Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Free Photos

If you’re heading to Tromso in Norway with hopes of catching the elusive Northern Lights, you’ll likely come across several tour options. One standout is the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Free Photos offered by Arctic Explorers. We’ve examined the details, reviews, and what travelers can expect — so you can decide if this adventure is right for you.

This tour is highly rated — boasting a perfect 5.0 rating from 142 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate. Its main appeal is the combination of full-day hunting for the aurora, professional photos, and the flexibility of being mobile in the Arctic wilderness. We love that it offers a balanced approach, blending comfort, expert guidance, and the chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. However, it’s worth noting that seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed — often dependent on weather conditions and solar activity. This tour is best suited for those happy to spend a long evening chasing the lights, with patience and a sense of adventure.

Key Points:

• Flexible, full-day excursion increases your chances of seeing the aurora by moving to where the skies are clearest.
• Expert guides help locate the lights and provide engaging commentary and safety.
• Free professional photos add lasting memories without extra cost.
• Comfortable heated transportation keeps you cozy in the Arctic cold.
• Good value for the experience, including snacks, drinks, and WiFi.
• Weather-dependent — the aurora may not appear every night, but the experience remains engaging.

The Essential Details of the Tour

This Northern Lights Big Bus Chase runs about 7 to 10 hours, typically starting at 5:30 pm from Tromso’s Fiskekompaniet. You’ll be picked up in a heated vehicle, essential for comfort in the Arctic winter, with WiFi and restrooms aboard, making the long hours more bearable.

The main goal is to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, and the mobility of the tour plays a vital role here. The guides actively move the bus around the Tromso area, and even drive into neighboring regions like Finland if weather conditions suggest better viewing opportunities. Several reviews praised guides like Iris and Georgi, highlighting their enthusiasm, local knowledge, and dedication — many participants felt this clearly improved their experience.

The itinerary begins with a meeting outside Tromso, then you set off into the Arctic wilderness. The guides are committed to finding clear skies and will stop at various spots, sometimes even driving hours away, like into Finland, to escape cloud cover. As one reviewer put it, “The guides Georgi and Iris were exceptional,” ensuring they explored every possibility to spot the lights.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are WiFi, restroom access, warm drinks, snacks, and free digital photos of your experience. These extra touches are appreciated — you get to focus on the lights and the landscape without worrying about extra costs or carrying gear.

However, dinner is not included, so plan accordingly. Travelers also need to bring warm clothes and possibly a tripod if they want professional-quality photos, as the tour provides only the photos taken by the guides. One review suggested that having a tripod would be helpful for better shots, especially in low-light conditions.

Meeting Points and Timing

The tour starts at Fiskekompaniet, in central Tromso, making it accessible via public transportation. It concludes back at the original meeting point. The late evening start means you’ll be out for several hours, which is perfect if you’re prepared for a long night. Some reviews mention the late hours — especially if the weather isn’t cooperating, the trip can extend well past midnight.

The Experience on the Bus

Onboard, you’ll find a small group of up to 48 travelers, which is a good size to avoid feeling lost in a crowd but large enough to make the journey lively. The guides are consistently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and dedication. Many mention the warm drinks and snacks that help keep spirits high during the waiting periods.

Authentic Aurora Hunting

The true highlight is, of course, the search for the Northern Lights. Travelers have reported everything from spectacular displays to the occasional clouded sky. As one reviewer noted, “We got lucky on the first stop — the show was spectacular.” Others appreciated the effort guides put into finding clear skies, including driving several hours if needed.

The Photos

One of the most loved features is the free photos sent after the trip. These often include shots of the lights and Arctic landscape, taken by guides with professional equipment. Several reviews expressed satisfaction, though a few wished for more photos or better quality, especially if they wanted to pose or use tripods.

Comfort and Convenience

The heated vehicle and restroom onboard are small details that make a considerable difference in such cold conditions. Having WiFi enables sharing photos or keeping connected, which can be a rare luxury in remote regions.

The Value for Money

At $172, the tour’s cost might seem steep at first glance, but considering the full-day experience, expert guides, free professional images, and comfort features, many agree it’s good value. Several reviews highlight the dedication of guides like Georgi, Iris, and Jeremias, who go above and beyond to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora.

Some travelers mention that they drove into Finland for better visibility, which was included in the experience’s flexibility, adding to the adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This outing suits adventurous travelers willing to spend a long night outdoors, hoping for that magical moment when the aurora appears. It’s perfect for those who value expert guidance, a comfortable ride, and memories captured professionally. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy a mix of scenery, storytelling, and patience, it’s likely to be a hit.

However, if your main priority is a guaranteed sighting, be aware that the aurora is a natural phenomenon, and sightings depend heavily on weather and solar activity. The tour’s success often hinges on luck but is enhanced by the guides’ experience and flexibility.

The Northern Lights Big Bus Chase offers a well-rounded, engaging experience in Tromso. Its main strength lies in the dedication of guides, the comfort of heated transport, and the added bonus of free professional photos. The flexible approach, including options to drive into neighboring regions, greatly increases your chances of witnessing the aurora.

Beyond the lights, the tour provides a chance to soak in the Arctic landscape — snow-covered trees, starry skies, and the thrill of a late-night adventure. While there’s no absolute guarantee of seeing the aurora, most travelers walk away with stories, photos, and a sense of having truly chased a natural wonder.

This tour is best suited for those with a sense of patience, appreciation for expert guidance, and interest in Arctic scenery. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to combine comfort with adventure in pursuit of one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive WiFi, restroom access onboard, warm drinks, snacks, and free photos taken during the trip.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 7 to 10 hours, starting around 5:30 pm and returning back to Tromso.

Do I need to bring warm clothes?
Yes, you should bring warm clothing, as you’ll be outside in cold Arctic conditions for extended periods.

Is dinner included?
No, dinner is not included, so plan to eat beforehand or bring snacks for the night.

Will I see the Northern Lights?
While the guides do their best to find clear skies and maximize visibility, the aurora depends on weather and solar activity, so sightings are not guaranteed.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the guides for their enthusiasm, local knowledge, and dedication.

Can I take my own photos?
You are encouraged to bring your own tripod if possible; the tour provides professional photos, but personal photography is welcomed.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if conditions are poor, it may be canceled or rescheduled. You can cancel for a full refund if done 24 hours in advance.

Final Verdict

For travelers seeking a comprehensive, well-organized Northern Lights experience in Tromso, this tour offers excellent value. You’ll benefit from professional guidance, comfortable transportation, and the excitement of possibly witnessing one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena. Ideal for adventurers who don’t mind a late night, it’s a chance to combine Arctic scenery with the thrill of a nighttime aurora chase. Just keep your expectations realistic — the Northern Lights are a capricious show — but with guides like these, your odds are better than most.