Best Northern Lights Tour Packages in 2024/2025 [with Prices]

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If you’re interested in taking a Northern Lights tour but don’t know where to start, don’t worry. This complete guide will introduce you to the best destinations and guided Northern Lights trips.

There are several beautiful places to see the aurora borealis, from Alaska and Canada to Norway and Iceland. We even organize annual Iceland photography trips and Lofoten photo tours specifically for those who want to learn how to photograph the Northern Lights.

Needless to say, you have many different options! To help you out, I’m sharing the best Aurora Borealis tours in 2024. You’ll find a variety of tour packages for all budgets and interests:

• Northern Lights tours in Alaska
• Northern Lights tours in Iceland
• Northern Lights tours in Canada
• Northern Lights tours in Norway
• Northern Lights tours in Finland
• Northern Lights tours in Sweden

At the end of this article, I’ll provide some useful information for your aurora adventure, so be sure to read until the end! Also, if you prefer to organize your own itinerary, I’ll give you some tips on where to see the Northern Lights, how to predict the aurora, the best time to see the Northern Lights, and more.

Best Northern Lights excursions in 2024 + prices

First, I want to give you a rough picture of how much it costs to see the Northern Lights. There are all kinds of tours as well as the option of organizing your own trip, so the price can vary greatly. Even so, this table with the best Northern Lights excursions should give you a better idea of how much you should budget:

Please note that the prices in this chart only reflect the cost of the Northern Lights tour packages. You’ll have to add the cost of your flights.

How much does a Northern Lights trip cost?

The price of a Northern Lights tour in 2024 varies depending on several important factors. Not only should you consider your destination, but also the departure point and the transportation costs to get there. The price also depends on your travel dates, the duration of the tour, included activities, etc.

If you’re planning your own Northern Lights trip, that can also change the price quite a bit. However, the cost of a Northern Lights trip isn’t always more expensive than going on your own. There are cheap tour packages that can save you money if they include accommodation, meals, and transportation.

How much does a Northern Lights trip cost?

For example, an aurora tour in Canada can cost $160/day (€150/day) and include your hotel, guide, and transportation. This is significantly cheaper than organizing all the details on your own. On the other hand, a tour in Iceland costs more – about $295/day (€275/day) – which is still pretty affordable considering everything it includes. Of course, there are more expensive Northern Lights tour packages, such as the ones in Alaska, which cost around $675/day (€630/day).

Obviously, the overall price depends on lots of moving factors, so let’s break it down below. We’ll look at the costs for flights, hotels, rental cars, and tours so you can better calculate the total cost and budget accordingly. Remember, these prices are approximate.

Cheap flights to see the Northern Lights

No matter where you’re taking your Northern Lights vacation, you can find cheap flights on Kiwi.com. I recommend you start looking for flights 3-5 months before your trip. What I like about Kiwi is that it searches all the available flights so that you can find the best deals quickly. It’s always worked great for us!

This chart will give you a better idea of the flight costs to Alaska, Iceland, and other top Aurora destinations. These prices are just examples of the lowest round-trip flights I found during my search:

	ALASKA (FAIRBANKS)	ICELAND (KEFLAVÍK)	CANADA (WHITEHORSE)	NORWAY (TROMSØ)	FINLAND (ROVANIEMI)	SWEDEN (LULEÅ)
New York, USA	From $702 USD	From $322 USD	From $615 USD	From $543 USD	From $623 USD	From $548 USD
Los Angeles, USA	From $420 USD	From $660 USD	From $416 USD	From $614 USD	From $723 USD	From $723 USD
Toronto, Canada	From $1,005 CAD	From $570 CAD	From $593 CAD	From $1,189 CAD	From $1,178 CAD	From $1,044 CAD
London, UK	From £704 GBP	From £89 GBP	From £655 GBP	From £193 GBP	From £214 GBP	From £155 GBP
Sydney, Australia	From $1,738 AUD	From $1,846 AUD	From $1,458 AUD	From $1,942 AUD	From $1,938 AUD	From $1,977 AUD
CHEAP FLIGHTS TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

 

Be sure to check out our guide on how to find cheap flights for more tips and tricks that will help you get the best deals.

Hotel prices to see the Northern Lights

If you book a Northern Lights tour, your accommodation will be taken care of for you. However, if you’re planning your own getaway, read our guide on how to find cheap hotels.

There are all kinds of options, although if you stay in the best Northern Lights hotels in the world, you can expect to pay a lot more. No matter where you stay, be sure to book in advance; rates typically increase the closer you get to your travel dates, especially during Northern Lights season.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can find cheap lodges and hotels, although they won’t be as strategically located. In that case, it’s a good idea to book a guided tour or use a rental car so you can easily travel to the locations with the highest probability of Aurora sightings.

