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Travel by bus under the northern lights between Tromsø, Levi and Rovaniemi

The first northern-most nightliner bus between Tromsø, Norway and Rovaniemi, Finland

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Tromsø – Kilpisjärvi – Levi – Rovaniemi

Travel with the Aurora Express, the northernmost nightliner bus service connecting Tromsø, Kilpisjärvi, Levi, and Rovaniemi.

Enjoy a comfortable journey between Arctic destinations while travelling under the Aurora Oval, one of the best areas in the world to see the Northern Lights.

Relax on board and experience the Arctic night along the way.

Reason to choose Aurora Express:

  • Save time by traveling during the night
  • Skip airport transfers and long queues
  • Save on hotel costs by traveling while you sleep
  • Evening departures in both directions
  • Aurora stops for the best Northern Lights viewing along the journey

Comfort and safety first:

  • Comfortable and spacious semi-reclining seats
  • Complimentary utilities: eye mask, ear plugs, and cozy blanket
  • Free Wi-fi and power outlets (second floor) for your devices

Food & Drinks:

  • Light snack box upon departure
  • Breakfast buffet upon arrival (in a hotel)
  • Hot and cold drinks complementary

Important: To catch the Aurora Express bus from Levi on a specific date, you have to choose the day before in the calendar – the date when the bus leaves from Rovaniemi (for example: If you want to catch the bus at 1:55 am on the 20th – already the next day – then please choose the day before in the calendar – so the 19th).

General information

Tickets

Tickets

Book here
Season

Season

7 December - 31 March

Fitness level

Fitness level

Suitable for all

End-to-end travel time

End-to-end travel time

10 hours

Bus stops

Bus stops

5

See stops
Prices

Prices

3000 - 3850 NOK

See prices

Aurora Express double-deck red bus from Best Arctic stopped on a snowy road at night

In Tromsø, the bus leaves from “Bus Terminal Prostneset”.

In Rovaniemi, the bus leaves from “Rovaniemi Bus Station“.

When entering Finland, please remember the time difference (1 hour more than in Norway) – Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) (UTC+02:00).

Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate animals onboard (except guide dogs).

Important: To catch the Aurora Express bus from Levi on a specific date, you have to choose the day before in the calendar – the date when the bus leaves from Rovaniemi (for example: If you want to catch the bus at 1:55 am on the 20th – already the next day – then please choose the day before in the calendar – so the 19th).

Notice: Due to Arctic weather and road conditions driving times can be extended and arrivals can be delayed.

Dress comfortably and according to the weather. Here are some tips to know what to wear in the winter above the Arctic Circle.

Aurora Express double-deck red bus from Best Arctic stopped on a snowy road under a starry night sky

A light snack box upon departure & breakfast upon arrival are included, as well as refreshments (hot and cold drinks).

Be aware:
Breakfast is not included for arrivals at Santa Claus Village.

Children must be at least 4 years old, due to safety and comfort reasons.

Traveling with a child under 4 year old is allowed if you bring your own baby car seat.

Each passenger may bring one item of easy-to-manage hand baggage, which must fit under the seat or in the overhead rack, as well as an item no larger than height + length + width = 200 cm/23 kg.

Any additional luggage can be bought for 500 NOK per each extra 23kg piece, during your online booking process.

Aurora Express double-deck red bus from Best Arctic stopped on a snowy road at night

In Tromsø, the bus leaves from “Bus Terminal Prostneset”.

In Rovaniemi, the bus leaves from “Rovaniemi bus station”, and from”Santa Claus Village

Read our Frequently Asked Questions section about this route

Aurora Express double-deck tour bus parked on a snowy roadside surrounded by winter forest between Tromsø and Rovaniemi
Aurora Express double-deck red bus from Best Arctic stopped on a snowy road at night under the northern lights
Interior of the Aurora Express bus top deck with passengers seated, panoramic windows, skylight panels, and snowy landscape visible outside.
Interior of the Aurora Express bus top deck with glass ceiling and semi-reclining seats
Toilet facilities on the Aurora Express nightliner traveling between Tromsø and Rovaniemi
Hot and cold drinks facilities on board the Aurora Express bus
Comfortable semi-reclining seats on the top deck of the Aurora Express nightliner bus
A picture collage showing the highlights of the bus trip between Tromsø and Rovaniemi on the Aurora Express Nightliner.

