Tromsø: Big Bus Northern Lights Tour with Free Photos

Planning a trip to Tromsø to see the Northern Lights? If so, you might have come across a variety of tours promising a glimpse of this stunning phenomenon. This Big Bus Northern Lights Tour from Arctic Explorers Norway stands out because it combines comfort, flexibility, and solid chances of seeing the aurora—plus, it offers free professional photos to remember your night by.

From what we’ve gathered, this tour is ideal for travelers who want a balance of personal space, expert guidance, and a good shot at catching the lights, even if the weather isn’t perfect. We particularly like the real-time weather-driven routing and the generous inclusion of warm gear and hot drinks. That said, it’s worth noting that this is a larger bus experience, which might not appeal to those seeking a more intimate or exclusive chase.

One thing to consider is the group size—while bigger buses are more economical, they can sometimes lead to a less private experience, especially during peak season. Still, for many, the value, comfort, and flexibility outweigh this small downside. This tour is a great pick if you’re after a reliable, well-organized northern lights adventure that offers more than just a bus ride.

If you’re wondering whether this kind of experience suits your style, keep reading. We’ll break down what you can expect, what makes it special, and how it stacks up in terms of value and overall experience.

Key Points

• Comfortable and spacious bus designed for Arctic conditions with panoramic windows for optimal viewing.
• Expert guides use real-time data to find the best skies and maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
• Flexible routes, including possible cross-border trips into Finland, for better viewing opportunities.
• Free professional photos and a personal gallery within 48 hours, so you won’t miss capturing the moment.
• Warm gear, hot drinks, snacks, and toilet onboard, making the long night more cozy.
• High satisfaction rate (97%) with thousands of happy guests since 2012.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Breakdown of the Experience

The Itinerary and Route Flexibility

This 8-hour tour kicks off at the Fiskekompaniet harbor**, right in Tromsø, making it super easy to find. From there, your guide takes the wheel, steering away from the crowds and into the Arctic wilderness in a spacious bus built to handle severe cold. The big draw here is the route flexibility—your guides don’t follow a fixed pattern but depend on real-time weather, solar activity, and sky conditions. That means if the skies aren’t clear in Tromsø, they’ll drive far inland or even cross into Finland to find better chances.

The ability to cross borders into Finland is a real perk, especially during the long winter nights when cloud cover can be unpredictable. Several reviews mention guides driving up to 23 hours to find clear skies, which speaks volumes about their commitment to giving guests a shot at witnessing the aurora.

The Vehicle and Comfort

The bus itself is a highlight—you’ll love the panoramic windows that offer expansive views. It’s cozy inside, with warm drinks, hot chocolate, tea, or coffee, and snacks to keep you refreshed. Plus, the onboard toilet is a big plus, especially during those longer drives into less populated areas.

Guides provide thermal suits and reflective vests—a thoughtful touch considering how cold it can get. Some reviews mention being upgraded to smaller buses or minivans with additional amenities like food and suits, which can be a real bonus for comfort.

Expert Guides and Photography

What sets this tour apart is the knowledgeable guides—many guests rave about guides like Tomas, Angel, Magdalena, and Pepe. They’re passionate aurora chasers who will check the sky frequently and share fascinating stories about the lights and Arctic life.

They’re also professional photographers, offering to help you capture incredible photos of the Northern Lights. Whether you’re an amateur or a photography enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the free photos included in the package, with access to a personal gallery within 48 hours. Several reviews mention guides working hard to get good shots even when the weather is less cooperative.

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The Search and Success Rate

While no tour can guarantee the Northern Lights, this company has helped over 60,000 guests see the aurora since 2012 and boasts a 93.44% success rate. That’s impressive for a natural phenomenon that depends heavily on solar activity and weather conditions.

Guests often mention that guides drive far into the Arctic or across borders if needed, which significantly increases their chances. Reviews repeatedly highlight the dedication of guides who spend hours searching and adjusting routes based on real-time data.

