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 Chevrolet Minotour 21P ADA

2017 Chevrolet Minotour 21P ADA

51672

2017 Chevrolet 4500 ADA Accessible Minotour 21-Passenger Mini School Bus, designed to meet the demands of modern school bus fleet operations. Built on a trusted Thomas Built Buses body, this vehicle offers a comfortable seating capacity for 21 passengers, complete with seat belts for enhanced safety. Powered by a gasoline engine paired with an automatic transmission, it delivers smooth and dependable performance. With 88,017 miles, this bus has been well-maintained and is ready to provide years of service. Its ADA-compliant design ensures accessibility for all passengers, making it an excellent choice for schools, community organizations, and shuttle services. 

$33,000
Mileage 88017
Passengers 21
Year 2017
2020 Chevrolet E4500 Mid Bus 29P NJ Spec

2022 Chevrolet 4500 29P NJ Spec

51639

2022 Chevrolet Express 4500 NJ Spec 29 passenger Mid Bus featuring a V8 gasoline engine, automatic transmission, dash and rear air conditioning, 3 point seat belts, power entry door, tinted glass and more. This is a one owner bus that was recently retired from school bus fleet use. It has very low miles and is perfect for any public school, private school, school bus fleet operator or any company in need of premium air conditioned school buses.

$88,000
Mileage 39895
Passengers 29
Year 2022
2018 Thomas C2 30P ADA

2018 Thomas C2 30P ADA

51633

2018 Freightliner Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 30-Passenger ADA Accessible School Bus featuring a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, front and rear air conditioning, Ricon ADA lift, seat belts, rear air ride suspension, track seating for the most versatility, tinted glass, seat belts and more. This bus was recently retired from school bus fleet use in Florida. It is clean and ready to get back to work. This bus is perfect for any public school, private school, fleet operator, school bus fleet contractor or any company interested in providing ADA handicapped accessible transportation.

$67,000
Mileage 88750
Passengers 30
Year 2018
2018 Thomas C2 39P ADA

2018 Thomas C2 39P ADA

51632

2018 Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 39-Passenger ADA accessible school bus featuring a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, front and rear air conditioning, Ricon ADA lift, seat belts, and more. This bus has seat tracks throughout, making it easy to add more bench seating or to remove benches for more wheel chair positions. This bus is perfect for any school, day camp or school bus fleet operator interested in providing ADA handicapped accessible transportation.

$66,700
Mileage 93460
Passengers 39
Year 2018
2018 Thomas C2 36P ADA

2018 Thomas C2 36P ADA

51607

2018 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 ADA accessible 36 passenger school bus with a Cummins diesel, Allison automatic, air brakes, Ricon ADA lift, Front and rear air conditioning, seat belts, and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service in sunny Florida and is ready to get back to work. This bus has very unique track flooring throughout the bus. This allows you to add or remove seats as you wish. The bus is rated for up to 72 seated passengers and seats can easily be added to accomodate. Or, you can remove seats and the bus can then accomodate up to 12 wheel chair positions.

$68,000
Mileage 91021
Passengers 36
Year 2018
2018 Thomas C2 27P ADA

2018 Thomas C2 27P ADA

51603

2018 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 ADA accessible 27-Passenger school bus featuring a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, front and rear air conditioning, air brakes, rear air suspension, Ricon ADA lift, and more. A unique feature is this bus has Q Straint track from front to rear on both sides of the passenger area making it possible to remove all seats and have many ADA positions or install more seating to have less ADA spots. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service un Sunny Florida and is ready to get back to work. 

$66,000
Mileage 92273
Passengers 27
Year 2018
2016 Thomas C2 77P AC

2016 Thomas C2 77P Air Con

51601

2016 Freightliner Thomas 77-Passenger Air Conditioned bus with a cummins diesel, allison automatic transmission, air brakes, seat beltys, tinted glass, air door, rear air suspension and more. This bus was just retired from daily school bus fleet use in Florida. It is perfect for any school, church, summer camp, fleet operator or any company interested in providing air conditioned school bus transportation.

$45,000
Mileage 150010
Passengers 77
Year 2016
2018 International CE 51P ADA

2018 International CE 51P AC ADA

51588

2018 International CE 51-Passenger air conditioned ADA Wheel Chair Accessible School Bus with a Cummins Diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission. This unit was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use in Florida. It has front and rear air conditioning, air brakes, an air door, tinted glass, seat belts, Braun 1,000 pound capacity wheel chair lift and more. This bus is perfect for any public school,  private school, day camp, college, school bus fleet operator or company looking to provide ADA accessible transportation.

