School Buses
BusesForSale.com is one of the largest marketplaces for used school buses in the United States. Whether you're a school district replacing aging units, a fleet operator building a jobsite transport program, a church or daycare starting a route, or a buyer searching for the ideal skoolie conversion project, we have inspected, ready-to-ship inventory available now. Our school bus inventory spans full-size 72-passenger yellow school buses from Blue Bird, Thomas Built, International, and Freightliner; mid-size school buses in the 40–55 passenger range; and mini school buses (Type A) for small groups. Matching fleet units are frequently available. Facility in Pedricktown, NJ near every major East Coast port. Call 877-287-7253.
School Bus Types Explained — A, B, C & D Classifications
The federal government classifies school buses into four school bus types based on chassis design and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Understanding these classifications helps you identify the right size and configuration for your needs — and clarifies important CDL and licensing implications.
|
Type |
Construction |
Typical Capacity |
Common Chassis |
CDL Required? |
|
Type A |
Cutaway van or truck chassis with bus body. Two sub-classifications: A-1 (≤14,500 lb GVWR) and A-2 (14,500–21,500 lb GVWR) |
10–30 students |
Ford E-450, Chevrolet 4500, Ford F-550 |
Generally no for Type A-1 (most states); yes for A-2 depending on state and passenger count |
|
Type B |
Transit-style bus with engine partially beneath the driver. Less common; a middle ground between Type A and C in capacity |
16–36 students |
Various cutaway and purpose-built platforms |
Yes — Class B CDL with P and S endorsements |
|
Type C |
The traditional "conventional" school bus — hood-forward design with engine in front. Most common full-size configuration in the U.S. |
48–78 students |
Blue Bird Vision, Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2, International CE |
Yes — Class B CDL with P and S endorsements |
|
Type D |
Transit-style flat-nose or rear-engine design — maximum interior space with engine behind or beneath the passenger area |
48–90+ students |
Blue Bird All American RE, Thomas Saf-T-Liner HDX, International RE |
Yes — Class B CDL with P and S endorsements |
How to Evaluate a Used School Bus — Mileage, Condition & What to Check
School buses are built to commercial heavy-duty standards — significantly more robust than commercial trucks of comparable age. A well-maintained school bus can and regularly does operate well past 200,000 miles. Here's how to evaluate a used school bus effectively:
Mileage in Context
Mileage alone is a poor indicator of condition on a school bus. School buses typically operate on short, low-speed routes — an accumulation of high idle time, frequent stop-start cycles, and urban miles that is harder on components than the same mileage at highway speed. A bus with 150,000 miles and full fleet maintenance records is often a better value than a 90,000-mile bus with no documented history. Ask for service records, not just the odometer.
Key Inspection Points
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Engine and fluid condition. Check oil for milkiness or sludge (signs of coolant intrusion or neglect). Note the color of coolant in the overflow reservoir. Ask about Cummins engine service intervals — properly maintained ISB and ISL Cummins engines are extremely durable and widely serviceable.
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Air system. Full-size school buses use air brakes. Build air pressure and confirm the system holds at rest. Listen for leaks. Low air warnings should not trigger until pressure drops well below operating range.
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Body and floor condition. Inspect the floor for soft spots, particularly around wheel wells and the entry step area. Check all window seals and emergency exit seals for deterioration. Surface rust on exterior panels is normal on older units — structural rust in floor framing is more serious.
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Transmission. Allison automatic transmissions are the standard on most school buses and are exceptionally durable. Confirm smooth, positive shifts through all ranges with no hesitation or slipping.
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Brakes and tires. Check brake chamber pushrod travel (stroke) at each wheel position. Inspect tires for tread depth and condition — a full school bus tire replacement is a significant cost and a useful negotiating point on older units.
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Documentation. Request the title, any available service history, and DOT inspection records. Fleet-maintained buses from school districts often have full paper trails — this documentation adds meaningful value to any unit.
FAQs
What types of school buses do you sell?
We offer a comprehensive selection of inspected, ready-to-ship school buses across all federal classifications. Our inventory includes Type A (mini buses and vans), Type C (conventional "dog-nose" buses), and Type D (transit-style flat-front buses) from top manufacturers like Blue Bird, Thomas Built, International, and Freightliner.
Why is mileage not the best indicator of a used school bus's condition?
