viewing spots. The tour operates in all weather conditions, and the company specifically notes that some of the best displays can happen on nights with poor forecasted weather. That’s helpful, but it also means you should dress for the cold you actually will feel, not the cold you hope you’ll feel.

Here’s what you should be prepared for:

• Some viewing areas can involve walking on snowy ground, possibly with slippery climbs or descents.
• You may be in a larger group, so photo angles can get crowded quickly.
• You might feel your patience tested during the waits, but the guides’ job is to keep you in the right spots and moving if conditions change.

One downside you’ll see in the feedback: big bus nights can feel crowded at the best moments, and people can cluster hard around popular viewpoints. If you’re the type who needs tons of personal space to enjoy a moment, consider that trade-off.

The guides and photographers: the difference between guessing and getting results

One of the most praised parts of this tour is the “we’ll help you see it and get it” approach.

Multiple people mention guides such as Soraia, Alex, Tessa, Marius, Meda, Jefta, Nick, Taylor, Owen, and others working as a team with the driver to find spots and keep the group moving. The most consistent pattern: high energy, clear communication, and lots of time spent getting photos and warming the group up.

The professional photo element matters more than it sounds. Aurora nights are chaotic: you’re holding gear, trying to frame the sky, and freezing. Having guides who take professional pictures (and send them for free afterward) means you can focus on the moment instead of battling your camera.

If you do bring your own camera, good. But the included photo service is a safety net for people who want proof they were there and not just blurry attempts.

Hot drinks, fires, and keeping it bearable in the cold

The tour includes hot beverage and hot water. In the field, that often turns into the difference between “we saw something great” and “we survived.”

From the experience descriptions, you can expect warm drink breaks at key points—sometimes paired with treats like cookies or juice, and often around a fire. People also mention hot drinks like lingonberry tea and blackcurrant juice, plus campfire time where guides explain what you’re seeing and why it looks like it does.

Even if your “aurora energy” runs hot, your fingers won’t. Warm drinks help you stay out longer, which directly improves your odds of catching a more active moment.

The bus ride: comfort notes you’ll want to know

This is a big bus experience in normal operation, but there are also mentions that on some nights it may run like a smaller vehicle depending on the situation. Either way, plan for winter travel time and changing comfort levels.

A few helpful comfort details show up in the feedback:

• The bus can feel very warm. If you tend to run hot, you may need to adjust layers during the drive.
• USB and USB-C charging ports are available on the bus.
• There is a toilet on board, but it can only be used when the bus is stopped.

So bring a layered system you can adapt: base layer, warm layer, and outer cold protection. If you rely on one huge coat only, you may overheat during the bus segments and then struggle when you step outside again.

Value for $151.15: what you’re really paying for

At $151.15 per person, this tour is not cheap—but it’s also not trying to sell you “only transportation.” You’re paying for three things that are hard to replicate on your own:

1. A guide-driven chase that responds to conditions during the night
2. Professional photography support, including free images after
3. A structured plan that helps you stay outside and ready when aurora activity shows up

If you’ve tried to chase the aurora solo, you know the problem: you can waste hours driving and still stand in the wrong place. Organized chasing doesn’t guarantee the lights, but it reduces the amount of time you spend guessing.

Also, the price includes hot drinks and hot water, so you don’t need to spend money on warming snacks mid-chase. Meals aren’t included, so eat first (before departure) and bring a snack plan if you want extra calories.

Who should book this aurora chase

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want the highest “chance through effort” approach without planning your own routes
• Appreciate a group experience with guide-led explanation
• Like the idea of free professional photos so you can enjoy the night instead of fixing camera settings
• Are okay with a late return and a long, cold evening

It’s less ideal if you:

• Get stressed by long drives and unpredictable return times
• Hate crowds when a group converges on the best spot
• Have mobility limits for snowy, dark paths with uneven footing

The tour says most travelers can participate, and children can join with an adult. But if your child (or you) struggles with extended cold standing and short walking on icy surfaces, plan your outfit and expectations carefully.

Should you book the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Chasing Lights?

If your priority is seeing the aurora with real on-the-ground guidance, I’d book this kind of chase. The biggest draw is practical: your time in the cold is managed, and you get free pro photos as a backup for the hard-to-capture moments.

Just go in with two mindset shifts:

• Dress for the cold and for some outdoor walking.
• Don’t treat it like a guaranteed show. If the sky cooperates, you’ll have an unforgettable night. If it doesn’t, you’ll still have an organized aurora-search experience—not a failure of your effort.

If you can schedule extra slack days in Tromsø, you’ll also be happier. Aurora nights can vary, and having flexibility makes the whole trip feel smoother.

FAQ

What time does the tour start in Tromsø?

It starts at 5:20 pm.

How long is the northern lights chase?

Expect 5 to 9 hours, depending on conditions and how long the chase takes.

Where do I meet the group, and where does it end?

The meeting point is Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup from hotels included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Pickup and drop-off are listed at Tromsø Havn Prostneset, bus terminal.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Are professional photos included?

Yes. You get professional pictures sent free of charge, and the guides are also described as professional photographer tour guides.

Is the northern lights guaranteed?

No. The tour operates in all weather and actively chases, but there are no refunds or free trips if you do not see the Northern Lights.

What should I bring since clothes and tripods aren’t included?

The tour notes that clothes and tripods are not included, and meals are not included either. You should plan to dress warmly for time outside in the dark.

How many people are on the tour?

It’s a group tour with a maximum of 50 guests.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.