Mini Buses
Mini buses are the most versatile small-group transport vehicles on the market — compact enough for urban routes and parking constraints, yet spacious enough for groups up to 20 passengers. Our mini bus inventory includes both new and used models from Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercedes-Benz, built on cutaway chassis with professional bus bodies from StarCraft, ElDorado, Glaval, and Winnebago.
Mini buses are ideal for hotels and resorts, churches, assisted living and senior care facilities, corporate campuses, airport operators, and daycare fleets. ADA-accessible models with Braun wheelchair lifts regularly available. Many configurations fall below the CDL threshold. Call 877-287-7253.
Mini Bus Buyer's Guide
- Match Capacity to Your Actual Load
Mini buses typically seat 8–24 passengers. Size for your average load, not your peak:
- 8–12 passengers – Hotel shuttles, executive transport, patient transport
- 12–16 passengers – Assisted living, private schools, small tour operators
- 16–24 passengers – Employee transport, camps, community organizations
- Gas or Diesel?
- Gasoline – Lower upfront cost, easier to service anywhere. Ford's 6.8L V10 and 7.3L V8 are proven workhorses. Best for lower-mileage routes.
- Diesel – Better fuel economy for high-volume use. Ford F-550 Powerstroke and Chevrolet 4500 Duramax reward operators running 30,000+ miles per year.
- Know the CDL Rules
If a bus carries 16+ passengers or weighs over 26,000 lbs GVWR, a Class B CDL with passenger endorsement is required. Many mini buses in our inventory fall below both thresholds. Always confirm GVWR — not just seat count — before you buy.
- Chassis and Body Builder Both Matter
- Chassis – Ford (E-350, E-450, F-550, Transit) and Chevrolet (Express, 4500) offer the best parts availability and resale value in the segment.
- Body builder – Look for reputable builders like ElDorado National, StarCraft, Glaval, Turtletop, and Champion for interior quality and long-term durability.
- Features Worth Prioritizing
Dual A/C, high-back seating with seat belts, a power entry door, backup camera, and tinted glass are the features that protect passenger comfort, safety, and your organization's reputation on every route.
- Always Check Maintenance History
Fleet-owned buses from municipalities, hospitals, or universities are typically the best-maintained units on the market. Ask for service records and confirm DOT inspection status before committing.
FAQs
What defines a mini bus, and how many people does it seat?
A mini bus (often called a "cutaway" bus) is a passenger vehicle built on a light-to-medium duty chassis—most commonly a Ford E-Series or Chevrolet Express—with a specialized passenger body. These versatile vehicles typically seat between 12 and 20 passengers, making them the ideal solution for groups that have outgrown passenger vans but don't yet require a mid-size coach.
Do I need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to drive a mini bus?
In most states, if your mini bus is designed to carry 15 passengers or fewer (including the driver), you do not need a CDL. However, if the bus is configured for 16 or more passengers, or if its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeds 26,000 lbs, a CDL is generally required. Many of the mini buses in our inventory are specifically built to fall under the non-CDL threshold.
Which organizations typically use mini buses?
Mini buses are the "workhorses" for many community-focused organizations. They are the top choice for church youth groups, senior living communities, daycare centers, and hotel airport shuttles. Their smaller footprint makes them easier to drive and park in standard lots compared to full-size shuttle buses.
What are the most reliable brands and manufacturers for mini buses?
We carry mini buses from the industry's most trusted manufacturers. You will regularly find bodies built by companies like Starcraft, ElDorado, and Glaval, which are then mounted on dependable Ford or Chevrolet chassis. For organizations looking for premium efficiency and European styling, we also stock Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based options.
Are ADA-compliant mini buses available for medical or senior transport?
Yes. Accessibility is a key feature of our inventory. Many of our mini buses come equipped with ADA-compliant wheelchair lifts, non-slip flooring, and flexible seating layouts to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges. This makes them a perfect fit for Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) providers and assisted living facilities.
Should I buy a new or used mini bus for my organization?
While new mini buses offer the latest technology and full warranties, a high-quality used mini bus can often provide 80-90% of the same service life at a fraction of the cost. Because these vehicles use common commercial chassis, they are easy and affordable to maintain.
2018 FORD E-450 Non-CDL ADA
The 2018 Ford E-450 Startrans is an ADA-compliant shuttle bus, thoughtfully designed to prioritize safety and accessibility. With seating for up to 13 passengers and accommodations for three wheelchairs, this fleet-ready vehicle is perfect for organizations focused on providing inclusive transport solutions. The reliable Braun 800-pound rear wheelchair lift and efficient dash and rear air conditioning ensure a comfortable ride for all passengers. Interior grab rails add an extra layer of security, making this bus a dependable choice for any fleet.
Ford's reputation for durability and reliability is well-reflected in the E-450 model. The V10 gasoline engine, paired with an automatic transmission, offers a smooth and dependable driving experience, making it a cost-effective option for long-term use.
2018 FORD E-450 Startrans ADA Shuttle
The 2018 Ford E-450 Startrans is a fleet-ready shuttle bus, expertly crafted to fulfill the transportation needs of schools and organizations. With a 13-passenger capacity and ADA-compliant features, including a Braun wheelchair lift and three wheelchair positions, this non-CDL bus is ideal for daily routes, extracurricular activities, and special education transport. It ensures comfort and accessibility for all passengers, making it a versatile choice for various transport needs.
Ford is celebrated for producing durable and reliable vehicles, and the E-450 model is no exception. Known for its robust engineering and ease of maintenance, this shuttle bus provides peace of mind to buyers, ensuring long-term value and dependable performance in any fleet.
2018 Ford E-450 ADA Non-CDL Shuttle
The 2018 Ford E-450 Startrans is a versatile, fleet-ready shuttle bus designed to meet the needs of schools and organizations seeking safe and reliable transportation. This non-CDL vehicle is ADA compliant, featuring a spacious interior with 13 seats and three wheelchair positions, making it an excellent choice for school districts and private programs focused on budget efficiency and inclusive transport.
Equipped with a Braun 800-pound wheelchair lift and Transair rear air conditioning, the E-450 ensures comfort and accessibility for all passengers. Ford's reputation for durability and reliability is evident in this model, powered by a robust V10 gasoline engine and automatic transmission. This combination promises low maintenance and high performance, providing peace of mind for schools and organizations investing in long-term, cost-effective transportation solutions.
2016 Blue Bird Micro Bird MFSAB
Discover the unparalleled versatility and efficiency of the 2016 Blue Bird Micro Bird School Bus. Designed to cater to a wide range of transport needs, this fleet-ready bus is an ideal choice for public and private schools, employee transport, and more. With only 18,688 miles, this well-maintained bus offers a low total cost of ownership (TCO) and is built on a reliable chassis, ensuring dependable performance for years to come. The vehicle features a robust V6 3.7L engine and automatic transmission, making it a powerful yet smooth ride for students, children, adults, and employees alike. Safety is paramount, with built-in seat belts, a child check mate system, and an anti-theft alarm system to ensure peace of mind.
Blue Bird is renowned for its commitment to quality and safety, providing vehicles that excel in performance and reliability. The brand continues to set the standard in school and employee transportation, making it a trusted name in the industry.
2025 L.A. West Sprinter 14P
2025 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 Upfitted by L.A. West featuring a diesel engine, automatic transmission, ducted passenger air conditioning, leather seats, divided rear luggage, seat belts, and more.
2017 Chevrolet 4500 Arboc 14P ADA
2017 Chevrolet Express 4500 15 Passenger ADA Accessible Arboc shuttle featuring a V8 gasoline engine, automatic transmission, ADA accessible ramp at passenger entry, kneeling feature, dash and rear air conditioning, cloth seats with seat belts and more. This bus is perfect for assisted living facilities, senior transport, churches, fleet operators, and more.
2026 Ford E450 Diamond Coach 12P ADA
2026 Ford E450 Diamond Coach 12 Passenger ADA Shuttle bus with a V8 Gasoline engine, Automatic transmission, Braun ADA lift, Dash and rear air conditioning, Seat belts and more. This new shuttle is perfect for churches, employee transport, private shuttle service, nursing homes, and more. Ford factory 3 year or 36,000 miles warranty, Ford 5 year or 60,000 mile powertrain and 3 years or 36,000 body and lift with Diamond.
2026 Ford E-350 Diamond Coach ADA Shuttle
2026 Ford E-350 Diamond Coach ADA accessible shuttle bus with a V8 Gasoline eninge, Automatic transmission, Braun ADA lift, Front and rear air conditioning, and more. This is a brand new shuttle with only 1,000 miles on it from delivery! Ready for work and has folding seats perfect for multiple wheelchairs.
2017 Ford E-450 Shuttle 14-P ADA
2017 Ford E-450 features a powerful 6.8L V-10 gasoline engine and has been maintained with new batteries and newer tires — making it a reliable, move-in-ready option for transportation services, churches, schools, or medical transport. Fully inspected, serviced and ready to drive.
Key Features:
- ADA Compliant – Rear BraunAbility hydraulic wheelchair lift
- Q'Straint wheelchair securement system
- Power passenger door
- Front & rear climate control – Heat and A/C throughout
- Backup camera for safe maneuvering
- Vinyl rear seating – Easy to clean, durable
- Seatbelts at all positions
- New batteries & newer tires
Why This Bus? At just 34 ,000 miles on a heavy-duty E-450 platform, this shuttle has a long service life ahead. The V-10 engine is proven in commercial fleet applications, and the BraunAbility lift makes it ideal for ADA-compliant routes.
2014 Ford E-450 Eldorado ADA
2014 Ford E-450 Eldorado 14-Passenger ADA Accessible Shuttle Bus with only 19,000 miles. This vehicle has front and rear air conditioning, upgraded seats with seat belts, tinted glass, audio system, whwwl chair lift and more. This bus is perfect for any senior center, fleet operator, retirement community, church or any organization interested in providing wheel chair accessible transportation.
2018 Ford T-350HD Starcraft 12P
2018 Ford T-350 Starcraft 12-Passenger Shuttle Bus with front and rear air conditioning, a power entry door, tinted rear glass, upgraded wheel covers, seat belts, high back seats, arm rests, audio system and more. This shuttle bus is perfect for corporate transportation, retirement communities or any fleet operator interested in offering premium shuttle bus transport for small groups.
2015 Ford MicroBird 14P
2015 Ford MicroBird 14-Passenger Mini School Bus with only 27,000 miles. This bus has front and rear air conditioning, a power entry door, tinted glass, audio system and more. This is an excellent bus for any public school, private school, daycare center or anyone looking for student transport options.
2016 Ford Transit 350HD Shuttle
Introducing the 2016 Ford Transit 350HD, a versatile and reliable shuttle bus designed for premium guest transport. With a seating capacity for 14 passengers, this fleet-ready vehicle is perfect for shuttle fleet operators, retirement communities, and hospitality providers. Powered by a robust 3.7 V6 engine and automatic transmission, it ensures smooth and efficient travel, making it ideal for airport transport, events, and executive transport. The sleek white exterior adds a touch of professionalism, making it a standout choice for businesses and organizations seeking dependable guest transport solutions.
This bus has premium seating, panorama front view window, wood-looking floors, dedicated rear luggage storage, a power entry door, audio system and more.
Ford is renowned for its innovation and commitment to quality, delivering vehicles with exceptional performance and reliability. The Transit model exemplifies Ford's dedication to providing versatile and efficient transportation solutions.
2023 Ford E-450 12 Plus 2 ADA
2023 Ford E-450 Starcraft ADA Accessible Shuttle Bus with seating for 12 passengers plus 2 wheel chair positions. This bus is powered by the 7.3L V8 gasoline engine and has very low miles. It has a Braun ability lift, tinted glass, front and rear air conditioning, hard rails, power entry door, audio system and more. This bus is perfect for adult care centers, retirement communities, hospitality groups, hotels or any fleet operator needing ADA accessible transport options.