School buses typically run short, low-speed routes with frequent stop-and-go cycles and high engine idle times. Because of this, a bus with low mileage might still have significant engine wear. When evaluating a used school bus, we recommend focusing on total engine hours and comprehensive service records rather than just the odometer reading.
Do I need a CDL to drive a school bus?
CDL requirements are based on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and passenger capacity. Full-size Type C and Type D school buses (which can carry up to 72 passengers) always require a CDL with a Passenger endorsement. However, some smaller Type A school buses designed for 14 passengers or fewer may not require a CDL. Always verify your specific state regulations.
Do you offer bulk package deals for school districts and contractors?
Yes! We frequently work with school districts, transit authorities, and private contractors who need to scale their operations quickly. We offer dedicated fleet pricing and package deals—such as matching fleets of 72-passenger buses—making it easy to standardize your fleet and streamline your maintenance schedule.
Are ADA-accessible school buses available?
Absolutely. Accessibility is essential for inclusive student transport. We regularly stock ADA-accessible yellow school buses equipped with commercial-grade wheelchair lifts, dedicated tie-down positions, and specialized safety equipment. You can easily filter our inventory to find accessible options across all sizes, from mini school vans to full-size buses.
Can I buy a used school bus to convert into a "Skoolie"?
Yes! Used school buses are incredibly popular for motorhome conversions ("Skoolies") because of their heavy-duty steel safety cages, durable diesel engines, and affordable price points. Whether you are looking for a short bus for a weekend camper or a 40-foot transit-style shell for full-time off-grid living, we have the perfect foundation for your project.
2013 International CE School Bus
The 2013 International CE NJ 54 School Bus is a robust and spacious vehicle, designed to accommodate 54 passengers comfortably. This full-size yellow school bus is perfect for public school districts, private schools, and community outreach programs seeking a reliable transportation solution. With a diesel engine and automatic transmission, it offers smooth and efficient performance, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for students and passengers alike. Having been fleet maintained since new and recently retired from daily fleet service, this bus is ready to get back to work and is available for immediate purchase, making it a valuable investment for educational institutions and transport providers.
2013 International CE School Bus
The 2013 International CE NJ 54 School Bus is a reliable and spacious vehicle, designed to accommodate 54 passengers comfortably. This yellow school bus is perfect for public school districts, private schools, and community outreach programs seeking a dependable transportation solution. With a diesel engine and automatic transmission, it offers smooth and efficient performance, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for students and passengers alike. Having been fleet maintained since new and recently retired from daily use, this bus is ready to get back to work and is available for immediate purchase, making it a valuable investment for educational institutions and transport providers.
2013 International CE School Bus
The 2013 International CE NJ 54 School Bus is a reliable and spacious vehicle, designed to accommodate 54 passengers comfortably. This yellow school bus is perfect for public school districts, private schools, and community outreach programs seeking a dependable transportation solution. With a diesel engine and automatic transmission, it offers smooth and efficient performance, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for students and passengers alike. Recently retired from daily school service, this bus is ready to get back to work and is available for immediate purchase, making it a valuable investment for educational institutions and transport providers.
2013 International CE School Bus
The 2013 International CE NJ 54 School Bus is a dependable and spacious vehicle, designed to accommodate 54 passengers comfortably. This yellow school bus is perfect for public school districts, private schools, and community outreach programs seeking a reliable transportation solution. With a diesel engine and automatic transmission, it offers smooth and efficient performance, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for students and passengers alike. Fresh from fleet use and meticulously maintained, this bus is available for immediate purchase, making it a valuable investment for educational institutions and transport providers.
2018 Blue Bird Vision 71P Propane
2018 Blue Bird Vision 71-Passenger Propane Powered School Bus with only 52,000 miles. Five available now. These are one owner buses that were recently retired from a school. These are excellent buses and ready to ship.
2013 Blue Bird AAFE 71P Purple
The 2013 Blue Bird All American FE 71-passenger School Bus freshly wrapped in a beautiful custom wrap to ptomote the new Testaments TV Show on HULU. With a durable Cummins Diesel engine and an Allison Automatic Transmission, this bus is perfect for daily routes and extracurricular activities, offering a dependable solution to reduce dependency on rentals and maintain compliance with transportation regulations. Blue Bird's longstanding reputation for manufacturing safe and dependable buses assures buyers like Principal Parker of exceptional mechanical reliability and long-term value. Known for their commitment to quality, Blue Bird buses provide peace of mind, ensuring that educational institutions nationwide can confidently invest in their transportation needs.