$49,000
Mileage 126144
Passengers 51
Year 2018
2018 International CE 51P ADA

2018 International CE 51P ADA

51587

2018 International CE ADA Accessible 51-Passenger School Bus with a Braun wheel chair lift, front and rear air conditioning, Cummins Diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, air door, seat belts, tinted glass and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use in Florida. It is perfect for any school or school bus fleet operator interested in providing wheel chair accessible transport to school children.

$53,000
Mileage 105036
Passengers 51
Year 2018
2017 Thomas C2 39P ADA

2017 Thomas C2 39P ADA

51585

2017 Freightliner Thomas ADA Wheelchair Accessible Schol Bus with a Braun Ability Lift, front and rear air conditioning, Cummins Diesel, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, air door, tinted glass, seat belts and more. This bus is fresh from Sunny Florida. It was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and is ready to get back to work. This bus is perfect for any school, camp, campus or fleet operator looking to provide ADA wheelchair accessible school transport.

$46,000
Mileage 132492
Passengers 39
Year 2017
2017 Blue Bird Vision 42P ADA

2017 Blue Bird Vision 42P ADA

51581

2017 Blue Bird Vision 42 passenger ADA school bus with 3 wheelchair positions. This bus features a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, Braun 800Lbs ADA lift, front and rear air conditioning and more. Recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and it is ready to get back to work. 

$46,000
Mileage 107285
Passengers 42
Year 2017
2015 Chevrolet Collins

2015 Chevrolet Collins 30P

51564

2015 Chevrolet Collins 30-Passenger Mini School Bus with rear air conditioning, tinted glass, hydraulic brakes, manual entry door and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and it is ready to go back to work. This mini yellow bus is perfect for any public school, private school, daycare, camp or any fleet operator looking to transport large groups of kiddos.

$26,000
Mileage 95635
Passengers 30
Year 2015
2016 Ford E-450 Collins 30P

2016 Ford E-450 Collins 30P

51561

2016 Ford E-450 Collins 30-Passenger School Bus with rear air conditioning, tinted glass, manual entry door, audio system and more. This bus has only 94,000 original miles and it was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use. This bus is perfect for schools, daycare centers, after school programs or any fleet operator looking to transport students in comfort.

$29,000
Mileage 94020
Passengers 30
Year 2016
2018 International CE 77P

2018 International CE 77P

51517

2018 International CE 77-Passenger Yellow School Bus with only 83,000 miles. One owner and just retired from daily fleet use. Cummins diesel, Allison automatic, air brakes, air door, tinted glass and more. This is the perfect bus for fleet operators, public schools, private schools or any company looking to provide mass transport to students or employees.

$49,000
Mileage 83848
Passengers 77
Year 2018
2018 IC BUS

2018 International CE 77P

51516

2018 International CE 77 Passenger School Bus with a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, engine brake, and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service and is ready to get back to work. This used school bus is perfect for public school transport, private schools, employee transport, job site transport, summer camps, churches or any company interested in providing large group transport options.

$49,000
Mileage 69686
Passengers 77
Year 2018
2018 International CE 77P

2018 International CE 77P

51515

2018 International CE 77-Passenger Yellow School Bus with a Cummins Diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission and more. One owner and recently retired from daily school bus fleet use. This bus is perfect for any public school, private school, church or fleet operator who is interested in carrying children or adults in comfort.

$49,000
Mileage 86384
Passengers 77
Year 2018
2020 INTERNATIONAL CE

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 72233
Passengers 72
Year 2020
2020 INTERNATIONAL CE

2020 International CE 72P

51459

We have six matching units like this in stock now and ready to ship. One owner and fleet maintained since new. 2020 International CE 72-Passenger School Bus with a Cummins Diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, air door, tinted glass and more. These buses are in stock now and ready to ship with no waiting. 

$60,000
Mileage 92570
Passengers 72
Year 2020
2020 INTERNATIONAL CE

2020 International CE 72P

51458

2020 International CE 72-Passenger School Bus. This bus has had only one previous owner and it was recently retired from fleet use. It has a Cummins Diesel, air brakes, air door, tinted glass, chrome grille and more. We have six matching units in stock now and ready to ship with no delay. These buses are in stock and ready to go. 

