Activity Buses

Buying a used activity bus starts with route use, passenger count, CDL fit, and state activity-bus requirements.

  • Best fit: Schools, churches, nonprofits, camps, and youth programs running supervised activity trips.
  • Budget: Often $10,900-$85,000 used, with new Thomas, Blue Bird, or Collins units running higher.
  • Check: MFSAB classification, CDL requirements, insurance, service records, rust, and seating layout.
Need help choosing? Compare buyer fit, capacity, operating requirements, and inspection priorities after the listings. View the decision guide
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2019 Chevrolet Starcraft 14P

2019 Chevrolet Starcraft 14P

32042

2019 Chevrolet 3500 Starcraft Prodigy 14 Passenger MFSAB with a V8 Gasoline engine, Automatic transmission, Dash and rear air conditioning, seat belts, and more. Perfect for private schools, churches, employee transport, and more. 

$75,000
Mileage 16900
Passengers 14
Year 2016
2019 Chevrolet Thomas 14P

2019 Chevrolet Thomas 14P

32041

2019 Chevrolet 3500 Thomas 14 passenger MFSAB with a V8 Gasoline engine, individual coach style seating, automatic transmission, Dash and rear air conditioning, seat belts, and more. Perfect for private schools, churches, employee transport, and more. 

$74,000
Mileage 17800
Passengers 14
Year 2019
Picture of 2017 Chevrolet MFSAB 14P Activity

2017 Chevrolet MFSAB 14P Activity

32010

Introducing the 2017 Chevrolet Starcraft 14-Passenger MFSAB Activity Bus, expertly engineered to provide safe, efficient, and reliable school and activities transport for students, children, and adults. With a robust Vortec 6L V-8 engine and automatic transmission, this fleet-ready bus ensures smooth, dependable performance on every route. The high back seats offer enhanced comfort, making it ideal for long journeys. With a low miles, this bus promises a low total cost of ownership (TCO), making it a smart investment for schools and fleet operators. The Chevrolet brand is renowned for its reliability and durability, providing peace of mind and consistent performance. This MFSAB is equipped with a reliable chassis, ensuring safety and stability on the road.

Chevrolet is a trusted name in the automotive industry, known for its innovation and quality. This MFSAB upholds that tradition, offering exceptional value and performance.

$52,000
Mileage 58000
Passengers 14
Year 2017
Picture of 2015 Collins Activity Bus

2015 Collins Activity Bus

31694

Discover exceptional fleet-ready performance with the 2015 Collins MFSAB 14 Passenger School Bus, designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern school transport and employee shuttle operations. This bus is built on a reliable Chevy chassis and is powered by a robust 4.8L gas engine, offering both dependability and low TCO for any organization. With just miles, it’s primed for years of safe, efficient service for students, adults, or work crews. The spacious interior features bench seating for up to 14 passengers, making it ideal for public and private schools, daycare centers, summer camps, and jobsite transport needs. Equipped with both front and rear A/C, passengers enjoy comfort in all weather conditions. Single rear wheels enhance maneuverability and ease of use in urban or rural environments.

Collins is renowned for building durable, safety-focused buses tailored for school and commercial fleets. The Chevrolet platform further ensures proven reliability and wide service network support.

$55,000
Mileage 47600
Passengers 14
Year 2015
Picture of 2015 Starcraft Activity Bus

2015 Starcraft Activity Bus

31692

Discover outstanding versatility with the 2015 Starcraft MFSAB 14 Passenger School Bus, designed to deliver safe and comfortable transportation for students, employees, and group passengers. This fleet-ready vehicle features both front and rear A/C, ensuring a pleasant ride in all seasons. The robust Chevrolet 4.8L gas engine is built on a reliable chassis, giving you confidence in every journey, while the single rear wheels and bench seating maximize interior space for up to 14 riders. With miles, this bus is perfectly suited for schools, summer camps, employee shuttles, daycare centers, and more.

Starcraft is renowned for building durable, dependable buses that stand up to daily use. Chevrolet's reputation for low TCO and reliable performance makes this bus an excellent long-term investment for any fleet operator.

$55,000
Mileage 44000
Passengers 14
Year 2015
2024 Ford T-350HD Collins 14P

2024 Ford T-350HD Collins 14P

29067

2024 Ford T-350HD Collins Body 14-Passenger Premium MFSAB Activity Bus with less than 3,000 miles. This bus was recently put into service and comes with the balance of the factory warranty. This unit has a 14 Passenger configuration with premium tinted glass, premium seats with seat belts, front and rear air conditioning and more. Perfect for any public school, private school, daycare or other business needing to transport students in comfort.

$129,000
Mileage 3000
Passengers 14
Year 2024
2016 Chevrolet Thomas 14P MFSAB

2016 Chevrolet Thomas 14P MFSAB

28778

2016 Chevrolet Thomas MinoTour 14-Passenger MFSAB Activity Bus with high back individual style seats, isle arm rests, rear air conditioning, tinted glass, seat belts and more. This is an excellent bus for any school, church, daycare enter or fleet operator interested in providing comfortable small group transport for children or employees.

$52,500
Mileage 79000
Passengers 14
Year 2016
2003 Ford Collins 24P ADA

2003 Ford Collins 24P ADA

28420

2003 Ford Collins ADA Accessible 24-Passenger MFSAB Activity Bus with very low original miles. Texas vehicle with grey vinyl interior, air conditioning and more.

$17,500
Mileage 52373
Passengers 24
Year 2003
2008 Chevy G3500 14P

2008 Chevy G3500 14P

28406

2008 Chevrolet 14-Passenger MFSAB Activity Bus with only 85,000 miles. Texas owned and operated. Gasoline powered with automatic transmission, individual seats and more. 

$18,000
Mileage 85000
Passengers 14
Year 2008
2015 Blue Bird Activity Bus

2015 Blue Bird Activity Bus

27730

The 2015 Blue Bird Vision 36 Passenger Activity Bus is an exceptional fleet-ready option for student, private or employee transportation, offering reliability and efficiency. With only 35,000 miles and powered by a robust Cummins diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission, this passenger bus is an economical choice for schools, fleet operators or organizations seeking to expand their transportation capabilities.

Blue Bird is renowned for producing durable and reliable buses that adhere to high safety standards, providing buyers with confidence in their investment. This commitment to quality and innovation ensures that each vehicle is built to withstand the demands of daily use, making it a trusted choice for any transportation needs.

$54,000
Mileage 35800
Passengers 36
Year 2015
2005 Chevrolet Micro-Bird

2005 Chevrolet Micro-Bird

26976
Bus was used for preschool trips weekly to the library and occasional trips to local theaters, farms, museums, etc. The bus holds 30 and has seatbelts for all. It was last state inspected on 4-2-2025 and only needed windshield washer solvent and Peak coolant.
$27,000
Mileage 27092
Passengers 30
Year 2005
2004 GMC Savana G3500

2004 GMC Savana G3500

26953

Very Unique bus Purple named Ms. Violet. She turns heads wherever she goes. Wheelchair Lift. Currently in operable just needs to be lubricated. Clean interior Black, front seat recovered. All service records since 2020 ownership clean title, clean car fax, Fuel Gas, ABS brakes,4 wheel drive, RWD, power steering, cruise control AM/FM system.

$16,000
Mileage 114000
Passengers 9
Year 2004
2025 Ford Magellan MFSAB

2025 Ford Magellan MFSAB

26890

The 2025 Ford Magellan MFSAB is a versatile multi-function school activity bus crafted to meet the demands of private student transportation. With room for 14 passengers plus a driver, and powered by a robust 7.3L V8 Premium Gas Engine paired with a Torqshift Automatic Transmission, this fleet-ready vehicle promises reliable performance and efficiency for a variety of transportation needs.