The chart below gives you an idea of the average cost of hotels in some of the top Northern Lights destinations. These prices reflect the approximate cost per night for 2 adults:

	ALASKA	ICELAND	CANADA	NORWAY	FINLAND	SWEDEN
Average price	$190 USD / €175 EUR	$200 USD / €185 EUR	$250 USD / €225 EUR	$190 USD / €175 EUR	$325 USD / €300 EUR	$130 USD / €120 EUR
HOTEL PRICES TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

 

Again, the rates will vary throughout the year, and the total price will depend on the time of year you travel, how long you stay, and the number of guests. It’s worth reading our specific guides to learn more about the accommodation options at your chosen destination:

Northern Lights trip by rental car

If you decide to plan your own Northern Lights getaway, consider renting a car at your destination. This way, you can reach more remote locations where the light pollution is minimal and there are optimal conditions for seeing the Dancing Lady.

If renting a car isn’t a viable option, I recommend booking an organized Aurora tour. A knowledgeable guide will take you to the places where you are most likely to witness the Northern Lights.

Now, if you want to rent a car, I suggest booking it through the DiscoverCars platform. We always use this website, which scours the Internet for the cheapest rental car deals. That said, the price of your rental will depend on the type of vehicle, your travel dates, how many days you’re renting it for, etc. The chart below shows the approximate costs for rental cars at the top Northern Lights destinations.

For this table, I chose the cheapest 4×4 vehicle since this type of car will let you travel just about anywhere:

	ALASKA	ICELAND	CANADA	NORWAY	FINLAND	SWEDEN
Price	From $160 per day/€150 per day	From $55 per day/€50 per day	From $75 per day/€70 per day	From $50 per day/€45 per day	From $190 per day/€175 per day	From $55 per day/€50 per day
RENTAL CARS FOR A NORTHERN LIGHTS TRIP

 

It’s always a good idea to book in advance to get the best deal. I also recommend our guide on how to find cheap rental cars, which will give you more tips for securing the lowest price possible.

FIND CHEAP RENTAL CARS

Cost of a Northern Lights tour

If this is your first time taking a Northern Lights trip and you’re overwhelmed by the task of planning everything on your own, I highly recommend booking a guided overnight tour.

These Northern Lights excursions are led by guides who know exactly where to see the Northern Lights and the best times to spot them. Plus, they’ll be with you throughout the tour, so you can learn all kinds of interesting information about this natural spectacle. You can discover what causes the Northern Lights and how they’re formed, which adds a unique layer to the overall experience.

The cost of a Northern Lights trip depends on where you go and how long the tour lasts. To give you a rough idea, Northern Lights tours in Tromso, Norway, start at $120/person. Northern Lights tours in Reykjavík, Iceland, begin at around $60/person.

I’ll share more top-rated tour options later in this guide, but you can also check out our specific articles:

In addition to flights, hotels, rental cars, and tours, you should also factor other expenses like meals into your trip budget. It’s a good idea to get one of the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards so you can avoid extra fees when making purchases abroad. Also, read our guide on how to travel cheaply for more money-saving tips we’ve learned over the years.

Northern Lights tours in Alaska – 2024 Prices & dates

Alaska is one of the best places to take an Aurora Borealis tour. That said, the tour options here are more limited compared to other destinations. The best one we found is this Northern Lights and snowshoeing tour, which departs from Anchorage and goes to Fairbanks.

This 6-day Northern Lights travel package is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors and hiking. Be aware that the excursion involves 3-8 miles of snowshoeing each day, so you should be in good physical shape. Not only will you enjoy the charming landscapes of the Last Frontier, but you’ll also see the Northern Lights in Alaska.

Northern Lights tours in Alaska – 2024 Prices & dates

The reason why there are so few organized excursions in Alaska is because there are excellent Northern Lights hotels in Fairbanks, so many travelers come here to watch the aurora from their own room. There’s no place in the United States like Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights, so if you can get here, it’s totally worth it. A good idea would be booking a multi-day package and one of the Northern Lights tours in Fairbanks, giving you plenty of chances to spot the aurora.

• Departs from: Anchorage
• Duration: 6 days
• Price from: $4,060 USD/€3,777 EUR
• Highlights: Tour to see the Northern Lights, snowshoeing through the most amazing landscapes between Anchorage and Fairbanks

Northern Lights tours in Iceland – 2024 Prices & dates

Iceland is one of the best countries to see the Aurora Borealis, so there are many great tours here. If you want a Northern Lights excursion that takes care of everything for you, I recommend this 5-day tour or this 8-day trip.