$60,000
Mileage 72606
Passengers 72
Year 2020
2020 International CE 72P

2020 International CE 72P

51454

2020 International CE 72-Passenger Full Size Yellow School Bus with a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, air entry door, tinted glass and more. This bus has had only one previous owner and was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use. This bus is perfect for private schools, public schools, school bus fleet operators or any company looking to transport children or adults in style.

$60,000
Mileage 91848
Passengers 72
Year 2020
2013 INTERNATIONAL CE

2013 International CE 72P

51401

2013 International CE 72 Passenger school bus with a diesel engine, automatic transmission, air brakes, tinted glass and very low miles. Recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and ready to get back to work. This bus is perfect for export customers, private schools, employee transport, churches and more.

$17,000
Mileage 93883
Passengers 72
Year 2013
2016 International CE 72P

2016 International CE 72P

51372

One owner and recently retired from daily school bus routes. 2016 International CE 72-Passenger Yellow School Bus with a Cummins Diesel, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, air door and more. In stock now and ready to ship. Perfect for schools, churches, fleet operators, export bus buyers and more.

$20,000
Mileage 210039
Passengers 72
Year 2016
2015 INTERNATIONAL CE

2015 International CE 72P

51364

2015 International CE 72 passenger school bus with a diesel engine, automatic transmission, air brakes, and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service and is ready to get back to work. This bus is perfect for student transport, employee transport, job site transport or any fleet operator interested in providing large group transport options.

$14,000
Mileage 184990
Passengers 72
Year 2015
2011 Blue Bird Vision 72P

2011 Blue Bird Vision 72P

51357

2011 Blue Bird Vision 72-Passenger Yellow School Bus with a Cummins Diesel, air brakes, air door, engine brake and more. This is a perfect bus for any fleet operator, private school, employee transport service or any school looking for budget-friently school bus options.

$13,500
Mileage 173824
Passengers 72
Year 2011
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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 TypeRecommended TypeTypical Budget (Used)Key Consideration
School district / fleet operatorType C or D (66–90 passengers)$15,000 – $40,000FMVSS 222 compliance, CDL Class B + P + S endorsements required for drivers, fleet pricing on multiples
Church / nonprofitType A (14–20 passengers) or activity bus$8,000 – $18,000Non-CDL operability below 26,001 lbs GVWR and 15 passengers; look for MFSAB (Multi-Function School Activity Bus) titles
Skoolie conversionShort Type C (40 ft or under), flat-nose preferred$3,000 – $12,000Interior ceiling height (minimum 6 ft standing clearance), rust-free frame, no major accident history — cosmetics don't matter, structure does
Shuttle / charter operatorType A transit-style or activity bus$10,000 – $25,000Passenger 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
ExporterType C or D, any age$3,000 – $15,000Clean 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
TypePassenger CapacityTypical LengthGVWR ClassCDL Required?Used Price Range
Type AUp to 24 passengers20 – 28 ftUnder 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 BUp to 35 passengers23 – 30 ft10,001 – 26,000 lbsCDL Class B required above 26,000 lbs GVWR$10,000 – $22,000
Type CUp to 66 passengers35 – 40 ftOver 10,000 lbs (conventional cab-over or flat-nose)CDL Class B + P + S endorsements$12,000 – $35,000
Type DUp to 90 passengers40 – 45 ftOver 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.

Depending on your route, budget, and driver licensing situation, one of these categories may be a better match than a standard school bus.

Mini Buses

Best for: churches, nonprofits, and daycares needing 10–25 passenger capacity without a CDL. Mini buses typically stay under the 26,001 lb GVWR threshold and offer easier parking than a full-size Type C.

Shuttle Buses

Best for: shuttle and charter operators who want passenger-friendly interiors without school bus title restrictions. Shuttle buses often carry transit-style seating and can be operated without an S endorsement.

Coach Buses

Best for: charter operators and large school districts running long routes or overnight trips. Coaches offer restroom facilities, reclining seats, and luggage bays that a standard Type C school bus doesn't provide.

Skoolie Conversions

Best for: conversion buyers who want a head start — browse school buses already converted to living or travel vehicles, saving the demo and framing work.

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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