Why choose Aurora Express?

  • Save time by traveling during the night
  • Skip airport transfers and long queues
  • Save on hotel costs by traveling while you sleep
  • Evening departures in both directions
  • Aurora stops for the best Northern Lights viewing along the journey
Green and purple northern lights glowing in a dark, starry night sky
Bright green and purple northern lights stretching across a dark blue starry Arctic sky
Green northern lights stretching across a starry night sky
Green and pink northern lights in a dark blue sky filled with stars

Direction Rovaniemi → Tromsø

Direction Tromsø → Rovaniemi

BUS SCHEDULES

Timetable

Tromsø - Rovaniemi

Bus stop

Arrival Time

Departure Time

Timezone

1:05

1:15

FI

05:00

05:20

FI

Rovaniemi - Tromsø

Bus stop

Arrival Time

Departure Time

Timezone

1:40

1:55

FI

Unique features

Daily operated bus route between 7 December to 31 March

Fixed prices

Aurora stops for possibility to aurora viewing

Connecting the Arctic cities of Tromsø, Levi & Rovaniemi

Stress-free departure & arrival times

Green travel option

Vibrant green, pink, red, and purple aurora spreading across a dark blue, star-filled night sky.

Highlights on this route

Panoramic view of Tromsø from the cable car with snowy city, fjord, and mountains in winter

Tromsø

Discover the enchanting winter wonderland of Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle. This city offers the possibility of seeing the mesmerizing Northern Lights, embark on thrilling dog sledding or snowmobile adventures, fjord tours, among many other tours. Tromsø’s rich cultural alignes with winter festivals, museums, and the iconic Arctic Cathedral. Indulge in fresh Arctic cuisine and cozy cafes.

Kilpisjärvi

A charming Arctic village, located at the northwesternmost point of Finland, dominated by the iconic Saana fell. It offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and exhilarating winter activities (snowmobile safaris, with the chance to visit the famous three-country border point where Finland, Sweden, and Norway meet). You also have other activities available like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing on the crystal-clear lakes. As night falls, Kilpisjärvi becomes one of Finland’s premier locations for witnessing the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights. With comfortable accommodations ranging from cozy cottages to unique glass igloos, Kilpisjärvi promises an unforgettable winter escape.

Two people riding a snowmobile through a snowy landscape, both wearing helmets and thermal suits.

Levi

Famous for its ski opportunitiesLevi, Finland’s premier ski resort is located in the heart of Lapland, offering an enchanting blend of thrilling outdoor activities and serene natural beauty. With amazing slopes for ski and snowboards, it is also a great place to observe the mesmerizing Northern Lights. For a truly unforgettable experience, try ice-karting on a professional track or participate in the Ylläs-Levi cross-country skiing event. With cozy accommodationswarm Finnish hospitality, and a wide range of winter activities, Levi promises an Arctic adventure!

Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is mostly known as the official hometown of Santa Claus and the capital of Finnish Lapland. Visit the iconic Santa Claus Village, where you can meet the jolly man himself, send postcards from the Arctic Circle, and explore charming gift shops. Other tours are available, such as husky sledding adventures, reindeer safaris for a taste of traditional Sámi culture, or Northern Lights tours. For the adventurous, try ice fishing on frozen lakes or snowmobiling through iced lakes. Rovaniemi promises a winter getaway filled with the true spirit of Christmas all season long.

A man is preparing to take an ice bath in a frozen lake in Rovaniemi.