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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2013 International CE School Bus

50013

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.

$13,000
Mileage 168,527
Passengers 54
Year 2013

2013 International CE School Bus

50012

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.

$13,000
Mileage 171,221
Passengers 54
Year 2013

2013 International CE School Bus

50008

The 2013 International CE NJ 54-Passenger Yellow 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.

$12,900
Mileage 177,673
Passengers 54
Year 2013

2013 International CE School Bus

50007

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.

$13,500
Mileage 144,046
Passengers 54
Year 2013

2026 Thomas Built EFX 90P

48962

2026 Thomas EFX Front Engine 90-Passenger Flat Nose School Bus with single digit miles. Designed to safely and efficiently transport up to 90 passengers, this bus is the ideal solution for public and private schools, large employee groups, day camps, and fleet operators who demand robust performance. Powered by a trusted Cummins engine and paired with a smooth 6-speed Allison automatic transmission, this model delivers consistent power, low total cost of ownership (TCO), and operational dependability for years of service. Its air brakes provide confident stopping power, enhancing safety for students, employees, and crew members. The Thomas brand is renowned for building durable, reliable chassis that excel in demanding fleet environments. Choose Thomas for proven engineering and a legacy of excellence in school bus manufacturing.

$197,000
Mileage 17,000
Passengers 90
Year 2026

2023 Chevrolet 4500 24P NJ Spec

40487

Discover the 24-Passenger NJ Spec 2023 Chevrolet Express 4500 Thomas Minotour Mini School Bus, a reliable and efficient bus designed to meet the demands of modern fleet operations. Built on a sturdy Thomas Built Buses body, this vehicle offers seating for 24 passengers, making it ideal for shuttle services, corporate transport, or small group travel. Equipped with automatic transmission and gasoline fuel type, it ensures smooth handling and easy maintenance. The bus features air conditioning for passenger comfort and seat belts for enhanced safety, meeting essential operational standards. This little school bus is perfect for any school or school bus fleet operator looking for newer buses that have many years of use left in them.

$84,000
Mileage 101,826
Passengers 24
Year 2023

2023 Chevrolet 4500 24P NJ Spec

40486

Discover the New Jersey Spec 2023 Chevrolet Express 4500 Thomas Minotour 24-Passenger Mini School Bus, a reliable and efficient bus designed to meet the demands of modern fleet operations. Built on a trusted Chevrolet chassis and expertly crafted by Thomas Built Buses, this 24-passenger vehicle offers a perfect balance of comfort, safety, and performance. Equipped with air conditioning and seat belts for every passenger, it ensures a secure and pleasant ride in all weather conditions. The automatic transmission and gasoline engine provide smooth handling and dependable power, making it ideal for daily routes or special transport needs. The practical size and robust build make it a smart investment for schools, shuttle services, or community transport programs seeking a cost-effective, quality vehicle.

$82,000
Mileage 112,964
Passengers 24
Year 2023

2024 Chevrolet Thomas 14P

39874

Discover versatile, fleet-ready performance with the 2024 Thomas Minotour School Bus. Designed for efficiency and reliability, this compact school bus is the ideal solution for public schools, private institutions, employee transport, daycares, summer camps, and more. The dependable gas engine and smooth automatic transmission provide a seamless driving experience, ensuring low TCO and long-term value for fleet operators. With seating for 14 passengers, the Minotour is perfect for safely transporting students, employees, or small groups with comfort and ease.

Your riders will appreciate both front dash and rear bulkhead air conditioning, delivering consistent climate control throughout the cabin and enhancing every journey. The 2024 Thomas Minotour stands out for its compact footprint, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments and tight school lots. Built on a reliable chassis, this school transport solution delivers the peace of mind and operational efficiency demanded by modern fleets. Thomas is known for its robust engineering and dedication to safety, making it a trusted choice for school and commercial transportation needs.

$116,000
Mileage 1,000
Passengers 14
Year 2024

2018 Blue Bird Vision 71P Propane

37021

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.

$25,000
Mileage 52,000
Passengers 71
Year 2018

2012 International CE Diesel

28033

20 matching 2012 International CE full size yellow school buses with seat belts, diesel engines and more. All running well with no warning lights. We are located near the East Coast USA ports of Wilmington DE, New Jersey, New York and Baltimore. We sell and ship worldwide. These used yellow school buses are perfect for any construction company needing jobsite transport, data center transport vehicles, private schools, export customers looking for used buses to export, school bus fleet operators and more.

$8,800
Mileage 173,000
Passengers 54
Year 2012

2013 International CE School Bus

20085

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.

$13,500
Mileage 171,529
Passengers 54
Year 2013

2012 International NJ 54

20084

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.

$12,000
Mileage 170,215
Passengers 54
Year 2012

2012 International CE NJ Spec 54P

16269

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 an automatic transmission, this 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.

 

$7,500
Mileage 197,195
Passengers 54
Year 2012

5 Matching 2015 Thomas 72P

16234

5 Matching Bus Package Deal. 2015 Freightliner Thomas C2 72-Passenger Yellow School Buses, perfect for fleet operators, used bus exporters, job site buses and bulk bus buyers. This package includes five full-size school buses, each equipped with a reliable Cummins diesel engine. With seating capacity for 72 passengers, these buses are perfect for public school districts, private schools, and community outreach programs seeking to expand their fleet efficiently. All buses are fresh from daily school bus fleet use service.

