Northern Lights Bus Tours: The 15 Best Aurora Chases

1.Northern Lights Bus Tour with Hot Cocoa

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 13,947 reviews · 4 hours · from $74Our pick

Leave Reykjavík for a four-hour Northern Lights hunt by bus, guided by aurora watchers such as Barbara, Darren, Kristi, and Pierre. You’ll chase clear skies, stop at dark viewing sites, learn how the aurora forms, and get a free retry if the lights stay hidden.

“As soon as we went out we saw the lights. The guide was very knowledgeable and we had a great time. Hot cocoa was a plus. Would definitely recommend.”

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2.Northern Lights Chase Minibus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,687 reviews · from $172

Search for the Aurora Borealis beyond Tromsø with guides such as Romain, Aneta, Hans Eric, and Joanna. You may cross into Finland for clearer skies, warm up with cocoa and marshmallows, and receive two professional photos. Bring dinner, sturdy shoes, and patience for a long, cold night.

“The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and Romain ensured we got to a couple of great spots where there were openings in the clouds. We saw incredible aurora activity! An unforgettable evening. Thanks to Stephania and Socrates as well 😊”

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3.Chase Aurora in Minibus and Free Aurora Portrait

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,215 reviews · 7 hours · from $141

Set out from central Tromsø with guides such as Aram, Mansoor, or Jan in a small minibus. Your guide tracks cloud and aurora conditions across Norway, Finland, and Sweden, then adds a campfire, hot blackcurrant juice, marshmallows, photography help, and a free aurora portrait.

“Our guide Mansoor is very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the night with stories and the northern lights.”

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4.Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik with Hot Chocolate

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,782 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $76

Leave Reykjavik by bus and follow the clearest skies toward Thingvellir National Park and other viewing spots. Guides such as Darren, Simon, Eva, and Barbara have entertained guests with Icelandic folklore while waiting. The four-hour trip includes WiFi, hot chocolate, and one free rebooking if no aurora appears.

“The trip was well organised and the tour guide and driver did their very best to find the Northern Lights on a night with intermittent cloud but solar activity was low so the lights did not put in an appearance which was apparently the case nearly all week. We were lucky to catch a glimpse on the way back from another tour. But the trip was well organised and they tried their best and we learned a lot about the Northen Lights and the KP index. The trip would have been very good had the Northern Lights put in an appearance.”

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5.Small-Group Northern Lights Tour by Minibus

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,655 reviews · 6 hours · from $251

Join Snow-travels for a small-group aurora chase from Tromsø, led by guides such as Marius, Hassan, Kamil, or Yeray. Ride into fjords, valleys, and mountain country, then warm up by a fire with hot drinks, snacks, and a meal while your guide photographs the sky and your group.

“It was a fantastic night; our tour guide Kamil led us to find abeautiful aurora view ，I will be back here and highly recommend this travel agency.”

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6.Northern Lights Bus Tour with Free Photography

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,642 reviews · 6 hours · from $61Best value

Search for the aurora from Tromsø in a warm bus with English or Spanish guides, free photography, hot drinks, snacks, and possible campfires. Guides such as José, Ailen, Eneas, and Julieta explain the science, help with camera settings, and adjust the route using weather and cloud information.

“Ailen and Lucas are real aurora hunters. They explained us where are we going and aurora phenomenon in details. I will recommend everyone this trip. Thank you!”

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7.Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Chasing Lights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,631 reviews · 5 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $151Top rated

Leave Tromsø at 5:20 pm for a 5 to 9 hour aurora chase by big bus, guided by photographers such as Soraia, Alex, Marius, or Meda. Your team follows the clearest skies, shares hot drinks, takes free night-sky photos, and may drive as far as Finland.

“Comfortable bus, really knowledgeable guides and amazing display of the Northern Lights. Couldn't be happier!”

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8.Northern Lights Minibus Tour with Campfire

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,318 reviews · 8 hours · from $167

Leave Tromsø with an English-speaking guide such as Kristian, Nick, or Spiros and chase clear skies toward Finland when needed. Wait by a campfire with sausages, marshmallows, hot drinks, and cookies while guides photograph the aurora. Thermal suits and boots are available.

“Our guide Nick was very informative and helpful, guiding us on our way to see the Northern Lights. He provided excellent service taking photos for us, setting up the campfire and making sure we were comfortable. I would highly recommend traveling with Nick and we had a spectacular view of the lights tonight!”