In addition to the Northern Lights, these organized trips to Iceland take you to some of the country’s top attractions, such as Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, and the Blue Lagoon. The 8-day package, in particular, includes a visit to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and some natural wonders in Southern Iceland. Of course, both options will let you enjoy the Northern Lights of Iceland, which are visible for 8 months of the year.

Northern Lights tours in Iceland – 2024 Prices & dates

I really can’t recommend a trip to Iceland enough, not just for the Aurora Borealis, but for this country’s breathtaking landscapes. We love this place so much that we host photography trips to Iceland every year. So, if you’re a photography lover and want to learn how to photograph the Green Lady, consider joining us!

Otherwise, I suggest looking through the best Northern Lights tours in Iceland, especially these two:

Aurora Lights tours in Canada – 2024 Prices & dates

Canada is another good place to take a tour of the Northern Lights, especially if you’re traveling from the U.S. The best Aurora Borealis tours in Canada are this 4-day tour in Whitehorse, this 8-day tour from Yellowknife and this 15-day excursion from Vancouver.

If you’re looking for a Northern Lights package deal, consider the Whitehorse tour. You’ll spend 4 days in the capital of the Yukon, Canada, and join an expert guide to go aurora hunting. You’ll also visit the AuroraCentre, one of the top places in the area with a high probability of aurora activity, thanks to its minimal light pollution. This excursion also includes opportunities to explore other Whitehorse attractions like the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site and the Old Log Church Museum.

Aurora Lights tours in Canada – 2024 Prices & dates

There is also this tour to Yellowknife, which lasts 8 days. Discover the interesting attractions in Yellowknife and its surroundings by day, then head out at night in search of auroras. You’ll also spend a few days enjoying the beautiful scenery and natural landmarks of Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Yoho National Park.

Yet another option is this excursion from Vancouver, which takes you to one of my favorite places in the world, the Canadian Rockies. This multi-day Northern Lights trip is the most comprehensive option. Not only will you see the aurora borealis, but you’ll also visit impressive sites like Jasper and Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, and Yellowknife. We saw many of these places during our Canadian Rockies trip, so I can tell you that you’re in for a treat. In addition to seeing the Northern Lights in Canada, you’ll witness stunning landscapes.

Northern Lights tours in Norway – 2024 Prices & dates

Norway has some of the cheapest Northern Lights trips, and its excursions appeal to all types of travelers. You’ll find everything from multi-day tours to hotels designed specifically for aurora viewing here. We love the gorgeous scenery of this country, so we also offer photography trips to Lofoten, one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Norway.

Northern Lights tours in Norway – 2024 Prices & dates

If you’re not into photography, I recommend this Arctic experience, a Northern Lights expedition that goes to Tromso and the Lofoten Islands. There’s also this tour to the North Cape from Tromso, which includes unique activities like cruises, snowmobile tours, and visits to igloo hotels.

Aurora Borealis tours in Finland – 2024 Prices & dates

Finland, particularly Finnish Lapland, is one of the most popular places to take a Northern Lights vacation. If you go during the Christmas season, you can even meet Santa Claus! Given Finland’s extensive aurora borealis tourism, it’s home to some of the best Northern Lights hotels in the world.

If you want to join us in this gorgeous country, consider joining our photography tour in Finnish Lapland. Otherwise, I recommend this 5-day trip to Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle or this 8-day tour from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and other sites in Lapland.

Aurora Borealis tours in Finland – 2024 Prices & dates

Rovaniemi is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland, which is why most Aurora tours go there. In addition, you can do other things in Rovaniemi, such as see Santa, visit a reindeer and husky farm, and ride snowmobiles.

If you take the tour that departs from Helsinki, you’ll visit Rovaniemi, then travel even further north to Yllastunturi, where your chances of spotting the Aurora are even better. Both of the tours below are especially fun to do with kids, thanks to the Christmas theme. That said, people of all ages will have a magical experience, as Finland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world!

Aurora Lights tours in Sweden – 2024 Prices & dates

If you’re interested in Northern Lights package deals in Sweden, I recommend this 5-day trip or this 8-day trip. Both excursions start in Luleå and explore the remote parts of Swedish Lapland, where there is minimal light pollution.

During the 5-day excursion, you’ll enjoy an icebreaker session aboard a boat, where you can spot wildlife like elk and reindeer. You’ll also have free time to explore, followed by a guided Northern Lights tour at night.

