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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2010 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

24958

The 2010 Blue Bird Vision is a versatile bus with 138,340 miles, featuring a I6 6.7L Turbo diesel engine and accommodating up to 18 passengers with 3 wheelchair spots. This bus includes a wheelchair lift, Cummins engine, and Allison transmission, making it an excellent choice for accessible transportation.

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Mileage 138340
Passengers 18
Year 2010
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2020 Freightliner B2 School Bus

24955

The 2020 Freightliner B2 is a powerful vehicle featuring a 6.7L I6 diesel engine and has only 72,219 miles, making it a strong candidate for various commercial applications. This bus is ideal for businesses seeking a reliable foundation for their transport needs.

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Mileage 72219
Passengers 0
Year 2020
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2019 IC CE School Bus

24954

The 2019 IC CE features a robust 6.7L I6 diesel engine with 71,568 miles, making it a reliable choice for various transportation needs. This bus is perfect for organizations looking to upgrade their fleet with dependable performance.

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Mileage 71568
Passengers 0
Year 2019
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2013 IC CE School Bus

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The 2013 IC Bus CE Series is a reliable 1-owner bus with a diesel 7.6 I6 Twin Turbo engine and 151,342 miles, offering seating for up to 65 passengers. This bus is in good condition and presents a great opportunity for those looking to convert it into a school bus or camper.

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Mileage 151342
Passengers 65
Year 2013
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2008 IC FE School Bus

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The 2008 IC Bus FE Series is a versatile school bus powered by an International DT466 motor, featuring 137,439 miles on the odometer. With seating for 71 passengers, this bus is an affordable choice for transportation needs.

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Mileage 137439
Passengers 71
Year 2008
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2003 Thomas EFX School Bus

24909
The 2003 Thomas EFX is a spacious school bus designed to accommodate 78 passengers plus a driver, making it perfect for large group transport. Powered by a Cummins 5.9L diesel engine and with a mileage of 92K, this bus features air brakes and is available for purchase today.
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Mileage 92
Passengers 78
Year 2003
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2009 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

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The 2009 Blue Bird Vision is a well-equipped activity bus that can seat 72 passengers plus a driver, making it perfect for large groups. Powered by a 6.7L Cummins diesel engine with air brakes and featuring a 140,000 BTU air conditioning system, this bus requires a CDL for operation and has a mileage of 136K.
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Mileage 136000
Passengers 72
Year 2009
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2009 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

24901
The 2009 Blue Bird Vision is a robust activity bus that seats 72 passengers plus a driver, making it an excellent choice for large group transportation. Powered by a 6.7L Cummins diesel engine with air brakes and equipped with a 140,000 BTU air conditioning system, this bus requires a CDL for operation and has a mileage of just 120K.
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Mileage 120
Passengers 72
Year 2009
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2009 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

24900

The 2009 Blue Bird Vision is a spacious school bus that can accommodate 72 passengers plus a driver, making it ideal for large group transport. This bus features a 6.7L Cummins diesel engine with air brakes and a powerful 140,000 BTU air conditioning system.

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Mileage 130000
Passengers 72
Year 2009
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2009 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

24899

The 2009 Blue Bird Vision is a large school bus capable of seating 72 passengers plus a driver, making it perfect for larger group transport. Equipped with a 6.7L Cummins diesel engine and air brakes, this bus also features a powerful 140,000 BTU air conditioning system and requires a CDL for operation.

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Mileage 160
Passengers 72
Year 2009
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2009 Thomas C2 School Bus

24898
The 2009 Thomas C2 is a large activity bus designed to accommodate 72 passengers plus a driver, making it ideal for extensive group transport. Built on a Freightliner chassis with a powerful 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, this bus features air brakes and a substantial 140,000 BTU air conditioning system, requiring a CDL for operation.
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Mileage 173
Passengers 72
Year 2009
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2011 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

24895

The 2011 Blue Bird Vision is a spacious school bus designed to accommodate an impressive 72 passengers plus a driver, making it ideal for large group transport. Powered by a 6.7L Cummins diesel engine with air brakes and a 140,000 BTU air conditioning system, this bus requires a CDL for operation and is ready for its next journey.