$125,000
Mileage 145,000
Passengers 72
Year 2015

2018 Blue Bird Vision 72P

51823

Very nice 2018 Blue Bird Vision 72-Passenger Yellow School Bus. Cummins diesel-powered bus, designed to meet the demands of fleet operators and transport professionals. This bus offers dependable performance and ease of operation. With seating for 72 passengers, it’s ideal for school routes, shuttle services, churches, job sites, or group transportation. Its durable Blue Bird body and practical design make it a smart investment for any fleet looking to expand or upgrade with a trusted name in bus manufacturing.

Contact for Price
Mileage 98,637
Passengers 72
Year 2018

2018 Blue Bird Vision 72P

51822

Discover the reliable and efficient 2018 Blue Bird Vision 72-Passenger School Bus, a diesel-powered bus designed to meet the demands of school bus fleet operators and mass transit providers. Equipped with a robust Cummins diesel engine and smooth automatic transmission, this bus delivers dependable performance and ease of operation. With seating for 72 passengers, it offers ample capacity for school routes, shuttle services, or group transportation. The Blue Bird Vision features hydraulic brakes and an engine brake system, enhancing safety and control on varied terrains. Ideal for operators seeking a practical, no-nonsense bus with proven components and solid build quality.

Contact for Price
Mileage 102,129
Passengers 72
Year 2018

2017 Thomas C2 72P

51765

Discover the reliable performance and spacious design of this Cummins Diesel Powered 2017 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 72-Passenger School Bus, a trusted choice for school bus fleet operators seeking efficiency and durability. Built by Thomas Built Buses, this diesel-powered vehicle combines robust engineering with an automatic transmission for smooth, hassle-free operation. With seating for up to 72 passengers, it’s ideal for school routes, group transportation, or community shuttles. Upgrade your fleet with this versatile bus that balances capacity and performance seamlessly.

Contact for Price
Mileage 137,354
Passengers 72
Year 2017

2016 Thomas C2 72P

51761

Discover reliable performance and practical design with this 2016 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 72-Passenger Full Size School Bus, a trusted choice for fleet operators seeking efficiency and durability. Powered by a robust Cummins diesel engine and paired 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, job sites, day camps, churches or any company seeking group transportation options. 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. 

Contact for Price
Mileage 112,834
Passengers 72
Year 2016

2012 Thomas C2 81P

51750

Discover the reliability and efficiency of this Cummins Diesel Powered 2012 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 81-Passenger School Bus, a trusted workhorse designed to meet the demands of any fleet. Built by Thomas Built Buses, this diesel-powered vehicle combines durability with performance, ensuring smooth and consistent operation. Featuring an automatic transmission, it offers ease of driving and reduced operator fatigue, ideal for daily routes. With seating for 81 passengers, this bus maximizes capacity without compromising comfort, making it perfect for churches, schools, shuttle services, or group transportation. Invest in a well-maintained, robust vehicle that supports your transportation needs with confidence and professionalism.

Contact for Price
Mileage 199,258
Passengers 81
Year 2012

2012 Thomas C2 72P

51749

Discover reliable performance and practical design 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 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, 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. A practical, well-engineered bus designed to meet the demands of commercial transportation.

Contact for Price
Mileage 174,427
Passengers 72
Year 2012

2011 Thomas C2 72P

51744

Discover the reliable and durable 2011 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 72-Passenger Yellow School Bus, a trusted choice for fleet operators seeking efficiency and performance. With seating for up to 72 passengers, it’s ideal for school transportation, shuttle services, group travel, job sites, churches, employee transport and more. The Thomas Built Buses body ensures safety and longevity, while air brakes and rear air suspension provide enhanced control and a comfortable ride. A practical, well-engineered bus designed to keep your fleet moving efficiently.

Contact for Price
Mileage 133,726
Passengers 72
Year 2011

2011 Thomas C2 72P

51743

Discover reliable performance and proven durability with this 2011 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 72-Passenger Yellow School Bus, a trusted choice for fleet operators seeking efficiency and capacity. Powered by a diesel engine paired 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 provide confident stopping power for enhanced safety. A practical, well-maintained option for those looking to expand or upgrade their fleet with a dependable bus.

Contact for Price
Mileage 115,626
Passengers 72
Year 2011

2011 Thomas C2 81P

51742

2011 THOMAS C2 Saf-T-Liner 81-Passenger Yellow School Bus, a trusted workhorse designed for fleet operators and bus buyers seeking durability and efficiency. Powered by a robust diesel engine paired 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 Thomas Built Buses body ensures a solid build quality, while air brakes and rear air suspension provide enhanced safety and a comfortable ride for all passengers. A practical choice for those looking to expand or upgrade their fleet with a well-maintained, efficient bus.

Contact for Price
Mileage 159,852
Passengers 81
Year 2011

2011 Thomas C2 81P

51740

Discover the reliable performance of this 2011 Freightliner Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 81-Passenger School Bus, a trusted choice for fleet operators seeking durability and efficiency. Diesel powered with an automatic transmission, this bus delivers smooth and dependable operation ideal for daily routes. With seating for 81 passengers, it offers ample capacity for schools, shuttle services, 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 for all passengers. A practical, well-engineered bus designed to meet the needs of professional operators.

Contact for Price
Mileage 189,102
Passengers 81
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 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?

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