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9.Northern Lights Minibus Chase from Tromsø with Chasing Lights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,294 reviews · 5 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $280

You’ll leave central Tromsø with a professional photographer guide and dedicated driver, following clear skies across northern Norway and sometimes into Finland. Expect a 5 to 9 hour night, thermal clothing, hot drinks, a warm meal, campfire stops, tripods, and aurora photos sent after the tour.

“I booked this tour for the last day of my vacation to Tromsø. I booked this tour just in case my sister and I didn’t see the Aurora on our other excursions. Well I’m so glad I did! By the day of the tour I was feeling pessimistic about actually seeing the lights. Not only did we see the lights but she put on an amazing show! Thank you Bailey for your expertise in findings not one but two amazing spots for us to see the Aurora Borealis. Thank you Ivan for your safe driving in less than ideal conditions. If you’re looking to see the Northern Lights while visiting…”

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10.Tromso Northern Lights Minibus Chase Small Group Tour with Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,199 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $210

Meet Arctic Explorers near Scandic Ishavshotel, collect thermal suits and boots, then chase clear skies for up to 10 hours. Guides such as Petra, Magdalena, Jessica, and Alberto track conditions, prepare a hot meal and campfire, and take night portraits. Groups are capped at 15.

“Excellent experience, our guide Louis was knowledgeable, interesting and very focussed. It was a cloudy evening in and around Tromso, but he was constantly checking on the best place to catch the lights. We drove to the Finnish border and managed to see a fantastic display before the clouds came in there too. At no point was Louis in any rush about getting back to the city, wanting us to get every opportunity to see as much of the lights as possible. Highly recommended!”

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11.Northern Lights Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,183 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $73

Ride from central Reykjavik into darker countryside while a local guide explains the aurora. The 3 to 5 hour trip uses weather and aurora forecasts to choose a viewing site. Wi-Fi, pickup, and free rebooking after a missed sighting are included, but the large bus and uncertain conditions matter.

“After two nights of cancellations due to weather, the tour went out. You drive about an hour to a parking lot near the airport where there are many buses. Our tour guide spent most of the drive out managing our exceptions (hence the title of my review). You stand outside in freezing weather with lots of people looking at the sky. There was a full moon (not good) and passing clouds. After about 45 minutes we saw some whiteish streaks. With a camera you could see the green lights. So nothing really with the naked eye. I've heard that if you go to the lighthouse near Reykjavik you have a…”

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12.Northern Lights Chase with Photo Package Included

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,091 reviews · 6.5 hours · from $135

You’ll spend about 6.5 hours chasing the aurora from Tromsø with an English or Spanish-speaking guide such as Boris, Gabriela, or Elisabet. The bus may head inland, to the coast, or across the Finnish border. Expect camera tips, hot drinks, cookies, and downloadable photos if the lights appear.

“Awesome adventure, awesome hot chocolate, awesome lights. Definitely be prepared for all kinds of weather and cold.”

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13.Minibus Northern Lights Chase with Photography from Tromsø

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 865 reviews · 6 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $242

Leave Tromsø by minibus with guides such as Filip, Lucas, Joaquin, or Bogdan, then chase clear skies along the fjords or into Finland. You’ll get thermal gear, hot soup, coffee, a campfire, tripod use, aurora photo lessons, and free web-resolution photos.

“What an unforgettable experience! Leaving the city lights behind. Our guide was incredible, grounded, kind, and deeply connected to nature. He read the sky, shared stories and even his gloves when my hands were frozen, and gave great photo tips how to capture these wonderful moments. We were camping by a bonfire next to a frozen lake. A night I will never forget! Thank you Northern Soul Adventures and Filip and Lucas 🫶🏼”

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14.Northern Lights Photography Tour by Bus (or miniBus)

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 809 reviews · from $181

Set out from Northern Shots Tours in Tromsø for a seven-hour Aurora chase by coach or minibus. Guides such as Peter, Tom, Mirko, Barbara, and others explain the science, help with camera settings, and search weather data for clearer skies. Hot chocolate and cookies are included, while professional portraits cost extra.

“Our guide was excellent and extremely knowledgeable. He constantly kept us updated about the Aurora status. He made us all feel safe and comfortable.”

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15.Tromso Aurora Chase by Minibus with Thermal Suit, Snack and Photo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 641 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $189

Leave central Tromsø after dark with guides such as Hans Eric, Dimi, Jasmine, or Sokratis, then chase clear skies through fjords, valleys, and Arctic villages. You get a thermal suit, hot drinks, snacks, two guide-selected photos, and a late drop-off, but bring boots, gloves, a hat, and patience.

“To make the wait more enjoyable, tours provide a range of amenities, including campfires, hot chocolate and snacks, as well as gear on occasion.”

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