Food, Gear, and Additional Perks

The inclusion of thermal suits, hot drinks, snacks, and an onboard toilet adds to the overall value. Some reviews mentioned being upgraded to a smaller bus with food and suits, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

If you want the highest quality photos, bringing a tripod is recommended. Guides are happy to help with this, and many guests are thrilled with their shots, even under less-than-ideal conditions.

Length, Price, and Value

The 8-hour duration is quite reasonable considering the effort and flexibility involved. The price point seems to reflect good value when you factor in professional photos, warm gear, and expert guidance. Several reviews highlight that many guests find this tour well worth the cost, especially given the extra comfort and personalized attention.

The Experience for Different Travelers

While this tour isn’t specifically tailored for children under 5 or wheelchair users, families with older kids might find it suitable, especially if they’re prepared for a late night and cold weather. The large group size might not appeal to those seeking a more intimate experience, but for most, the comfort and success rate outweigh this.

What People Are Saying

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many emphasizing the guides’ dedication, stunning views, and fun moments like campfires and hot chocolate. Guests frequently mention guides like Magdalena, Angel, and Tomas—being friendly, knowledgeable, and committed.

A common theme is the persistence of guides—they will go to great lengths, sometimes traveling for hours, to find clear skies and the best possible aurora display. Guides also work tirelessly to capture photos and ensure everyone gets a chance for a memorable shot.

Some minor criticisms include late pickups or less-than-ideal weather, which are natural risks given the unpredictable Arctic climate. A few reviews point out that with larger buses, there can be some uncontrolled behavior among guests, but it doesn’t seem to detract significantly from the overall experience.

In The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who values comfort, flexibility, and expert guidance, this Big Bus Northern Lights Tour will likely be a great fit. It’s especially good for travelers who want a high chance of seeing the aurora without sacrificing space or onboard amenities. The inclusion of free photos and warm gear makes it a cost-effective option for those looking to maximize their Arctic adventure.

This tour is ideal if you’re okay with larger groups and prefer a more relaxed, comfortable journey rather than an intimate chase. It suits anyone eager to see the Northern Lights with a professional team who genuinely tries to find the clearest skies.

For travelers planning multiple nights in Tromsø, this tour offers a good opportunity to increase your chances, thanks to its real-time data-driven routing and willingness to go far into the interior or border regions.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 8 hours, giving plenty of time to chase the lights and explore different locations.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Fiskekompaniet, in Tromsø, right in front of the fish restaurant, easy to reach.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly with multiple wool layers, windproof outerwear, a hat, scarf, insulated mittens, and winter boots suitable for snow.

Are food and drinks included?
Warm drinks, hot chocolate, snacks, and sometimes proper meals are provided. You can also bring your own food.

Can I take photos?
Yes! Guides are professional photographers and happy to help you capture the Northern Lights. Bringing a tripod is recommended.

Is there a toilet on board?
Yes, the bus is equipped with a toilet, which is handy during longer drives.

What if the weather is bad?
Guides use real-time weather data to find clearer skies, sometimes traveling into Finland or inland. The success rate is high because of this flexibility.

Are children allowed?
Not suitable for children under 5 years old. Older kids might enjoy the experience if prepared for the cold and late hours.

What if I don’t see the lights?
While no tour can guarantee the aurora, most guests do see it thanks to the guides’ efforts. Rebooking may be possible, but check the policy.

Is this a good value for money?
Absolutely. With professional photos, warm gear, expert guides, and flexible routes, many consider it a worthwhile investment for a memorable Arctic night.

This Big Bus Northern Lights Tour offers a practical and comfortable way to chase the aurora, with a high likelihood of success. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, well-organized experience and don’t mind larger groups. The combination of expert guidance, scenic routes, and thoughtful inclusions makes it a solid choice for anyone aiming to tick “see the Northern Lights” off their bucket list in Tromsø.

You can check availability for your dates here: