- Mr Plane Guy
- Oct 1
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Where Can I Fly to See the Northern Lights?
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger, Flight Expert & Northern Lights OBSSESSED
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog running (and fuels my habit of buying overpriced airport lattes at the airport). Thanks for your support!
Best Places to Experience the Aurora Borealis This Year
If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, 2025 or maybe 2026 is shaping up to be your year. Thanks to the peak of the Solar Maximum an 11-year cycle of solar activity the aurora is expected to be more frequent and intense than usual this season. So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to book that Northern Lights trip, now’s the moment to make it happen.
But where exactly should you go? In this guide I’ll break down the best destinations to see the Northern Lights, with a focus on Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Greenland and even the remote Svalbard. I’ll also share when to go, how to get there from the UK (including Wizz Air, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 routes), and my top tour picks (affiliate links) so you can book with confidence.
Oh and if Iceland’s on your radar, I’ve already written a full guide to visiting Iceland
Why 2025 is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights or aurora borealis happen when solar particles hit Earth’s magnetic field and light up the sky in shimmering greens, purples, reds and blues. The stronger the solar activity, the more vivid and widespread the displays.
Right now, solar activity is at its peak, which means more powerful geomagnetic storms and more frequent shows even further south than usual. Still, your best bet is to head north into the Arctic Circle for the most reliable sightings.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in most locations is late September through early April, with peak conditions from December to February when the nights are longest and skies are darkest.
🇳🇴 Tromsø, Norway: The Northern Lights Capital
If you ask me where can I see the Northern Lights, Tromsø is one of the first places that comes to mind. Right in the heart of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø offers one of the most consistent aurora experiences anywhere on Earth. Locals will tell you that Tromsø benefits from stronger geomagnetic storms than more southerly locations, giving you more vivid auroras that last longer.
When to Go
Late September through early April, with December–February being prime time.
How to Get There From the UK
There are now direct winter flights to Tromsø from London Luton, Manchester and Gatwick, thanks to Wizz Air and easyJet, with fares from around £89 each way if you book early.
London Luton (LTN) → Tromsø (TOS)
Airline: Wizz Air UK
Flight time: Around 3 hours 35 minutes
When: November–March, twice weekly
Price: From approximately £56 to £80 one way if booked early. Best for budget-conscious travellers willing to get to Luton.
London Gatwick (LGW) → Tromsø (TOS)
Airline: easyJet
Flight time: Around 3 hours 25–45 minutes
When: November–March, twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays)
Best for South London and Sussex travellers who prefer Gatwick. Note: Norwegian no longer flies this route, easyJet is the only direct carrier from Gatwick.
Tromsø for less: check live fares on Trip.com quick booking and solid value on winter direct flights!
Manchester (MAN) → Tromsø (TOS)
Airlines: easyJet and Norwegian Air Shuttle
Flight time: Around 3 hours 25 minutes
When: November–March, twice weekly on both carriers
Best for travellers in northern England or Scotland avoiding London.
Tours I Recommend
Book a Northern Lights minibus tour to escape the city lights and chase clear skies:👉 Book a Tromsø Northern Lights tour on GetYourGuide
Aside from the lights, Tromsø has a surprisingly lively nightlife scene it boasts more bars per capita than anywhere else in Norway.
🇸🇪 Swedish Lapland: Quiet, Authentic Aurora Hunting
For something a bit more off-the-beaten-track, Swedish Lapland is an excellent choice. With fewer crowds than Tromsø or Reykjavik, you can enjoy the Northern Lights in a serene, snowy wilderness.
Where to Go
Kiruna: A small town of 18,000 with big skies and minimal light pollution.
Luleå: A coastal city surrounded by a vast archipelago, perfect for clear views.
When to Go
From September through late March, with long, dark nights in December–February giving you the best odds.
How to Get There From the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK to Kiruna or Luleå, but you can fly to Stockholm (lots of options from London and Manchester) and take a domestic flight.
Tours I Recommend
Combine your aurora hunt with snowmobiling or husky sledding:👉 Book a Swedish Lapland Northern Lights experience here
🇮🇸Reykjavik, Iceland: A Classic Choice
If you’d rather keep things simple and combine your aurora trip with hot springs, geysers and some of the world’s best landscapes, Reykjavik is ideal. It’s one of the most accessible places to see the Northern Lights, and there are dedicated tours leaving from the city every night in winter.
I’ve written more about my own Iceland trip and tips for Reykjavik on my blog: Read my Iceland posts here.
Don't forget to follow my Instagram for my latest travels
Check out my Ultimate Guide to Iceland jam packed full of tips, recommendations and my itinerary.
When to Go
Best between September and April.
How to Get There From the UK
Direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol and more on easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Jet2, with prices from just £30 one-way.
Tours I Recommend
Chase the lights with a guide while sipping hot chocolate:👉 Book a Reykjavik Northern Lights tour on GetYourGuide
Even if the lights don’t appear, Iceland’s natural wonders and restaurants make it worth the trip.
My Secret Weapon for travelling light with low cost airlines: Vacuum Travel Packing Bags
I first came across these when I was prepping for a 4 day trip to Rome. I didn’t want to pay for a large cabin bag, but I also didn’t want to live in one pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
Enter: Vacuum Travel Packing Bags. 👉 Check them out here
Get 10% off with code MRPLANE10 pack smarter, travel lighter!
What They Are
Resealable bags you pack your clothes into.
Roll them and then pump the air out.
Result? Clothes are flattened into a neat little condensed packed bag.
Why They’re Brilliant for Low Cost Airlines
Shrink your clothes by up to 70%. That’s basically doubling your space.
