School Buses

Buying a used school bus starts with bus type, passenger count, CDL needs, and condition.

  • Best fit: Schools, churches, activity programs, and skoolie buyers.
  • Budget: Used school buses range from about $8,000 to over $100,000.
  • Check: Rust, title class, service history, tires, brakes, and CDL fit.
Need help choosing? Compare Type A-D, budgets, buyer fit, and CDL notes after the listings. View the decision guide
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2017 Blue Bird All American 84P

10671

2017 Bluebird All American FE 84 Passenger School Bus that was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use. One owner and fleet maintained since new. Perfect for any school, university or company looking to move large groups of students or employees. Cummins diesel, tinted glass, air brakes and all service records.

$43,000
Mileage 109,000
Passengers 84
Year 2017

10 Matching Buses 2011 Thomas C2 77P

49285

Ten Matching used school buses that were recently retired from daily school bus fleet use. These buses are matching units from the same fleet. 2011 Freightliner Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 77-81 Passenger full size yellow school buses. These buses are in stock now and ready wiuth no delay. We ship nationwide and worldwide. Diesel powered with tinted glass and power entry doors. This is a perfect group of buses for any large job site, construction company, data center project, private school, church organization or any fleet company interested in providing large group transportation options.

$128,000
Mileage 160,000
Passengers 77
Year 2011

10 Matching ADA Accessible AC Buses

48413

10 Matching 2018 Freightliner Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 33-Passenger ADA Accessible School Buses with air conditioning, seat belts, Cummins diesels, air brakes, air door, tinted glass and more. These buses were recently retired from school bus fleet use in Florida. They are in stock and ready to go.

$499,000
Mileage 80,000
Passengers 33
Year 2018

2020 International CE 72P

51460

2020 International CE 72-Passenger Yellow School Bus with a Cummins diesel, allison automatic trans, air brakes, air door, chrome grille, tinted glass and more. We have 6 matching units like this on the ground right now and ready to ship. No ordering and no delays. 

$60,000
Mileage 72,233
Passengers 72
Year 2020

4 Matching 2020 International 72P

47523

4 Matching 2020 International CE 72-Passenger Cummins Diesel powered full size yellow School Buses with air brakes, air doors and more. These buses were recently retired from the same fleet. They are in stock now and ready to go. No waiting, no ordering and no delays. They are ready to serve your needs. These buses are perfect for any public school, private school, school bus fleet operator, church group, employee transport company, job site shuttle service or any company that offers mass transport options.

These buses are located on the East Coast USA, near every major port and they can easily be exported to Africa, South America or any other destination on Earth.

Here's your opportunity to buy four matching units, with matching drivetrains, at the same location. Save time, save money and save yourself the headache of souring buses from multiple locations. 

$228,000
Mileage 80,000
Passengers 72
Year 2020

20 Matching 2017 Blue Bird Vision 72P

49284

20 Matching Bus Package Deal. These buses are fresh from daily school bus fleet use and ready to get back to work. These are matching buses from the same fleet. 2017 Blue Bird Vision full size 72-Passenger School Buses with Cummins Diesels, air brakes, air doors and more. These buses are in stock now and ready to ship with no delay. They are perfect for large job sites, data center buses, employee transport, public schools, private schools and more. 

We ship nationwide and worldwide. 

$720,000
Mileage 90,000
Passengers 72
Year 2017

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12 Bus Package - 2017 Blue Bird AAFE

46391

Discover the 2017 Blue Bird All American FE, a reliable and spacious bus designed to meet the demands of fleet operators and transport professionals. With seating for up to 84 passengers, this model is ideal for school districts, shuttle services, and group transportation needs. The bus has been road-proven with mileages ranging from 90K to 101K, reflecting its dependable performance and readiness for continued service. Blue Bird’s reputation for durability and quality craftsmanship ensures this vehicle delivers consistent operation and comfort. Its robust build and practical design make it a smart investment for those seeking a versatile and efficient bus solution.

$482,000
Mileage 95,000
Passengers 84
Year 2017

10 Bus Package - 2013 International CE Yellow School bus

39644

Ten matching 2013 International CE yellow school buses that were recently retired from daily school bus fleet use. These buses are in stock now and ready to ship. These used buses are perfect for job site transportation, private schools, public schools, day camps, large daycare centers and more. Every bus is diesel powered, has seat belts for all passengers and they all run well. 

$110,000
Mileage 150,000
Passengers 54
Year 2013

30 Matching 72 Passenger Thomas Cummins Diesel

47520

30 Matching Freightliner Thomas full size yellow school buses with 72-Passenger seating capacity available now for immediate purchase. These buses have been retired from daily school bus fleet use and are available now without delay. These buses are perfect for any large school bus fleet operation, job site transportation company, employee transportation and more. These buses are located on the East Coast USA and near all major shipping ports, making them very easy and inexpensive to ship to Africa, South America, Canada or any other destination on Earth.

Cummins diesel powered.

These are matching buses from the same fleet and are available as a package deal to save the buyer time, money and headaches of having to source buses from many locations. 

$968,000
Mileage 122,000
Passengers 72
Year 2016

30 Units 2012 Thomas 72P Cummins

43744

Package deal for 30 Matching 2011-2012 Freightliner Thomas 72 Passenger full size yellow school buses with Cummins Diesels. These buses were recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and are ready to get back to work. These buses have tinted glass, power entry doors and more. They are perfect for job site buses, large constrruction site employee transport, export buses, private schools or any any fleet operator in need of transport solutions for large groups.

$542,000
Mileage 120,000
Passengers 72
Year 2012

2017 Blue Bird Vision 72P

51832

Discover the reliable and efficient 2017 Blue Bird Vision 72-Passenger Yellow School Bus, a diesel-powered bus designed to meet the demands of fleet operators and transit providers. Equipped with a robust Cummins diesel engine and smooth automatic transmission, this bus offers dependable performance and ease of operation. With seating for 72 passengers, it’s ideal for school routes, shuttle services, or group transportation. The vehicle features air brakes and both front and rear air ride suspension, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride for all passengers. This Blue Bird Vision is road-proven and ready to serve your transportation needs efficiently and reliably.

$33,000
Mileage 108,118
Passengers 72
Year 2017

2017 Blue Bird Vision 72P

51829

Discover the reliable and efficient 2017 Blue Bird Vision, a diesel-powered bus designed to meet the demands of fleet operators and transport providers. Equipped with a robust Cummins diesel engine and smooth automatic transmission, this bus offers dependable performance and ease of operation. With seating for 72 passengers, it’s ideal for school routes, shuttle services, or group transportation. The vehicle features advanced air brakes and an engine brake system, enhancing safety and control on every journey. Comfort is prioritized with front and rear air ride suspension, providing a smooth ride for passengers, while the rear heater ensures warmth during colder months. This Blue Bird Vision has been road-proven with 98,040 miles, reflecting its readiness for continued service. A trusted choice for those seeking a durable, well-equipped bus that balances performance and passenger comfort.

$38,300
Mileage 98,040
Passengers 72
Year 2017

2017 Blue Bird Vision 72P

51828

Discover the reliable and efficient 2017 Blue Bird Vision 72-Passenger School Bus, a diesel-powered bus designed to meet the demands of any fleet operation. Equipped with a robust Cummins diesel engine and smooth automatic transmission, this bus offers dependable performance and ease of driving. With seating for 72 passengers, it’s ideal for schools, shuttle services, or group transportation needs. The vehicle features air brakes and both front and rear air ride suspension, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride for all passengers. This Blue Bird Vision has been road-proven with 92,001 miles, reflecting its readiness for continued service. Its durable Blue Bird body and trusted drivetrain make it a smart investment for operators seeking a quality used bus with proven reliability.

$38,000
Mileage 92,001
Passengers 72
Year 2017

2016 Thomas C2 72P

51763

Discover the reliable performance and spacious design of this 2016 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 72-Passenger Yellow School Bus, a trusted choice for fleet operators seeking efficiency and durability. Built by Thomas Built Buses, this Cummins diesel-powered vehicle combines robust engineering with an automatic transmission for smooth, effortless driving. With seating for up to 72 passengers, it’s ideal for school routes, group transportation, or community shuttles. The odometer reads 126,267 miles, reflecting a road-proven history that underscores its dependable operation. Designed with practicality in mind, this bus offers straightforward people mover capabilities that maximizes passenger capacity and ease of maintenance. Whether expanding your fleet or upgrading your current vehicles, this THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner delivers consistent value and trusted performance for years to come.

$30,300
Mileage 126,267
Passengers 72
Year 2016

2016 Thomas C2 72P

51762

Discover reliable performance and practical design with this Cummins Diesel powered 2016 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 72-Passenger School Bus, a trusted choice for school bus fleet operators, private schools and public schools seeking efficiency and durability. Powered by a robust Cummins diesel engine and equipped with an automatic transmission, this bus delivers smooth, dependable operation ideal for daily routes. With seating for 72 passengers, it offers ample capacity for schools, shuttle services, employee transport, job site transport or group transportation needs. The Thomas Built Buses body ensures a solid build quality, while hydraulic brakes and an engine brake provide enhanced safety and control on the road. 

$31,300
Mileage 125,926
Passengers 72
Year 2016

2012 Thomas C2 81P

51753

Discover the reliable performance and spacious capacity of this 2012 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 81-Passenger Full Size Yellow School Bus, a trusted choice for fleet operators and bus buyers alike. Powered by a robust Cummins diesel engine and equipped with an automatic transmission, this bus delivers smooth, efficient operation ideal for daily routes. With seating for up to 81 passengers, it offers ample room for large groups, making it perfect for schools, shuttle services, or community transport. The Thomas Built Buses body ensures durability and safety, while air brakes and rear air suspension provide enhanced control and a comfortable ride. 

$20,000
Mileage 170,015
Passengers 81
Year 2012

2012 Thomas C2 81P Luggage

51752

Discover reliable performance and practical design with this 2012 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 81-Passenger School Bus with under-floor luggage storage, a trusted choice for fleet operators seeking efficiency and durability. Powered by a robust Cummins diesel engine and equipped with an automatic transmission, this bus delivers smooth, dependable operation ideal for daily routes. With seating for 81 passengers, it offers ample capacity for schools, shuttle services, or group transportation needs. The vehicle features advanced safety and comfort elements including air brakes, an engine brake, and rear air suspension, ensuring a stable and controlled ride. Additional under floor storage provides convenient space for equipment or luggage, enhancing operational flexibility. This Thomas Built Buses model combines proven engineering with practical features to support your transportation demands effectively.

$18,000
Mileage 189,623
Passengers 81
Year 2012

2012 Thomas C2 81P

51751

Discover the reliable performance and spacious capacity of this 2012 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 81-Passenger Yellow School Bus, a trusted choice for school bus fleet operators seeking durability and efficiency. Powered by a robust Cummins diesel engine and equipped with an automatic transmission, this bus delivers smooth, dependable operation ideal for daily routes. With seating for up to 81 passengers, it offers ample space for large groups, making it perfect for schools, shuttle services, or community transport. The Thomas Built Buses body ensures a solid build quality, while advanced features like air brakes, an engine brake, and rear air suspension contribute to enhanced safety and a comfortable ride. 

$15,000
Mileage 228,326
Passengers 81
Year 2012

2012 Thomas C2 72P

51748

Discover reliable performance and robust build quality with this 2012 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 72-Passenger School Bus, a trusted choice for fleet operators seeking efficiency and durability. Powered by a dependable Cummins diesel engine and equipped with an automatic transmission, this bus offers smooth operation and ease of driving. Designed to comfortably seat up to 72 passengers, it is ideal for school routes, shuttle services, or group transportation needs. The Thomas Built Buses body ensures a solid, safety-focused construction, complemented by air brakes and rear air suspension for enhanced ride comfort and control. Additionally, the engine brake provides added safety and braking efficiency on varied terrains. A practical, well-engineered option for expanding or upgrading your fleet.

$15,000
Mileage 136,034
Passengers 72
Year 2012

2012 Thomas C2 81P Luggage

51747

2012 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 81-Passenger Yellow School Bus with under-floor luggage storage and a Cummins Diesel. With seating for 81 passengers, it offers ample capacity for schools, shuttle services, job sites, employee transportation or group transportation needs. The Thomas Built Buses body ensures a solid build quality, while air brakes and rear air suspension provide enhanced safety and a comfortable ride. Additional underfloor luggage storage adds practical convenience for longer trips or transporting extra gear. A smart investment for expanding or upgrading your fleet.

$19,200
Mileage 179,843
Passengers 81
Year 2012

2011 Thomas C2 81P

51746

Discover the reliable and durable 2011 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 81-Passenger School Bus, a trusted choice for school bus fleet operators seeking efficiency and capacity. This Thomas Built Buses model features a robust diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and consistent performance on every route. With seating for up to 81 passengers, it’s ideal for school districts, shuttle services, or group transportation needs. The bus is equipped with air brakes and rear air suspension, providing enhanced safety and a comfortable ride for all passengers. 

$15,000
Mileage 138,871
Passengers 81
Year 2011

2018 Blue Bird Vision 72P

51722

Discover the reliable performance and spacious design of this low mileage 2018 Blue Bird Vision 72-Passenger School Bus, a trusted choice for school bus fleet operators seeking efficiency and durability. Powered by a robust Cummins diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission, this bus delivers smooth, dependable operation ideal for daily routes. With seating for 72 passengers, it maximizes capacity without compromising comfort, making it perfect for schools, shuttle services, or group transportation. The Blue Bird body is renowned for its rugged construction and safety features, ensuring long-lasting service and peace of mind. This well-maintained vehicle has only 70,912 miles. Invest in a quality bus that combines proven performance with practical capacity to enhance your fleet today.

$53,000
Mileage 70,912
Passengers 72
Year 2018

2022 Blue Bird Vision 77P Gas

51697

Discover the reliable and efficient gasoline powered 2022 Blue Bird Vision 77-Passenger full size yellow School Bus, a bus designed to meet the demands of fleet operators seeking durability and performance. With seating for up to 77 passengers, this model is ideal for school transportation, shuttle services, or group travel. The automatic transmission ensures smooth operation, reducing driver fatigue and improving overall safety. Blue Bird has a proven reputation for quality and longevity, making it a smart investment for expanding or upgrading your fleet.

$68,000
Mileage 75,559
Passengers 77
Year 2022

2016 Freightliner Thomas C2 72P

51687

Discover reliable performance and efficiency with this 2016 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 72-Passenger full size yellow School Bus, a trusted choice for school fleet operators seeking durability and capacity. Powered by a robust Cummins diesel engine and equipped with an automatic transmission, this bus delivers smooth, dependable operation ideal for daily routes. With seating for 72 passengers, it offers ample space for schools, shuttle services, or group transportation needs. The Thomas Built Buses body ensures a solid build quality, while hydraulic brakes and an engine brake provide enhanced safety and control on the road. A practical, well-engineered bus designed to support your fleet with dependable service and ease of operation.

$30,300
Mileage 121,656
Passengers 72
Year 2016
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Which School Bus Is Right for You?

School buses show up on more buyer shortlists than you might expect. Whether you're a fleet manager, a church administrator, or a first-time converter, the right type depends on your passenger count, driver licensing, and budget. Here's how the main use cases stack up.

School bus buyer-fit matrix by use case
Buyer Type Recommended Type Typical Budget (Used) Key Consideration
School district / fleet operator Type C or D (66–90 passengers) $15,000 – $40,000 FMVSS 222 compliance, CDL Class B + P + S endorsements required for drivers, fleet pricing on multiples
Church / nonprofit Type A (14–20 passengers) or activity bus $8,000 – $18,000 Non-CDL operability below 26,001 lbs GVWR and 15 passengers; look for MFSAB (Multi-Function School Activity Bus) titles
Skoolie conversion Short Type C (40 ft or under), flat-nose preferred $3,000 – $12,000 Interior ceiling height (minimum 6 ft standing clearance), rust-free frame, no major accident history — cosmetics don't matter, structure does
Shuttle / charter operator Type A transit-style or activity bus $10,000 – $25,000 Passenger comfort, ADA lift option, low mileage relative to age; confirm title as activity or transit bus (not school bus) if drivers lack CDL S endorsement
Exporter Type C or D, any age $3,000 – $15,000 Clean title, no rebuilt/salvage designation, major mechanical systems intact; cosmetic and compliance condition matters less for export markets

School Bus Types at a Glance

The federal classification system divides school buses into four types by body configuration and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR — the maximum safe loaded weight). The type you choose determines CDL requirements, route fit, and resale value. If you're unsure which type fits your operation, the buyer matrix above is a good starting point.

School bus Type A through D: specifications and CDL requirements
Type Passenger Capacity Typical Length GVWR Class CDL Required? Used Price Range
Type A Up to 24 passengers 20 – 28 ft Under 10,000 lbs (A-1) or 10,001 – 14,500 lbs (A-2) No CDL if ≤15 passengers and <26,001 lbs GVWR $8,000 – $20,000
Type B Up to 35 passengers 23 – 30 ft 10,001 – 26,000 lbs CDL Class B required above 26,000 lbs GVWR $10,000 – $22,000
Type C Up to 66 passengers 35 – 40 ft Over 10,000 lbs (conventional cab-over or flat-nose) CDL Class B + P + S endorsements $12,000 – $35,000
Type D Up to 90 passengers 40 – 45 ft Over 10,000 lbs (transit/flat-nose, rear engine) CDL Class B + P + S endorsements $15,000 – $50,000

Capacity figures reflect standard school-bus seating (three-abreast, padded compartmentalization). Actual capacity varies by manufacturer configuration and seat spacing.

Understanding the Four School Bus Types

Type A — Small Body on Van or Cutaway Chassis. Type A buses are built on a van or cutaway chassis — essentially a commercial van extended into a bus body. You get seating for up to 24 passengers and a footprint that stays manageable in parking lots and urban routes. Many configurations stay under the CDL threshold, which is why they're the default choice for churches, daycares, and small nonprofits. Popular platforms include the Ford E-450 and Chevy Express cutaway.

Type B — Bus Body on Van or Truck Chassis. Type B buses extend a conventional bus body forward over the engine, mounted on a heavy-duty van or truck chassis. You're looking at seating for up to 35 passengers — useful when a Type A cutaway isn't enough but a full-size Type C feels like overkill. Less common than Type A or C in used inventory. One thing to verify before you buy: CDL requirements depend on the GVWR, so confirm whether your driver needs a license upgrade.

Type C — Conventional Full-Size School Bus. Type C is the iconic yellow school bus — flat-nosed or conventional cab-forward body on a heavy chassis, seating 48–66 passengers. If you're shopping used inventory, you'll find the Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 and Blue Bird Vision dominating the listings. Both are well-supported nationwide for parts and service. Expect well-maintained examples with 100,000–200,000 miles to fall in the $15,000–$30,000 range. Your drivers will need a CDL Class B with P and S endorsements.

Type D — Transit-Style Full-Size School Bus. Type D buses use a transit (flat-nose, rear-engine) configuration — the same profile as a city bus. If you're running high-density routes, the 90-passenger capacity is hard to beat. The rear engine improves front-end serviceability and reduces passenger-area noise, which your drivers will appreciate on long runs. Used pricing typically starts around $15,000 and climbs to $50,000 for later-model, low-mileage examples. Same CDL endorsements apply as Type C.

Shop by Model

Looking for a specific make? The Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus is one of the most common Type C units in used inventory — parts availability is excellent and mechanic familiarity is high nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a used school bus cost?

Used school bus prices range from $3,000 for high-mileage export candidates to $50,000 for late-model, low-mileage Type D units. If you're targeting the most common used option — a Type C conventional — expect to spend $12,000–$30,000 for a serviceable unit. Condition, mileage, model year, and title type (school bus vs. activity bus) all affect your final price.

How many miles is too many on a used school bus?

Diesel school buses — the majority of used inventory — routinely reach 250,000–350,000 miles with proper maintenance. Mileage alone is a poor indicator for your purchase decision: a 150,000-mile bus with documented oil changes and a clean frame is worth more than a 90,000-mile unit with deferred maintenance and rust. Always request service records and inspect the frame before you buy.

Do I need a CDL to drive a school bus?

In most states, yes — if you're transporting students. A CDL Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements is required for vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR carrying more than 15 passengers. Type A buses under 26,001 lbs with 15 or fewer passengers may not require a CDL, but state rules vary — confirm with your DMV before purchase.

Can I legally convert a school bus into an RV (skoolie)?

Yes, in all 50 states — but the process varies. You'll need to retitle the bus from "school bus" to "motor home" or "converted bus" with your state DMV, which typically requires photos of the completed conversion and a vehicle inspection. Most states don't allow school-titled vehicles to be registered for personal use without retitling. Budget $50–$300 for fees depending on the state.

What should I inspect before buying a used school bus?

Prioritize frame integrity (look for rust at crossmembers and outriggers), transmission function, engine oil condition, and brake system wear. Check the roof for delamination on older units. Request a Carfax or NMVTIS report to flag salvage or rebuilt titles. A pre-purchase inspection by a diesel mechanic familiar with Cummins or International engines typically costs $150–$300 and is well worth it.

What's the difference between a school bus and an activity bus title?

A school bus title restricts the vehicle to student transportation under state education regulations and requires CDL-endorsed drivers. An activity bus (also called MFSAB — Multi-Function School Activity Bus) title allows broader use — field trips, church groups, youth programs — and may not require the S endorsement. Activity-titled buses often sell at a premium for non-school buyers.

Ready to Find Your Bus?

Browse the full inventory of used school buses available now — filtered by type, state, price, and capacity.

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