Aurora Lights tours in Sweden – 2024 Prices & dates

The 8-day trip gives you more time to see the Northern Lights in Sweden, along with its exciting tourist attractions. In addition to Luleå, you’ll see the town of Jokkmokk, spend a couple of nights in a Sami camp, and enjoy activities like skiing and snowshoeing.

Sweden is an excellent destination if you’re traveling from Europe, and you can find well-priced flights. So, if you’re still planning a 2024 Northern Lights trip, this country is a great choice!

Best deals on Northern Lights vacation packages

One of the best ways to find cheap trips to see the Aurora Borealis is by checking TourRadar’s online discounts. Just select the country you want to visit, and you’ll see a variety of all-inclusive travel packages at a glance.

By booking an organized trip, you won’t have to worry about finding accommodation, a rental car, and Aurora tours, since it’s all included. You won’t even have to look for places to eat since the guides will arrange everything for you. The only thing you must pay for separately is the plane ticket and any extra activities you want to do at your destination.

Best deals on Northern Lights vacation packages

Getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is a good idea so you don’t have to worry about racking up extra unnecessary charges while abroad. Also, these aurora borealis tour packages don’t include travel insurance, so you should take out a policy before your trip. I always get insurance coverage for my trips, and Heymondo is my go-to choice, as they offer an excellent coverage-to-price ratio and pay your medical expenses upfront. You can take advantage of our Heymondo discount to save even more.

Booking a Northern Lights trip package is usually cheaper than organizing the trip yourself. It’s also much more practical and comfortable since all the details are taken care of for you.

Best time to take a Northern Lights vacation

Another nice thing about booking an organized Aurora Borealis trip is that you don’t have to worry about predicting the Northern Lights forecast. This is because these tours only take place during aurora season – typically in winter – when you have the highest likelihood of spotting the Green Lady.

Generally speaking, the best time to see the Northern Lights is from early September to mid-April, when there are more hours of darkness at high latitudes. However, depending on the country you travel to, this period may vary or be shorter.

Best time to take a Northern Lights vacation

To sum up, you want to visit during those months with the least cloud cover between September and March and avoid any days that coincide with the full moon.

You can find more information in our article highlighting when to see the Northern Lights in different destinations.

Tips to see the Northern Lights and enjoy your Aurora tour

Finally, I want to share some advice to help you fully enjoy your Northern Lights vacation. Speaking from experience, these tips will come in handy whether you’re signing up for an organized Northern Lights excursion or planning an independent itinerary:

• Choose a destination where the Northern Lights are common, such as those mentioned in this guide.

• Avoid traveling in the summer, as it’s the worst season for aurora viewing. Remember, aurora season runs from September to April, although the exact months may vary slightly depending on your destination.

• Northern Lights tours take place in high-latitude countries where the nights are quite cold, so wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.

• Download the My Aurora Forecast app, which will help you predict where and when to see the Northern Lights. You can also consult our guide on how to predict the Northern Lights for more information, especially if you’re traveling independently.

Tips to see the Northern Lights and enjoy your Aurora tour

• Pay attention to weather changes, as the Aurora Borealis can only be seen when there are clear skies.

• To see the Northern Lights, you need very dark skies, so avoid urban centers or places with light pollution.

• Be patient! You may not see auroras on the first night, so it’s a good idea to book a multi-day Northern Lights trip.

• Your chances of seeing the aurora are higher if you take a guided Northern Lights tour, so I highly recommend booking an organized excursion.

• Check out our guide on how to photograph the Northern Lights to learn how to take the best souvenir photos. If you’re unsure about your photography gear, we have specific articles on the best cameras for photographing the Northern Lights and the best lenses for photographing the Northern Lights.

Last but not least, remember to enjoy the experience!

Our photography tours to see the Northern Lights

We also organize trips to see the Northern Lights! These are photography trips, so they’re tailored to travelers who are passionate about photography. Our tours are suitable for all skill levels, and we currently offer Iceland photo tours, photo tours to the Lofoten Islands, and Finnish Lapland photo tours.

Our photography tours to see the Northern Lights

We will go hunting for auroras, and you’ll learn different photography techniques to take your skills to the next level. We also go to the most stunning locations, so these tours are perfect if you love photography and travel – like us!

FAQs – Northern Lights excursions & trips

Before we wrap up, here are the most common questions about organized aurora borealis trips and the Northern Lights:

Now that you’re equipped with all the information, it’s time to plan your Northern Lights getaway. Whether you choose a guided tour or prefer to travel independently, this natural wonder is sure to leave you in awe. Don’t forget to share your questions or experiences in the comments below. I’m eager to hear about your Northern Lights adventure!

Stay safe, and enjoy your aurora trip!