Ford's reputation for quality and innovation ensures that the Magellan MFSAB is built to last, offering buyers peace of mind with its advanced engineering and robust construction. This commitment to excellence makes Ford a trusted choice for those seeking a dependable solution for safely transporting young passengers.

$125,000
Mileage 0
Passengers 14
Year 2025
2015 Blue Bird 15

2015 Blue Bird 15

26293

Navy blue, excellent condition. Rarely used. Purchased for preschool field trips but was never used by the school. Air brakes

$45,000
Mileage 8200
Passengers 28
Year 2015
2011 Chevy Mybus

2011 Chevy Mybus

25597

Seats up to 30, currently configured for 20. Front hood has had peeling paint and probably needs to be repainted. No other major issues. Driven 1 mile per day to pick up students. Used daily and currently in use. 

Group of 3 available. Southern buses

Under CDL weight for most states. Seats/seatbelts can be removed if necessary for your state

$40,000
Mileage 23700
Passengers 30
Year 2011
2006 Ford E-450 Super Duty Ford

2006 Ford E-450 Super Duty Ford

25068
$18,000
Mileage 139819
Passengers 20
Year 2006
2012 Blue Bird All American RE Flat Nose Activity Bus

2012 Blue Bird All American RE Flat Nose Activity Bus

24384

This 2012 Bluebird All American RE combines a powerful 300 HP Cummins engine with a rear engine design and a reliable wheelchair lift. Designed for both comfort and functionality, it's ideal for activity operations requiring ADA accessibility and dependable performance.

$39,000
Mileage 76000
Passengers 26
Year 2012
2016 Ford Transit T-250

2016 Ford Transit T-250

24217

Explore the 2016 Ford Transit T-250 Multifunction Shuttle Bus, equipped for various transport needs with only wheelchair access available and just 18,000 miles on the odometer. This fully reconditioned bus is perfect for churches, schools, and shuttle services, providing excellent comfort and safety features.

$49,000
Mileage 18300
Passengers 14
Year 2016
2019 Blue Bird Vision Propane

2019 Blue Bird Vision Propane

23856

The 2019 Blue Bird Vision air conditioned activity bus provides spacious seating for 28 passengers, featuring individual high-back seats equipped with 3 point seatbelts for enhanced safety. Powered by a clean 6.8 liter V10 propane engine and automatic transmission, this bus includes a large rear luggage area for ample storage.

$40,000
Mileage 183000
Passengers 28
Year 2019
2015 Chevrolet 3500 Thomas MFSAB

2015 Chevrolet 3500 Thomas MFSAB

23397

2015 Chevrolet Express 3500 Thomas Built MFSAB 14-Passenger Mini Bus with only 19,000 original miles. This bus has individual coach style seats, overhead storage, front and rear air conditioning, rear auxiliary heater, back-up camera, tinted glass and more. White with navy interior. Very clean, low miles bus that is available now.

$50,000
Mileage 19000
Passengers 14
Year 2015
1990 Blue Bird TC2000 Activity Bus

1990 Blue Bird TC2000 Activity Bus

23055
This 1990 Blue Bird TC2000, previously used by a local Arizona Church, is a robust passenger bus for sale with a reliable Cummins 6-cylinder 5.9L turbo diesel engine. Despite its age, this automatic bus remains in good condition, boasting Alchoa rims, well-maintained tires, and a clean fuse panel, making it a valuable acquisition for those in need of reliable group transportation.
$17,900
Mileage 149612
Passengers 45
Year 1990
2002 International AmTran Activity Bus

2002 International AmTran Activity Bus

21969

The 2002 International AmTran is a 71-passenger diesel school bus powered by a DT-466 E engine and equipped with air brakes. Featuring an Allison automatic transmission, this Texas bus is well-suited for student transport or commercial repurposing.

$32,000
Mileage 87773
Passengers 71
Year 2002
2014 Blue Bird All American

2014 Blue Bird All American

21827

2014 Blue Bird All American 44 Passenger Flat Nose Activity Bus with 44 individual seats, rear a/c, hand rails, under-floor luggage storage and more. Powered by the Cummins 6.7L ISB diesel. This is a one owner previous government use bus with low miles. 

$39,000
Mileage 90000
Passengers 44
Year 2014
2020 Chevy 4500 Starcraft MFSAB Activity Bus

2020 Chevy 4500 Starcraft MFSAB Activity Bus

21700

This 2020 Starcraft Multi-Function School Activity Bus (MFSAB) is a versatile vehicle designed to transport up to 34 passengers plus the driver. Built on a Chevy 4500 chassis and powered by a 6.0L V-8 gas engine, it offers reliable performance for various transportation needs. With only 27,000 miles on the odometer, this bus is well-suited for organizations requiring a spacious and dependable transport solution.

$88,000
Mileage 27000
Passengers 34
Year 2020
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Which Activity Bus Is Right for Your Situation?

Activity buses serve five distinct buyer types — and your right spec varies significantly depending on how you plan to use the vehicle. Use this matrix to narrow your shortlist before you start browsing listings.

Buyer TypeRecommended Bus TypeTypical BudgetKey Consideration
School DistrictType C or D conventional (Thomas C2, Blue Bird All American RE), 48–72 passenger$35,000–$219,000 (used–new)Must meet FMVSS 222 seat standards; CDL required for GVWR over 26,001 lbs; verify state activity-bus endorsement rules
Church / NonprofitMFSAB cutaway (Ford E-350/E-450, Chevy 3500) on Collins or Starcraft body, 14–24 passenger$17,500–$125,000 (used–new)Stay at or under 14 passengers + driver and under 26,001 lbs GVWR to avoid CDL; gasoline chassis lowers maintenance cost vs. diesel for low-mileage fleets
Skoolie ConversionFlat-nose Type C (Thomas Flat Nose, Blue Bird FE), 35–47 ft, pre-2010 diesel$10,900–$40,000Ceiling height 6'3"+; avoid DPF/SCR diesel emissions systems (2007+); inspect frame crossmembers for rust before purchase
Shuttle OperatorFord Transit or Chevy 3500-based MFSAB, 12–24 passenger, under 150k miles$18,000–$85,000Activity-bus classification may require additional DOT authority for interstate routes; confirm with state DMV before purchase
ExporterAny Type C/D diesel, 150,000–250,000 miles acceptable, no restrictions on emissions compliance$10,900–$35,000Confirm destination country's left/right-hand-drive requirements; check export title and lien clearance before shipping

Activity Bus Types: Capacity, Size, and CDL Requirements

School bus classifications (Type A through D) are set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and apply to activity buses as well. The table below gives you the specs you need before you start calling sellers.

TypePassenger CapacityTypical LengthGVWR ClassCDL Required?Used Price Range
Type A (MFSAB)10–24 passengers20–27 ftClass 3–5 (up to 19,500 lbs)No, if ≤14 passengers + driver and GVWR under 26,001 lbs$17,500–$125,000
Type B16–36 passengers23–35 ftClass 5–6 (up to 26,000 lbs)Borderline — verify GVWR on the data plate$20,000–$65,000
Type C (Conventional)24–72 passengers35–40 ftClass 7–8 (26,001–33,000 lbs)Yes — Class B CDL + P and S endorsements required$20,000–$177,000
Type D (Transit-Style RE)36–90 passengers35–40 ftClass 8 (33,001+ lbs)Yes — Class B CDL + P and S endorsements required$30,000–$219,000

Price ranges based on current BusesForSale.com inventory. CDL thresholds are federal minimums — your state may impose stricter rules. Always verify with your state DMV before purchase. See our school bus weight limits and GVWR guide for a deeper breakdown.

Activity Bus Body Types Explained

"Activity bus" is a use classification, not a body style. You'll see the same MFSAB route designation on everything from a compact Ford E-350 cutaway to a full-size Thomas C2. Knowing the body-style differences saves you time on your search — and keeps you from buying more bus than you can legally operate.

MFSAB cutaway (the most common activity bus). A Multi-Function School Activity Bus (MFSAB) body is built on a standard van or medium-duty cutaway chassis — think Ford E-350, Ford E-450, Chevrolet 3500, or GMC 4500. Bodies are installed by converters like Collins, Starcraft, Arrow, and Magellan, typically seating 12–24 passengers. You'll find MFSAB cutaways on our platform ranging from $17,500 to $125,000 depending on year, mileage, and builder. Most fall under 26,001 lbs GVWR. That's what makes them the go-to choice for churches and nonprofits — you don't need a CDL driver on the payroll.

Conventional (Type C) school bus body. The classic doghouse-nose bus — engine hood in the front, driver's compartment set back. Builders like Thomas Built (C2, HDX), Blue Bird (All American), and IC Bus produce conventional bodies on Freightliner, International, and proprietary chassis. Type C activity buses seat 24–72 and run roughly $20,000–$177,000 used. A 2016 Thomas Freightliner C2 with 88,000 miles recently listed at $51,000 — a useful benchmark as you price your search. Plan on a Class B CDL with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements to operate one legally.

Flat-nose (Type C/D transit-style front). Flat-nose buses — including the Thomas Flat Nose, Blue Bird FE, and IC transit-style units — put the driver over or ahead of the front axle. They offer excellent maneuverability in tight school lots and more interior length per overall vehicle length. Skoolie converters favor these for their generous ceiling height (often 6'2"–6'5" interior clear). Our current flat-nose activity bus listings range from $10,900 to $51,000.

Transit-style rear-engine (Type D). The Blue Bird All American RE, Thomas Saf-T-Liner HDX, and similar rear-engine models offer the highest capacity per footprint and the smoothest ride — the engine is at the back, away from the passenger compartment. These are the vehicles of choice for large school districts running high-volume activity routes. Expect $30,000–$219,000 depending on configuration and age. New 2025–2026 Thomas units with 44–48 passenger capacity currently list between $196,000 and $219,000.

Buying Guides for Activity Bus Owners

The purchase price is only the beginning. Before you write the check, you need to understand the compliance, operating, and ownership costs that follow the bus home. These guides cover what you need to know.

Popular Activity Bus Models on BusesForSale.com

These are the brands and models currently active in our activity bus inventory, based on live listing data. Click through to browse available units.

  • Thomas Built Buses (C2, HDX, Flat Nose, Saf-T-Liner EF) — the most common conventional activity bus in school district fleets; diesel-powered, purpose-built school bus chassis. Browse Thomas activity buses →
  • Blue Bird (All American, Vision, FE Flat Nose) — a leading manufacturer offering Type C and D configurations with diesel and alternative-fuel options. Browse Blue Bird activity buses →
  • Collins Bus (MFSAB on Ford and Chevrolet chassis) — the dominant builder for non-CDL cutaway activity buses; available on Ford E-350, E-450, and GMC 4500 chassis. Browse Collins MFSAB buses →
  • Starcraft Bus (MFSAB on Ford and Chevrolet chassis) — cutaway-body competitor to Collins; common in church and nonprofit fleets. Browse Starcraft activity buses →
  • IC Bus (CE, RE series) — International's school bus line; available in Type C and D configurations with Navistar DT466 and MaxxForce engine platforms. Browse IC Bus activity buses →

⚑ Model-specific landing pages for Thomas C2, Blue Bird All American, Collins MFSAB, Starcraft, and IC Bus do not currently exist in the BusesForSale.com URL structure. These links fall back to the activity-buses category page. Recommend creating dedicated model pages at /buses/thomas-c2, /buses/blue-bird-all-american, etc. to capture high-intent model search queries.

Activity buses cover a wide range of needs — but depending on your route, passenger count, and budget, one of these adjacent categories might be a better match.

School buses

If you're a school district running home-to-school routes — not just extracurricular trips — you need a standard school bus, not an activity bus. Home-to-school routes carry different FMVSS requirements and state funding implications.

