Aurora odds improve with the right plan. This Tromsø bus chase is built around getting you out of town quickly and letting your guide pick the best sky. Two things I like right away: the easy downtown meetup and the fact you’re not just staring out the window—you’re set up with tripods and guided help when conditions allow.

You also get aurora portrait digital photos and an English-speaking guide working with a fairly tight group setup (1 guide per 20 guests). The main drawback to think about: this is a big bus format, so on the wrong night you can end up crowded, standing around, and wishing the “chasing” felt more intense.

Key things to know before you go

• Downtown start at Samuel Arnesens gate 5 with a 6:00 pm departure
• English-speaking guiding with a 1 guide per 20 guests ratio
• Tripods are included, plus aurora portrait digital photos
• Weather decides the show, and your guide selects the best spot on the night
• Maximum 48 travelers, so it’s not a tiny group experience
• Coffee and/or tea are included to take the edge off the wait

Tromsø at 6:00 pm: the timing that drives the night

This tour kicks off at 6:00 pm and runs about 8 hours. That timing matters because you’re essentially buying time in the hours when the sky is darkest and aurora chances are best. You’re also building in enough hours that the guide isn’t forced to make a snap decision after one short try.

The other practical thing about a longer window: you’re not rushing. If you’re used to strict city tours, this format feels different. It’s a night tour where the “activity” is really the sky, and the bus is the tool that gets you in the right direction when the sky shifts.

Meeting at Samuel Arnesens gate 5 and getting out of town fast

You meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø. The plan is simple: you gather in downtown, then you ride out with the goal of leaving the city glow behind. One of the best-value parts of any aurora tour is avoiding wasted time—this one is set up to start you moving early enough that you aren’t stuck under streetlights.

You’ll end back at the same meeting point. That’s convenient for planning your evening afterward, especially if you don’t want to deal with complicated drop-offs. It’s also useful that it’s described as near public transportation, in case you need to get to the meeting spot without stress.

The bus chase: how guides choose the best sky spot

The core promise is straightforward: you’re out looking for the northern lights, and weather permitting, your guide chooses the best spot. The tour is designed around the reality that aurora is not a guaranteed event. Instead, it’s a guided attempt—move toward better conditions, then stop and watch.

What you should expect in practice:

• You’ll likely spend time with breaks between viewing chances while the guide decides where the sky gives you the best odds.
• The “chase” intensity can vary. Some nights can involve multiple location changes; other nights may feel more like one longer viewing session.

That variation is not a flaw in the concept—it’s the nature of the weather. Still, it’s worth being honest with yourself. If you’re the type who hates waiting in the cold with no clear plan, you might be happier with a smaller-group style tour where guides sometimes feel more agile. On the other hand, if you want a solid, organized way to pursue aurora without building your own logistics, this bus approach is a reasonable fit.

Tripods and aurora portrait photos: where the value really shows

Here’s where this tour can feel more “real” than the cheapest options. You’re not going empty-handed in the dark.

Included:

• Tripods
• Aurora portrait digital photos
• A guide who’s focused on finding locations (and helping you make the most of them when the lights show)

Tripods matter because aurora isn’t a quick snapshot thing. Even when the lights look faint, longer exposure can reveal more detail. Having tripods included saves you the hassle of bringing your own gear—or renting later.

One detail to keep in mind: portrait-style photo setups usually require you to be in the right spot at the right time. Some people have said that guidance for camera positioning wasn’t as clear as they hoped, so if you want those aurora portraits, don’t be shy about asking where to stand or how to align your tripod when it’s time to shoot.

Also, be mentally prepared for how aurora looks to the eye. On some nights, the lights can be subtle. Photos may show more than your naked eyes can catch in the moment, even when everyone is being truthful. The best move is to watch the sky for shapes and movement first, then let the camera capture the rest.

Coffee, group size, and the reality of standing around

This is a bus tour with a maximum of 48 travelers, and the guide structure is 1 English-speaking guide per 20 guests. That ratio is a nice middle ground: you’re not on your own, but you’re also not in a tight family-style group.

You get coffee and/or tea, which is a small inclusion with big emotional payoff when you’re bundled up and waiting for the sky to cooperate. It won’t turn the cold warm, but it does help you stay patient.