No bulging bag. Everything is flat, neat, and easy to slide into the sizer.
Stay organised. Separate outfits, keep dirty laundry sealed away.
UK Airport Lounges
Early morning or winter flights are a lot easier with a lounge pass in hand. Here are my picks:
Luton: Aspire Lounge ,quiet, decent breakfast, good Wi-Fi
Gatwick North: No1 Lounge, excellent runway views and a full hot buffet
Manchester T1: Escape Lounge, reliable, with good coffee and pastries
If you’re a frequent traveller, consider a Priority Pass to save on lounge entry.
🇫🇮 Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland: Santa and the Aurora
Finnish Lapland is famous as Santa’s home, but the Northern Lights are another huge reason to visit.
When to Go
Any time from September to April, with December–March being peak season.
How to Get There From the UK
There are direct flights in winter from London Stansted, Liverpool, and Manchester, with airlines like Ryanair and Jet2, starting around £30–£50 each way.
Tours I Recommend
Combine a Northern Lights safari with huskies, snowmobiles or even a visit to Santa’s Village:👉 Book a Rovaniemi Northern Lights safari here
🇬🇱 Ilulissat, Greenland: Remote and Reliable
For the true adventurer, Greenland offers a truly unique setting to watch the aurora. Ilulissat, Greenland’s third-largest town, sits right in the aurora belt and has very low wind and rain, so skies are clear more often than not.
When to Go
Best from September through April.
How to Get There From the UK
There are no direct flights. Fly from London to Copenhagen, then take an Air Greenland flight to Nuuk, followed by a domestic hop to Ilulissat.
Tours I Recommend
Witness the aurora over glaciers and fjords:👉 See Northern Lights tours in Greenland
🇳🇴 Svalbard, Norway: Darkness Like Nowhere Else
If you really want to maximise your chances, head further north. Svalbard sits just 650 miles from the North Pole, and during polar winter there’s almost no sunlight at all — which means plenty of opportunity to catch the lights.
When to Go
January and February are ideal when it’s completely dark 24/7.
How to Get There From the UK
Fly from London or Manchester to Tromsø, then take a quick domestic flight to Longyearbyen. Alternatively, join an Arctic expedition cruise.
Tours I Recommend
Explore Svalbard’s wilderness and hunt the aurora:
Northern Lights Trip Planning Tips
Keep an Eye on the Forecast
For Iceland specifically, I recommend checking the northern lights Iceland forecast (just search “Iceland aurora forecast” for up-to-date info). Clear, dark skies with high KP index numbers mean your chances are good.
Book Early for Flights
Winter flights to northern destinations sell out fast, so book as early as you can for the best deals.
Tromsø: Wizz Air & easyJet from Luton, Manchester, Gatwick
Reykjavik: Ryanair, Wizz Air, Jet2 & easyJet from most UK airports
Rovaniemi: Ryanair & Jet2 from Stansted, Liverpool, Manchester
Take a Tour
It’s absolutely worth booking a guided Northern Lights trip. Guides know how to chase the clear skies, and many provide warm clothing, hot drinks and photography tips.
So… Where Should You Go?
If you’re looking for:
✅ Best all-round experience: Tromsø, Norway
✅ Easiest and cheapest from the UK: Reykjavik, Iceland
✅ Most peaceful and uncrowded: Swedish Lapland or Greenland
✅ Extreme adventure: Svalbard
No matter which destination you choose, the key is to head north, stay at least 3–4 nights to maximise your chances, and don’t forget to look up you never know when the magic will appear.
And if you’re ready to book, check out my hand-picked Northern Lights tours through GetYourGuide above. Every booking helps support my blog at no extra cost to you and helps you have the trip of a lifetime.
My go-to Tromsø carry-on: the Cabin Max Anode, roomy for bulky layers, wet/dry pocket, and sized for easyJet (paid large cabin) and Wizz Air Priority.
Check price & availability → Cabin Max Anode 40L Cabin Suitcase (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
I use the Cabin Max Anode for trips because it swallows chunky jumpers and insulated trousers without turning into a mess. The hard shell is lightweight yet tough, and the wet/dry (waterproof) section is perfect for gloves or swim gear after a fjord dip. Pick this version sized for easyJet’s paid large cabin and Wizz Air Priority so it goes overhead without drama. I’ve taken it on both airlines for 3–7 day winter breaks with no issues.
Top Tip: I put an AirTag in my suitcase, I was able to check that my had arrived at the aircraft and is such good peace of mind!
Looking for a smart way to manage travel spending?
Quick Comparison: Best Aurora Destinations from the UK
Destination | Flight Options | Best Months | Vibe | Cost Level |
Tromsø 🇳🇴 | Direct (LTN, LGW, MAN) | Dec–Feb | Bustling, nightlife | ££ |
Reykjavik 🇮🇸 | Direct (many UK cities) | Sep–Apr | Accessible, scenic | £ |
Rovaniemi 🇫🇮 | Direct (winter only) | Dec–Mar | Magical, family-friendly | ££ |
Swedish Lapland 🇸🇪 | Via Stockholm | Dec–Feb | Remote, authentic | ££ |
Greenland 🇬🇱 | Multi-stop | Sep–Apr | Wild, adventurous | £££ |
Svalbard 🇳🇴 | Via Tromsø | Jan–Feb | Extreme, expedition-style | £££ |
Plan Your Airport Parking: Booking in advance can make your journey more seamless.
Purple Parking offers secure, affordable parking options at your local airport, with services starting from just £5.37 per day. The car park is equipped with 24/7 CCTV, perimeter fencing, and regular patrols, earning it the Park Mark® Safer Parking award for added peace of mind.
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Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Where Can I Fly to See the Northern Lights?
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