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Mileage 149000
Passengers 72
Year 2011
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2015 Thomas C2 School Bus

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The 2015 Thomas C2 is a robust activity bus that can transport 30 passengers plus a driver, making it perfect for group outings. Built on a reliable Freightliner chassis and powered by an ISB 6.7 diesel engine, this bus is designed for durability and safety in demanding environments.
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Mileage 100
Passengers 30
Year 2015
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2015 Thomas EFX School Bus

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The 2015 Thomas EFX is a versatile commercial passenger van seating 84 passengers plus a driver and co-pilot, making it ideal for large group transport. Built on the sturdy Thomas chassis and powered by a reliable ISB 6.7 diesel engine, this bus is designed for performance and safety with air brakes and ample passenger comfort.
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Mileage 56
Passengers 84
Year 2015
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2020 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

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The 2020 Blue Bird Vision school bus is built for performance and safety, accommodating up to 48 passengers with a powerful Cummins diesel engine. This bus features air brakes for enhanced stopping power and offers reliability with a mileage of 49,916.
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Mileage 49916
Passengers 48
Year 2020
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2017 Ford E450 Micro Bird School Bus

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The 2017 Ford Microbird school minibus is designed for efficient transport with a capacity for 30 passengers, powered by a reliable V10 gas engine. While it does not feature air conditioning, it is equipped with hydraulic brakes and has a mileage of 61,228, making it a practical choice for school routes.
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Mileage 61228
Passengers 30
Year 2017
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2016 Ford E450 Collins School Bus

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The 2016 Ford Collins school minibus is designed for efficient transport, accommodating up to 30 passengers with a reliable 5.4L V8 gas engine. This bus features air conditioning and hydraulic brakes, providing comfort and safety for school routes.
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Mileage 93428
Passengers 30
Year 2016
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2021 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

24793
The 2021 Blue Bird Vision school bus is built for safety and efficiency, with a capacity of up to 77 passengers powered by a Cummins diesel engine. Designed for reliability, this bus features air brakes that ensure dependable stopping power on school routes.
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Mileage 44020
Passengers 77
Year 2021
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2013 Freightliner Dog Nose School Bus

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This 2013 Freightliner School Bus can accommodate 38 passengers, making it a perfect choice for transport companies. It features a durable Cummins ISB 6.7 engine and is equipped with air brakes and air conditioning for a comfortable ride.

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Mileage 136289
Passengers 38
Year 2013
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2007 International IC3S530 School Bus

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The 2007 International IC3S530 bus is designed for durability with a mileage of 155,152 miles, making it a practical choice for various transportation needs. This bus offers excellent value for school or commercial use due to its robust construction and reliability.

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Mileage 155152
Passengers 0
Year 2007
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2010 IC CE School Bus

24776

The 2010 IC BUS CE is a robust bus designed for durability with a mileage of 179,347 miles, making it a practical choice for various transportation needs. This bus is well-suited for both school and commercial purposes, providing comfort and reliability during transit.

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Mileage 179347
Passengers 0
Year 2010
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2007 Bluebird Vision School Bus

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The 2007 BLUEBIRD VISION bus features a high mileage of 258,937 miles but is known for its reliability and strong performance, making it a great option for transportation needs. This bus is suitable for school or commercial use, offering ample space for passengers.

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Mileage 258937
Passengers 0
Year 2007
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2007 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner School Bus

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The 2013 Thomas Saf-T-Liner bus features a low mileage of 36,000 miles and is perfect for transporting groups. Known for its reliability and spacious interior, this bus is ideal for various applications, including school and shuttle services.

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Mileage 36000
Passengers 0
Year 2007
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2011 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

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The 2011 Blue Bird Vision is a dependable bus with a mileage of 138,902 miles, ideal for transporting students and large groups. Known for its sturdy construction, this bus is a reliable option for school and commercial transportation needs.

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Mileage 138902
Passengers 0
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.

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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