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: Often $8,000-$30,000 depending on age, mileage, and condition.
  • 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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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
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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
2014 Freigtliner Thomas ADA

2014 Thomas 18P ADA AC

51471

2014 Freightliner Thomas ADA Accessible Air Conditioned School Bus with 18 seat capacity. This bus currently has 9 bench seats which can seat 2 children per bench or two adults. Each bench has two seat belts and some benches have built in toddler boosters. There is room in the rear of this bus for 2 wheel chair positions and more benches could be added to carry more passengers if less wheel chair positions are needed. This bus is powered by a Cummins Diesel engine and it has an Allison automatic transmission. It has an air door, air conditioning, tinted glass, a Braun wheel chair lift and more. This bus is perfect for any school, school bus fleet operator, church, community center or any business looking for a school bus with ADA wheel chair access.

$28,000
Mileage 145986
Passengers 18
Year 2014
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. 

$70,000
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. 

$66,000
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. 

$69,000
Mileage 72606
Passengers 72
Year 2020
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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.

$65,000
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

51397

2016 International CE 72 Passenger school bus with a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and is ready to get back to work.

$25,000
Mileage 150958
Passengers 72
Year 2016
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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
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2016 International CE 72P Cummins

51366

Cummins Powered 2016 International CE 72 Passenger Yellow School bus with only 118,000 miles. One owner and fleet maintained since new. 15 matching units in stock and ready to ship with no delay. All units were recently retired from school bus routes and are ready to get back to work. 

This used bus fleet is located in Southern New Jersey 08067. We can ship buses to any location in the USA or overseas. We are near every major US East Coast port and can help with export documents and logistics.

$26,000
Mileage 118978
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.

$19,900
Mileage 184990
Passengers 72
Year 2015
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2016 Blue Bird Vision 72P

51310

2016 Blue Bird Vision 72 Passenger full size yellow School Bus with a Cummins Diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission. One owner and fleet maintained since new. Air brakes, engine brake, air door, tinted glass and more. This is a very nice bus that would be perfect for church, company or organization seeking comfortable transport for a large group of students or employees.

$22,000
Mileage 193745
Passengers 72
Year 2016
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2011 Blue Bird Vision

51301

2011 Blue Bird Vision Air Conditioned NJ Spec 54 Passenger Bus with a Cummins Diesel engine, Allison Automatic transmission, Hydraulic brakes Manual entry door and more. 

$13,000
Mileage 91373
Passengers 54
Year 2011
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2006 Blue Bird FE All American

51285

2006 Blue Bird FE All American Front Engine flat nose school bus with the Caterpillar C7 7.2L diesel engine and an automatic transmission. This bus has had only one previous owner and was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use. This is a 72 passenger unit that is perfect for student or employee transportation.

$13,000
Mileage 184225
Passengers 72
Year 2006
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2014 Blue Bird Vision 72P

51281

2014 Blue Bird Vision 72-passenger Yellow School Bus with a Cummins Diesel Engine, Allison Automatic Transmission, Hydraulic Brakes, and more! Recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and ready to go back to work. 

$18,000
Mileage 174656
Passengers 72
Year 2014
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2014 Blue Bird Vision 72P

51280

2014 Blue Bird Vision 72-passenger Yellow School Bus with a Cummins Diesel Engine, Allison Automatic Transmission, Hydraulic Brakes, and more! Recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and ready to go back to work. 

$18,000
Mileage 178548
Passengers 72
Year 2014
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2019 Thomas 48 Passenger

51233

2019 Freightliner Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 48 passenger Yellow School Bus with a Cummins Diesel and Allison automatic transmission. This bus has had only one previous owner and it fresh out of school bus fleet use. Handsome bus and ready to represent your company well.

$42,000
Mileage 128999
Passengers 48
Year 2019
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2018 Thomas Cummins 48P

51230

2018 Freightliner Thomas 48-Passenger School Bus with a Cummins diesel, Allison automatic trans, air brakes, air door, tinted glass, engine brake and more. One owner and ready to go without delay. We ship worldwide. This bus is perfect for student transportation, job site transport, employee transport or any fleet operator.

$32,000
Mileage 173532
Passengers 48
Year 2018
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2018 Thomas 48 Passenger

51228

2018 Freightliner Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 48-Passenger School Bus with the Cummins Diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, air door, engine brake, tinted glass and more. One owner and fleet maintained since new. This bus was just retired from daily school bus fleet use and it is ready to get back to work. It is perfect for student transportation or employee transportation.

$36,000
Mileage 138463
Passengers 48
Year 2018
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2018 Freightliner Thomas 48P

51227

2018 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 48 Passenger School Bus with a Cummins Diesel Engine, Allison Automatic Transmission, Air Brakes, Engine Brake, and more. Recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and ready to get back to work. We have matching units in stock now and ready to ship. These buses are excellent for student transportation or job site transport.

$38,800
Mileage 119652
Passengers 48
Year 2018
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2018 Thomas 48-Passenger

51226

2018 Freightliner Thomas Saf-T-Liner 48 passenger School Bus with air brakes, engine brake, Cummins Diesel, Allison automatic transmission and more. One owner and fleet maintained since new. 10 matching units available.

$35,700
Mileage 146770
Passengers 48
Year 2018
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2017 Thomas Cummins 48P

51224

2017 Thomas SAF-T-LINER C2 48-passenger Yellow School Bus with a Cummins Diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, Air Brakes, Engine Brake, Aluminum Wheels, tinted glass and more! Recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and ready to get back to work. 

$38,000
Mileage 113583
Passengers 48
Year 2017
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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.

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.

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