2014 GMC Savana School Van
2014 GMC Savana School Van with a gasoline V8, automatic transmission, first aid kit, roadside emergency kit, school stickers and more.
One owner and recently retired from daily school bus fleet use. Six matching units in stock and ready to ship.
2012 International CE Diesel
2012 International CE full size yellow school bus with a diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, seat belts, power door and more. We have 30 matching units available for sale right now. These units were recently retired from daily school bus routes and are ready to get back to work.
These used buses are perfect for schools, daycare centers, summer camps, employee transport vehicles, job site transport or for any company looking to transport children or employees in mass.
This bus fleet is located at our facility in NJ 08067. We are near all the US East Coast ports and can help with shipping to any destination in the USA or any port overseas.
2015 Chevrolet 3500 NJ Spec 16P
2015 Chevrolet 3500 VanCon NJ Spec 16-Passenger Mini School Bus with single rear wheels and only 64,000 original miles. This bus has had only one previous owner. It has rear air conditioning, tinted glass, build-in seat belts for all passengers and more.
2013 International CE School Bus
The 2013 International CE is a fleet-ready, 54-passenger school bus, designed for private student transportation and school activity buyers who prioritize safety and cost-effectiveness. With its robust diesel engine, automatic transmission, and seat belts for all passengers, this bus ensures compliance and reliable performance for daily routes and extracurricular programs, making it an ideal choice for schools looking to expand their transport capabilities.
International, a trusted name in bus manufacturing, is renowned for producing durable and reliable vehicles that stand the test of time. Their commitment to quality provides peace of mind for buyers, ensuring consistent performance and reducing maintenance concerns, which is crucial for those responsible for student safety.
2012 International NJ 54
The 2012 NJ Spec 54 Passenger School Bus is a robust and dependable vehicle designed to accommodate up to 54 passengers, making it ideal for public school districts, private schools, and community outreach programs. Recently retired from daily fleet use, this used school bus is equipped with a diesel engine and automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient performance for daily transport needs. With hydraulic brakes and seat belts, it offers safety and reliability for passengers. Built to NJ Specs, its clean yellow exterior provides a professional appearance, making it a preferred choice for educational institutions seeking a high-capacity transport solution.
International is known for its commitment to quality and innovation in the transportation industry. The CE model exemplifies this dedication, offering a blend of reliability and comfort that makes it a preferred choice among educational institutions.
2012 International CE NJ Spec School Bus
The 2012 International CE NJ Spec School Bus is a versatile and dependable vehicle, perfect for ensuring safe and efficient student transport. Designed to accommodate up to 54 passengers, this used school bus is equipped with durable high-back vinyl seats and advanced safety features, making it ideal for public school districts, private schools, and community outreach programs. With a robust diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission, it delivers smooth and reliable performance for daily routes. Its clean yellow exterior offers a professional appearance, making it a preferred choice for educational institutions seeking a high-capacity transport solution.
International is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in the transportation industry. The CE model stands out with its emphasis on safety and comfort, making it a preferred choice for school transportation.
Notable Features
Passenger Comfort: High-back vinyl seating provides a comfortable travel experience for students and staff.
Safety and Reliability: Equipped with hydraulic brakes, ensuring a secure and dependable ride.
Exterior: Clean yellow paint maintains a professional appearance.
Additional Specifications
Engine: Diesel
Transmission: Allison Automatic
Mileage: 153,724 miles
Exterior Dimensions: Length: 39 ft, Width: 8 ft, Height: 10 ft
GVWR: 29,800 lbs
2012 International CE NJ Spec School Bus
The 2012 International CE School Bus is a well-maintained and reliable vehicle designed to accommodate up to 54 passengers, making it ideal for public school districts, private schools, and community outreach programs. With a robust diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission, this school bus ensures smooth and dependable performance for daily transport needs. Its clean yellow exterior and high-back vinyl seating offer a professional appearance, making it a preferred choice for educational institutions seeking a high-capacity transport solution.
International is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in the transportation industry. The CE model stands out with its emphasis on safety and comfort, making it a preferred choice for school transportation.
Notable Features
Passenger Comfort: High-back vinyl seating provides a comfortable travel experience for students and staff.
Safety and Reliability: Equipped with hydraulic brakes, ensuring a secure and dependable ride.
