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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2012 Thomas Built School Bus

24768

The 2012 Thomas Built bus is a well-built vehicle under the class 7 category that has a mileage of 158,659 miles, making it a great choice for reliable transport. Known for its quality and durability, this bus is ideal for transporting passengers or goods with ample interior space and modern amenities.

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Mileage 158659
Passengers 0
Year 2012
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2013 Blue Bird Flat Nose ADA School Bus

24764

The 2013 Blue Bird ADA is a reliable and spacious option for transporting students, with a mileage of 133,938 miles. Featuring a sturdy construction, this school bus is ideal for safe and efficient transportation for various educational needs.

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Mileage 133938
Passengers 0
Year 2013
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2001 Freightliner FS-65 School Bus

24758
The 2001 FREIGHTLINER FS-65 is a solid bus featuring a mileage of 275,305 miles and equipped with air brakes, making it a reliable option for various transportation needs. This bus has been well-maintained and is ideal for both school and charter functions.
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Mileage 275305
Passengers 0
Year 2001
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2011 GMC Savana ADA School Bus

24756
The 2011 GMC SAVANA is a spacious bus ideal for group transportation, featuring a mileage of just 55,065 miles. This bus provides ample room for passengers and is an excellent choice for shuttle or community transport needs.
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Mileage 55065
Passengers 0
Year 2011
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2011 Blue Bird All American School Bus

24747

The 2011 Blue Bird All American is a durable bus with a well-maintained mileage of 188,729 miles, perfect for large group transport. This bus is designed to accommodate various transportation needs with its spacious interior and reliable performance.

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Mileage 188729
Passengers 0
Year 2011
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2002 Freightliner FS65 School Bus

24743

The 2002 Freightliner FS65 is a reliable bus suitable for transporting larger groups, with a capacity for 71 passengers and a mileage of 106,248 miles. Powered by a Cummins ISB 5.9L engine, this bus combines performance with durability, making it ideal for various transport needs.

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Mileage 106248
Passengers 71
Year 2002
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2010 Chevrolet 4500 Mini School Bus

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The 2010 Chevrolet 4500 is an efficient minibus designed for accessible transportation, featuring a handicap lift and seating for 15 passengers. With a well-maintained mileage of 106,770 miles, this bus is ideal for community organizations and shuttle services requiring versatile and reliable transport.

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Mileage 106770
Passengers 15
Year 2010
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2013 Freightliner School Bus

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The 2013 Freightliner School Bus is designed for safe and efficient student transport, boasting a capacity of 38 passengers. Equipped with features like air brakes and air conditioning, this bus is an excellent choice for various educational transportation needs, ensuring comfort and reliability on every journey.

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Mileage 136289
Passengers 38
Year 2013
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2013 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

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The 2013 Freightliner Thomas School Bus offers a robust capacity for up to 38 passengers, making it an ideal choice for transportation needs. With features like air brakes and air conditioning, this bus ensures comfort and safety for all riders.

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Mileage 136289
Passengers 38
Year 2013
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2009 Blue Bird Type D School Bus

24673

Reliable 2009 Bluebird school bus with 72-passenger seating and Cummins diesel engine—ideal for districts needing dependable daily transport.

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Mileage 151000
Passengers 72
Year 2009
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2011 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24671

2011 Freightliner Thomas school bus with Cummins engine and seating for 66 passengers—ideal for daily student routes and reliable service.

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Mileage 106000
Passengers 66
Year 2011
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2015 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24670

2015 Freightliner Thomas school bus with Cummins power, 72-passenger capacity and air brakes—ideal for dependable student transportation.

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Mileage 105000
Passengers 72
Year 2015
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2009 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner Type D School Bus

24669

2009 Thomas school bus with a powerful Cummins engine and rear engine design, ideal for high-capacity student transport with 72 seats.

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Mileage 135000
Passengers 72
Year 2009
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2025 Freightliner Thomas C2 School Bus

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The 2025 Freightliner Thomas C2 311TS offers a reliable performance with a Cummins 220HP engine, providing ample power for transportation needs. With a spacious capacity of 72 passengers, this bus is ideal for school routes and group travel.
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Mileage 5
Passengers 72
Year 2025
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2011 International Type D School Bus

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Reliable 2011 International school bus with low mileage and 78-passenger capacity—perfect for school fleets on a budget.

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Mileage 80000
Passengers 78
Year 2011
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2012 International Type D School Bus

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High-capacity 2012 International school bus with 78 seats and MaxxForce power—ideal for large student routes at a budget price.

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Mileage 151000
Passengers 78
Year 2012
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2011 International ADA School Bus

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Budget-friendly 2011 International school bus with lift, 30 seats and 1 wheelchair position—perfect for smaller routes or special education transport.

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Mileage 223000
Passengers 30
Year 2011
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2011 International ADA School Bus

24628

2011 International school bus with 48 seats and 2 wheelchair positions, ideal for school systems or community transport. Equipped with lift and MaxxForce DT engine.

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Mileage 161000
Passengers 48
Year 2011
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2011 International Type C School Bus

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Reliable 2011 International school bus with 66-passenger capacity and MaxxForce DT engine. Ideal for schools or fleet buyers looking for budget-friendly options.

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Mileage 147000
Passengers 66
Year 2011
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2010 Thomas Built Type D School Bus

24626

2010 Thomas school bus with 72-passenger capacity, Cummins engine, and rear engine layout. Cost-effective solution for school fleets or bulk transport needs.

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Mileage 129000
Passengers 72
Year 2010
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2009 Thomas Built Type D School Bus

24625

2009 Thomas rear engine school bus with 72-passenger capacity and dependable Cummins power. Ideal option for school districts or bulk transportation on a budget.

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Mileage 112000
Passengers 72
Year 2009
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2010 Thomas Type D School Bus

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2010 Thomas school bus with rear engine and 72-passenger capacity, powered by a reliable Cummins diesel engine. Great choice for schools or large group transport at a low price.

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Mileage 133000
Passengers 72
Year 2010
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2011 Blue Bird School Bus

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Spacious 2011 Bluebird school bus with 72-passenger seating and dependable Cummins engine. Ideal for schools or fleet expansion with a budget-friendly option.

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Mileage 134000
Passengers 72
Year 2011
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2010 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24622

Reliable 2010 Freightliner Thomas school bus with 48-passenger seating, 2 wheelchair positions, and Cummins power. Great option for schools or transport companies seeking accessibility.

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Mileage 128000
Passengers 48
Year 2010
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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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