2021 Ford E-450 14P ADA
2021 Ford E-450 Elkhart 14-Passenger ADA wheel chair accessible Shuttle Bus featuring a reliable BraunAbility wheelchair lift, a powerful rear air conditioning system, power entry door, tinted glass, rear exit door, seat belts and more. This bus is ideal for hotels, airports, church groups, schools, senior living communities, and medical transport providers who need a balance of seating capacity and accessibility.
2015 Chevrolet Diesel 12P Shuttle
2015 Chevrolet 3500 Duramax Diesel Startrans 12-Passenger Shuttle Bus with only 86,000 miles. This shuttle has front and rear heat and a/c, a power entry door, audio system, hand rails, tinted glass, seat belts, venting windows and more. This shuttle is perfect for any church, hotel or shuttle bus operator looking to move small groups of employees or clients in style.
2019 Ford E-350 Non-CDL ADA
2019 Ford E-350 12-Passenger ADA Accessible Shuttle Bus with very low original miles. This bus features a power entry door, extra high capacity rear air conditioning, Braun wheel chair lift, tinted glass, high back seats, back-up camera, seat belts and more. This bus would be an excellent choice for any retirement community, church, hotel or any business who is interested in providing transportation to client, students or residents.
2019 Ford T-350 World Trans Perimeter
2019 Ford T-350 World Trans Airporter 13-Passenger Shuttle Bus with perimeter seating, a power entry door, interior parcel rack, LED interior lighting, tinted glass, seat belts, seat belts, hand rails and more.
2014 Ford E-350 ADA Shuttle 12P
2014 Ford E-350 ADA Accessible 12 Passenger Shuttle Bus with only 12,000 original miles. This bus has front and rear air conditioning, a power entry door, ADA wheel chair lift, tinted glass, high back seats, seat belts, arm rests, grab handles, back-up camera and more.
2016 Ford E 350
Was used very lightly for assisted living business that just closed.
Its a great vehicle with wheel chair hydraulic lift and 12 passenger seating very low miles and great condition
2019 Ford ElDorado Aerotech
The 2019 ElDorado Aerotech Shuttle Bus is an excellent choice for universities, churches and shuttle services seeking a cost-effective transportation solution with perimeter seating. Equipped with a powerful 6.8 Liter V10 Gas/Propane engine and automatic transmission, this 14-passenger shuttle is perfect for efficiently moving students or congregants between locations, facilitating events, and modernizing aging fleets within budgetary constraints.
ElDorado is renowned for its innovative shuttle conversion expertise and commitment to quality, ensuring a durable and dependable bus that meets the rigorous demands of institutional transportation. This reputation offers buyers peace of mind, knowing they are investing in a vehicle that enhances fleet capabilities while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
2026 Ford E-350 ADA Starcraft
2026 Ford E-350 ADA Accessible Starcraft Premium Shuttle Bus with Braun wheel chair lift, premium interior seating with reclining seats, overhead storage, tinted glass, venting windows, power rear a/c system, interior LED lighting, back-up camera, audio system, power entry door,
2025 Ford E-450 ADA Starcraft
2025 Ford E-450 Starcraft ADA Accessible Deluxe Shuttle Bus with premium seating, overhead storage, reclining seats, arm rests, tinted glass, venting windows, front and rear a/c, audio system, back-up camera, LED interior lighting, Braun wheel chair lift and more.
2025 Ford E-450 Starcraft Non-CDL
2025 Ford E-450 Starcraft 14 Passenger premium shuttle bus with dedicated rear luggage storage, overhead parcel racks, interior LED lighting, aircraft style reading lights, USB chargers, electric entry door, front and rear a/c with dual compressors, high-back seats with seat belts, armrests, back-up camera, audio system, tinted glass, venting windows and more. This bus has very low miles and was gently used. It comes with warranties from Ford and Starcraft.