Browse School Buses

Shuttle buses

Shuttle operators and corporate campuses that don't need school bus classification often find shuttle buses more cost-effective: no S endorsement required, broader insurance market, and more body-style flexibility.

Browse Shuttle Buses

Mini buses

Churches and nonprofits running small-group transport under 14 passengers often find mini buses hit the sweet spot of capacity, non-CDL operation, and manageable fuel costs.

Browse Mini Buses

Skoolie conversions

Already planning a conversion? Browse buses already listed as skoolie candidates — filtered for ceiling height, frame condition, and conversion-friendly configurations.

Browse Skoolie Conversions

Frequently Asked Questions About Activity Buses

How much does a used activity bus cost?

Used activity bus prices on our platform currently start around $10,900 for older high-mileage units — a 2008 Blue Bird Vision at 126,000 miles is a real example. Recent-year, low-mileage used units run up to $85,000. New 2025–2026 Thomas and IC Bus activity buses list between $108,000 and $219,000. If you want a reliable used diesel Type C with under 90,000 miles, budget $30,000–$55,000.

What mileage is too high for a used activity bus?

Activity buses built on full school bus chassis (Thomas, Blue Bird, IC Bus) with diesel engines are designed for 250,000–350,000 miles when properly maintained. Most buyers treat 150,000 miles as the threshold for a thorough pre-purchase inspection — particularly of the engine, transmission, and frame. Cutaway MFSAB units on van chassis (Ford E-350, Chevy 3500) typically age out sooner; 120,000–150,000 miles warrants extra scrutiny.

Do I need a CDL to drive an activity bus?

It depends on the vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and passenger count. Under federal rules, you need a CDL if your bus exceeds 26,001 lbs GVWR or carries 16 or more passengers including the driver. Most Collins and Starcraft MFSAB cutaways on a Ford E-350 or Chevy 3500 chassis fall below both thresholds — so you're likely fine. Full-size Thomas or Blue Bird conventional buses? You'll always need a Class B CDL with P and S endorsements. Check the data plate — your bus's GVWR is stamped right there.

What is an MFSAB and how is it different from a school bus?

If you're shopping for an MFSAB (Multi-Function School Activity Bus), here's the key distinction: it transports students only to school-sponsored activities — field trips, athletic events, club outings — never on a regular home-to-school route. That single distinction changes the regulatory framework: MFSABs don't require the same yellow color, flashing lights, or stop-arm equipment as home-to-school school buses in most states. They do still have to meet FMVSS 222 seating standards. If you're unsure, check your state department of education's rules.

Can you legally convert an activity bus into a skoolie?

Yes — once you buy an activity bus out of school service, you can retitle it as a non-school-use vehicle and convert it. Your key steps: retitle at your state DMV, remove school bus markings (yellow paint, stop arm, lights), and ensure your conversion meets local RV or vehicle habitability codes if you plan to register it as an RV. Some states make this straightforward; others require inspection. See our bus inspection and registration guide for a step-by-step checklist.

What should I inspect before buying a used activity bus?

When you inspect a used activity bus, focus on five areas: (1) frame crossmembers — you're looking for rust, cracks, and prior welds; (2) engine and transmission — check for oil leaks, blue smoke, and fluid condition; (3) brakes and air system — inspect drums, shoes, and the air dryer if equipped; (4) body and floor — soft floor spots tell you water got in somewhere; (5) service records — DOT inspection logs show you whether the bus was maintained by a fleet or an individual. Budget $150–$300 for an independent pre-purchase inspection. It's almost always worth it.

Browse Activity Buses for Sale

Over 50 activity buses in inventory — MFSAB cutaways, conventional Type C, and flat-nose units from Thomas, Blue Bird, Collins, Starcraft, and IC Bus. Filter by passenger capacity, price, mileage, and fuel type.

Browse Activity Bus Listings

Selling an activity bus? List your bus here →

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