Exterior: Clean yellow paint maintains a professional appearance.
Additional Specifications
Engine: Diesel
Transmission: Allison Automatic
Mileage: 197,195 miles
Exterior Dimensions: Length: 39 ft, Width: 8 ft, Height: 10 ft
GVWR: 29,800 lbs
2012 International CE NJ Spec School Bus
The 2012 International CE School Bus offers a dependable and spacious transportation solution designed to accommodate up to 54 passengers, making it ideal for public school districts, private schools, and community outreach programs. With a robust diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission, this used school bus ensures smooth and reliable performance for daily transport needs. Its clean yellow exterior and high-back vinyl seating offer a professional appearance, making it a preferred choice for educational institutions seeking a high-capacity transport solution.
International is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in the transportation industry. The CE model stands out with its emphasis on safety and comfort, making it a preferred choice for school transportation.
Notable Features
Passenger Comfort: High-back vinyl seating provides a comfortable travel experience for students and staff.
Safety and Reliability: Equipped with hydraulic brakes, ensuring a secure and dependable ride.
Exterior: Clean yellow paint maintains a professional appearance.
Additional Specifications
Engine: Diesel
Transmission: Allison Automatic
Mileage: 134,870 miles
Exterior Dimensions: Length: 39 ft, Width: 8 ft, Height: 10 ft
GVWR: 29,800 lbs
2012 International CE NJ Spec School Bus
This 54-passenger International CE delivers dependable transportation in a versatile package. With a diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission, it combines efficiency with ease of operation for schools or private transport services.
The bus’s high-back vinyl seating and clean yellow paint fit standard compliance requirements, while hydraulic brakes provide safe, responsive handling.
International’s reputation for quality and safety means this model is ready to deliver consistent service for years to come.
2014 Freightliner Thomas 72P
21 matching units available. 2014 Freightliner Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 72-Passenger School Bus powered by a Cummins Diesel engine. These units has air brakes, air door and more. They were recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and are ready to get back to work. Perfect for public schools, privtae schools, daycare, camps, employee transport, fleet operators or any export clients looking for fleets of used school buses for large projects.
2018 Thomas C2 48P ADA
2018 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 48 Passenger ADA accessible full sized school bus with a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, Ricon ADA lift, air brakes, rear air suspension, front and rear air conditioning, seat belts, and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service in Florida and is ready to get back to work.
2018 Thomas C2 30P ADA AC
2018 Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 30 Passenger ADA accessible school bus with a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, Front and rear air conditioning, Air brakes, seat belts, and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service in Florida and is ready to get back to work.
2018 Thomas C2 36P ADA
2018 Freightliner Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 36 Passenger ADA accessible yellow school bus with a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic, Front and rear air conditioning, Ricon ADA lift, air brakes, seat belts and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service in Florida and is ready to get back to work. This bus is a perfect solution for any school or business interested in providing wheel chair accessible school bus transport.
2018 Thomas C2 33P HandiCap
2018 Freightliner Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 33 Passenger ADA Wheel Chari Accessible school bus with a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, front and rear air conditioning, Ricon ADA accessible lift, air brakes, and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service in Florida and is ready to get back to work. It is perfect for any public school, private school, church, summer camp or other business interested in providing ADA wheel chair accessible transportation.
2018 Thomas C2 39P ADA
2018 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 39 Passenger ADA accessible school bus with a Cummins diesel, Allison automatic transmission, front and rear air conditioning, Ricon ADA lift, air brakes, and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use in sunny Florida and is ready to get back to work. This bus is perfect for any public school, private school, day camp, fleet operator or company interested in providing ADA accessible school bus transportation options.
2018 International CE 51P AC ADA
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.
2014 Freightliner Thomas 72P
2014 Freightliner Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 72-Passenger Yellow School Bus with a Cummins Diesel, Allison automatic transmission, tinted glass, power entry door, hydraulic brakes and more. This is a one owner bus that was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use. This bus is perfect for public schools, private schools, employee transport, job site transport, student transport or any fleet operator looking for mass transit options.
2014 Thomas 72P
2014 Freightliner Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 72-Passenger Full Size School Bus with a Cummins Diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, tinted glass, hydraulic brakes, power entry door, yellow roof and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and it is ready to get back to work.
This used school bus is perfect for public schools, private schools, school bus fleet operators, day care centers and employee transport needs.
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