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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2011 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24621

Affordable 2011 Freightliner/Thomas school bus with Cummins engine, automatic transmission, and wheelchair lift. Suitable for districts or organizations needing accessible transportation.

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Mileage 166218
Passengers 39
Year 2011
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2014 Thomas Saf-T Liner School Bus

24620

Used 2014 Thomas Rear Engine bus with Cummins engine, automatic transmission, and integrated wheelchair lift. Ideal for schools or institutions needing accessible transport.

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Mileage 125000
Passengers 35
Year 2014
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2015 Freightliner Thomas Saf-T-Liner

24618

The 2015 Freightliner C2 Saf-T-Liner Thomas is a fleet-ready solution for schools and churches seeking safe and reliable transportation. With only 75,000 original miles, this 70-passenger bus, equipped with seat belts for all, ensures peace of mind for daily routes or group events. Powered by a robust Cummins Diesel engine and an Allison Automatic transmission, this handsome bus promises mechanical reliability and efficiency, making it an ideal investment for expanding your transportation capabilities. Freightliner, a trusted name in the industry, is renowned for producing durable and dependable vehicles that stand the test of time. Their commitment to quality and safety ensures that buyers receive a product that not only meets regulatory compliance but also offers long-term value and performance. This reputation for excellence makes the Freightliner C2 Saf-T-Liner a smart choice for any organization looking to enhance their transportation fleet.

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Mileage 75000
Passengers 70
Year 2015
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2007 IC CE School Bus

24601

This 2007 IC CE conventional school bus seats 71 passengers and runs on a VT-365 diesel engine with air brakes. A reliable and affordable option for schools or organizations needing large-capacity transport.

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Mileage 125380
Passengers 71
Year 2007
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2017 Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner School Bus

24600

This 2017 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 bus features a propane-powered 8.0L engine, air brakes, and seating for 65 passengers. With low mileage and Iowa code pre-seat belt compliance, it's a clean and reliable school or group transport solution.

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Mileage 32050
Passengers 65
Year 2017
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2018 Thomas 341TS Saf-T-Liner C2 School Bus

24599

This 2018 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus seats up to 77 passengers and runs on clean propane fuel. With only 51k miles, air brakes, and Iowa code pre-seat belt compliance, it's a dependable and eco-friendly option for school or group transport.

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Mileage 51000
Passengers 77
Year 2018
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2019 Blue Bird School Bus

24550

This 2019 Blue Bird S CONV school bus offers seating for 48 passengers and 1 wheelchair position. Equipped with a 6.8L gasoline engine and hydraulic brakes, it's ideal for reliable and accessible student transportation.

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Mileage 38324
Passengers 48
Year 2019
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2019 IC CE School Bus

24549

This 2019 IC CE school bus is powered by a Cummins diesel engine and supports up to 48 passengers plus 3 wheelchair positions. Ideal for school transport with low mileage and HYD brakes.

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Mileage 28360
Passengers 48
Year 2019
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2019 Chevrolet Starcraft School Bus

24548

This 2019 Chevrolet Starcraft is a gas-powered school bus with room for 28 passengers. Featuring HYD brakes and a reliable VORTEC engine, it’s an ideal choice for school or community transport.

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Mileage 78079
Passengers 28
Year 2019
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2017 IC CE Type D School Bus

24531

This 2017 IC CE school bus offers extra-large capacity with 72-passenger seating, Cummins diesel performance, and reliable hydraulic brakes, ideal for school district fleets.

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Mileage 51355
Passengers 72
Year 2017
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2017 IC CE S CONV School Bus

24530

This 2017 IC CE school bus is built for high-capacity transport with seating for 53 passengers, powered by a reliable Cummins diesel engine and hydraulic brakes.

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Mileage 49808
Passengers 53
Year 2017
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2017 IC CE ADA School Bus

24529

This 2017 IC CE school bus features a powerful Cummins diesel engine, air brakes, and capacity for 42 passengers plus one wheelchair rider—ideal for accessible student transport.

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Mileage 70600
Passengers 42
Year 2017
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2017 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24528

This 2017 Freightliner Thomas school bus offers a dependable Cummins diesel engine and hydraulic brakes, with seating for up to 71 passengers—perfect for school transportation or fleet expansion.

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Mileage 83189
Passengers 71
Year 2017
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2017 Blue Bird Type D School Bus

24527

This 2017 Blue Bird S CONV school bus features a powerful Cummins diesel engine, hydraulic brakes, and a high-capacity 71-passenger layout—ideal for school systems or large group transport.

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Mileage 101045
Passengers 71
Year 2017
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2016 IC CE School Bus

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The 2016 IC CE S CONV is a reliable diesel-powered school bus with HYD brakes and a Cummins engine, built to carry up to 71 students safely and efficiently. