Mid Size Buses

Buying a used mid-size bus starts with passenger capacity, chassis class, CDL needs, and route profile.

Best fit: Churches, schools, campuses, corporate shuttles, charter operators, and group travel.
Budget: Often $65,000-$270,000 depending on year, chassis, seating, mileage, and amenities.
Check: GVWR, CDL requirements, A/C, brakes, door hardware, service history, and body condition.

Need help choosing? Compare buyer fit, capacity, operating requirements, and inspection priorities after the listings. View the decision guide

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Which Mid-Size Bus Fits Your Operation?

Mid-size buses attract a wide range of buyers. You might be a corporate shuttle operator building a 35-passenger commuter fleet — or a church that's outgrown a 15-passenger van. Your headcount, CDL availability, and service profile drive the right choice. Use this matrix to narrow the field before you browse listings.

Mid-Size Bus Buyer-Fit Matrix — busesforsale.com
Buyer Type	Recommended Bus	Typical Budget (Used)	Key Consideration
Corporate / Employee Shuttle	Freightliner Glaval Legacy or Ford F-650, 33–45 passengers	$85,000–$185,000	Passenger comfort and route cycle durability matter most. Freightliner Cummins diesel with Allison auto is the workhorse spec. Verify A/C compressor count — a single-zone system won't keep 40 people cool. CDL required.
Church / Nonprofit	Ford F-550 Starcraft or Chevrolet 4500 Starcraft, 25–32 passengers	$65,000–$130,000	A mid-size bus is the step up when your congregation outgrows a 15-passenger van. Most builds in this range require a Class B CDL — verify your drivers are licensed before you buy. Ford F-550 chassis has the widest service network.
Charter / Tour Operator	Grech Motors GM40, Freightliner Star Rider, or Ford F-650 Diamond Coach	$130,000–$270,000	Charter clients expect premium interiors: recliner seats, panoramic windows, luggage bays, and USB at every position. Grech Motors and Diamond Coach excel here. Verify luggage bay dimensions if you're running tour routes with bags.
University / Campus Transit	Freightliner Glaval Legacy or StarTrans PS2, 36–45 passengers	$100,000–$200,000	High-cycle stop-and-go use wears brakes and door hardware fast. Look for units with documented service history and check door actuator condition. ADA lift or ramp is required for Title II compliance on most campus routes.
Airport / Hotel Shuttle	Ford F-650 or Freightliner Glaval, 33–40 passengers, ADA spec	$85,000–$160,000	Luggage storage is the deciding factor — verify underfloor bay capacity. ADA lift or ramp is a near-universal requirement for commercial airport service. Low-floor designs ease passenger flow for baggage-heavy travelers.
School / Activity Program	Thomas Minotour MFSAB or Chevy Starcraft Prodigy, 14–25 passengers	$45,000–$100,000	If you're transporting students, MFSAB (Multi-Function School Activity Bus) compliance is often required — high-back seats, seat belts, and specific safety standards. Confirm your state's rules before buying a non-MFSAB unit for student transport.

Mid-Size Bus Types: Capacity, Chassis & CDL Requirements

Mid-size buses span a meaningful range — from a 14-passenger MFSAB activity bus up to a 45-passenger Freightliner coach. Your capacity target and budget drive the decision. Whether you need MFSAB compliance for student transport or a general shuttle adds another layer. Here's how the main configurations compare.

Mid-Size Bus Specifications — busesforsale.com
Bus Type / Chassis	Passenger Capacity	Typical GVWR	CDL Required?	Typical Used Price
MFSAB / Activity Bus (Thomas Minotour, Starcraft Prodigy — Ford/Chevy chassis)	14–24 passengers	14,500–22,000 lbs	Often No (under 26,001 lbs) — verify GVWR	$45,000–$85,000
Ford F-550 Mid-Size Shuttle (Starcraft XL, Krystal K30, Diamond Coach)	25–34 passengers	19,500–22,000 lbs	No (under 26,001 lbs on most builds)	$65,000–$130,000
Ford F-650 Mid-Size Coach (Starcraft XLT, Diamond Coach, Ford F-650 charter)	33–45 passengers	26,000–33,000 lbs	Yes — Class B CDL	$85,000–$230,000
Chevrolet 4500 / C5500 Mid-Size (Starcraft, Arboc Spirit of Freedom)	14–33 passengers	16,500–26,000 lbs	Varies — verify GVWR per unit	$65,000–$120,000
Freightliner S2 / MC Mid-Size Coach (Glaval Legacy, Glaval Concord, StarTrans PS2)	33–45 passengers	33,000–40,000 lbs	Yes — Class B CDL	$100,000–$270,000
Freightliner SC2 / Grech Motors GM40 (Tour-spec, charter-ready)	38–45 passengers	33,000–40,000 lbs	Yes — Class B CDL	$185,000–$270,000+

CDL threshold note: Many Ford F-550 builds stay under 26,001 lbs GVWR — no CDL required. Ford F-650 and all Freightliner-chassis mid-size coaches exceed that threshold. Always read the data plate on the specific unit before you assume your drivers are licensed for it. The chassis model alone isn't enough.