What about comfort? The tour is built around viewing outside at night. In a larger vehicle, you can end up in a rhythm of standing, stepping aside for photos, and trying not to get blocked by other tripods. That doesn’t ruin the experience, but it does shape it. If you’re sensitive to crowding or you want a lot of personalized explanations, you may find the bus format less satisfying.

Audio also can make or break whether the guide’s commentary lands. Some participants have reported that bus sound wasn’t working properly for them, which meant less guidance than expected. If you care about learning while you watch, keep your expectations flexible and rely on the fact that a key part of the tour is location-finding, not a classroom lecture.

Price and value: is $128.88 worth it?

At $128.88 per person for roughly 8 hours, the big question is value: what are you getting for the money beyond “a bus ride to see lights”?

You’re paying for:

• Guided aurora searching (with the guide choosing viewing spots)
• Tripods included
• Aurora portrait digital photos
• Coffee and/or tea
• A structured group size (max 48) with a stated 1 guide per 20 guests ratio

You’re also getting a safety net of sorts: if the lights aren’t spotted on your tour, there’s a 50% discount on the next tour. The catch is that it’s described as no refund—so you shouldn’t treat it like a full consolation prize. Still, that discount can turn a bad night into at least a better second attempt if you’re staying in the area long enough.

One more pricing reality: aurora tours often sell well in advance. The average booking time here is about 26 days ahead, which suggests demand is steady. If you want the day/time that works best for your schedule, booking earlier usually helps.

Bottom line: this price can be fair if you value the included gear and photos, and if you’re okay with the ups and downs of weather. If your top priority is instruction quality and quiet viewing space, you may decide it’s smarter to pay more for a smaller-group experience.

Norwegian Travel: what to expect from the operator style

This experience is provided by Norwegian Travel, and the tour includes a mobile ticket with English available. Confirmation is expected within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

From the way the night unfolds, operator style matters. A strong aurora guide doesn’t just stop somewhere and hope. They watch clouds, scan the sky, and move when it makes sense. Some people have described guide success in getting them to better sky breaks and even out-of-the-area driving when conditions improved.

But there’s a split in reported experiences on guidance quality. Some people felt the explanations and coordination weren’t strong, while others praised specific guides. If you’re nervous about communication during a long winter night, keep expectations grounded: you’re paying primarily for access, transport, and searching effort, not a perfect guided seminar.

On a positive note, the names that came through in real experiences included Diego and bus driver Andrew—and their efforts were highlighted as important when weather refused to cooperate at first.

Who should book this bus tour (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a simple, organized aurora plan with transportation built in
• Appreciate having tripods and aurora portrait photos included
• Are comfortable with a larger group and possible waiting time
• Prefer an English-speaking guide

It may not be ideal if you:

• Want lots of quiet, personalized teaching about the aurora
• Strongly dislike crowding and crowded tripod lanes
• Expect guaranteed sightings or lots of nonstop movement every night
• Need a very predictable schedule with minimal waiting

It’s also described as most travelers can participate and service animals are allowed, which helps make it more inclusive than some “out in the middle of nowhere” options.

If you’re an aurora hunter who thrives on control, you can always book this once as your baseline plan, then adjust strategy for a second night based on what you learn.

Should you book Northern Lights Chase by Bus in Tromsø?

I’d book it if you want a solid, standard way to chase aurora with included gear and photos, and you’re okay with the weather reality. The downtown meetup, 8-hour window, tripods, and portrait photos are the value pillars, and they remove a lot of friction for first-time aurora chasers.

I’d think twice if you hate big-bus logistics, you need high-quality guidance the whole time, or you’re only willing to spend one night chasing the sky. In that case, you might consider a smaller-group option where you can often get more attention and fewer camera-blocking issues.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights Chase by Bus in Tromsø?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 6:00 pm.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø, Norway.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $128.88 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What’s included in the tour besides the bus ride?

Included are aurora sightseeing by bus, coffee and/or tea, aurora portrait digital photos, tripods, and an English-speaking guide (stated as 1 guide per 20 guests).

Is dinner included?

No, dinner is not included.

Do you get photos if you see the lights?

Yes. The tour includes aurora portrait digital photos.

What happens if you do not spot aurora on your tour?

You’re offered a 50% discount on the next tour if the aurora isn’t spotted. It’s described as no refund.

Does the tour ever get canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.