Mid-Size Bus Builders & Platforms: What to Expect

Mid-size buses are almost always a chassis-plus-body combination. Your chassis — Ford or Freightliner — determines your mechanical service options. Your body builder — Starcraft, Glaval, Grech Motors, Diamond Coach — determines interior quality and feature set. Here's what you need to know about each before you buy.

Starcraft — The Volume Mid-Size Builder

Starcraft Bus (part of Forest River) is the highest-volume mid-size bus builder in North America — and the most common body you'll encounter here. Their Starcraft XL and Allstar models on Ford F-550 chassis (25–32 passengers) are the go-to for churches, schools, and corporate shuttles that want a dependable bus without premium pricing. Used 2015–2023 builds run $65,000–$130,000. The Starcraft Prodigy MFSAB on Chevrolet chassis is your strongest option for student transport. Parts and body repair support flow through Forest River's dealer network. If you're buying your first mid-size bus, a clean Starcraft on a Ford F-550 is the lowest-risk entry point.

Freightliner Glaval Legacy & Concord — The Fleet Workhorse

The Freightliner Glaval Legacy is the dominant platform for 33–45 passenger mid-size shuttle work. Built on the Freightliner S2 or SC2 chassis with a Cummins 300 HP 6.7L diesel and Allison auto, it's engineered for high-cycle stop-and-go — airport routes, campus loops, corporate commuter runs. New 2024–2025 units list at $200,000–$270,000; used 2015–2019 builds run $100,000–$185,000 with 100,000–190,000 miles. The Glaval Concord adds a low-floor design for transit and paratransit. If you need a bus that will run 200+ days a year, the Freightliner Glaval is your benchmark. Just make sure your drivers hold a Class B CDL before you take delivery.

Ford F-650 / Diamond Coach & Charter Builds

If you want a premium mid-size experience without a full motorcoach price tag, the Ford F-650 with a Diamond Coach body is your answer. The 2024 Ford F-550 Diamond Coach listed here — 32–34 passengers, 7.3L V8, panoramic windows, executive recliners, 120,000 BTU A/C, Altro Transit flooring, and USB at every seat — is the top of the mid-size market at that capacity. The 2023 Ford F-650 Mid Size Bus (33 passengers, brand new, $227,000) is the next tier up. Both stay in the domestic Ford service network — a real advantage when you're in an unfamiliar city and need a repair fast.

Grech Motors & Premium Tour-Spec Builds

Grech Motors occupies the top tier of the mid-size charter market. Their GM40 on a Freightliner SC2 chassis is the bus you buy when your clients compare you to a full motorcoach experience. The 2026 Grech Motors GM40 listed here — 40 passengers, Freightliner SC2, welded steel cage, black aluminum exterior — sets the standard for tour-ready mid-size coaches. You get individual reclining seats, panoramic windows, overhead luggage, USB charging, and premium audio-video. If you're competing for corporate retreats, sports team charters, or premium group tours, the Grech GM40 is how you win on product. Budget $185,000–$270,000+ for recent builds.

Thomas Minotour & MFSAB Activity Buses

The Thomas Minotour is the most widely recognized MFSAB (Multi-Function School Activity Bus) in the mid-size segment. Built on a Ford E-450 chassis with school-bus-level safety standards — high-back seats, seat belts on every position, FMVSS compliance — it's the tool your school, daycare, or camp needs when standard shuttle buses don't meet your state's student transport rules. A 2016 Thomas Minotour with 14 passengers and 59,040 miles is a typical find. Capacity is more modest than the Starcraft or Freightliner tier (14–24 passengers), but for your organization where student transport compliance is non-negotiable, it's the right choice. Check your state's specific MFSAB requirements before buying — they vary significantly.

Before You Buy: Essential Reading for Mid-Size Bus Buyers

Mid-Size Bus Weight, GVWR & CDL Licensing. The 26,001 lb GVWR threshold separates CDL-required from non-CDL operation — and it's where Ford F-550 and F-650 builds diverge. Most F-550 mid-size buses stay under it; all Freightliner-chassis coaches exceed it significantly. Our bus weight limits and GVWR guide explains how to read the data plate, what GVWR classes mean for your drivers, and how axle ratings interact with your loaded passenger weight.

Insurance for Mid-Size Charter & Shuttle Buses. A 40-passenger Freightliner Glaval carrying your employees on a daily commuter route needs fundamentally different coverage than a church shuttle running Sunday service. Your DOT authority status, passenger count, and whether you operate commercially or as a nonprofit all shape your premium and required limits. Our bus insurance types and commercial coverage guide breaks down what mid-size bus operators actually need — and what they consistently underestimate.

Choosing the Right Bus for Schools & Daycares. If your mid-size bus will transport children, the choice between an MFSAB-compliant activity bus and a standard shuttle matters both legally and operationally. Some states require seat belts and high-back seating on all student transport regardless of school bus classification. Our guide to choosing buses for daycares and schools covers the 9 things to check before you buy — including what MFSAB compliance actually requires.

Pre-Purchase Inspection & Registration. When you buy a mid-size bus from fleet retirement or an out-of-state seller, you're looking at a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a commercial vehicle title transfer. Both are more involved than buying a passenger car. Your priority checks: air brake integrity, door hardware cycles, A/C compressor condition, and ADA lift function if the bus is equipped. Our bus pre-purchase inspection and registration guide walks through the 7-step process.

Mid-size buses are the sweet spot for 25–45 passengers. If your headcount is smaller — or you need full motorcoach amenities — one of these categories fits you better.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mid-Size Buses

How much does a used mid-size bus cost?

Used mid-size buses range from roughly $65,000 for a high-mileage Ford F-550 Starcraft with 25–30 passengers up to $270,000+ for a new or nearly-new Freightliner Star Rider or Grech Motors GM40. The most active part of the used market sits between $85,000 and $160,000 — covering 33–42 passenger Freightliner Glaval and Ford F-650 builds from 2013–2019 with 80,000–190,000 miles.

Do you need a CDL to drive a mid-size bus?

It depends on the specific vehicle's GVWR. Ford F-550 mid-size buses (25–32 passengers) typically fall under 26,001 lbs — no CDL required for you to operate them. Ford F-650 and all Freightliner-chassis coaches exceed that threshold. You'll need a Class B CDL with a Passenger (P) endorsement. Always read the data plate on the actual vehicle before you assume. The chassis model alone isn't enough.

What's the difference between a mid-size bus and a shuttle bus?

The distinction is mostly capacity and chassis class. Shuttle buses typically seat 16–28 passengers on lighter cutaway or van platforms and are often CDL-exempt. Mid-size buses seat 25–45 passengers on heavier-duty chassis — Ford F-650, Freightliner S2 — with more robust body construction, larger luggage capacity, and features like reclining seats, panoramic windows, and full-size A/C. You'll find natural overlap in the 25–30 passenger range.

What is an MFSAB and do I need one for student transport?

MFSAB stands for Multi-Function School Activity Bus — a vehicle that meets specific FMVSS safety standards for transporting students, including high-back padded seats, seat belts on every position, and specific mirror and lighting requirements. Whether you need an MFSAB instead of a standard shuttle depends on your state's student transport rules. Many states require MFSAB compliance for any vehicle transporting K–12 students on school-sponsored activities. Check your state's DOE or DOT rules before you buy.

What should I inspect before buying a used mid-size bus?

Your inspection priority list: (1) air brake system — check for leaks and proper pressure build; (2) A/C system — verify all zones cool and check compressor belts; (3) door hardware — mid-size bus doors cycle thousands of times and wear fast; (4) ADA lift or ramp if equipped — cycle fully and check hydraulic seals; (5) transmission service records; (6) tire condition and sidewall date code, not just tread depth. Always request the full service history before you commit.

Freightliner Glaval vs. Ford F-650: which is better for a fleet?

For high-cycle fleet use — 200+ operating days per year — the Freightliner Glaval with Cummins diesel and Allison transmission is the stronger platform. You get a more robust chassis, more capacity (up to 45 passengers), and a bus purpose-built for commercial stop-and-go. If your organization wants simpler maintenance through a domestic dealer network and doesn't need maximum capacity, the Ford F-650 is your practical choice — wider service availability and lower operating costs in most markets.

Ready to Find Your Mid-Size Bus?

Browse Freightliner Glaval, Ford F-650 charter builds, Grech Motors GM40, Starcraft shuttle coaches, and Thomas Minotour MFSAB activity buses — updated daily from verified sellers across the U.S.

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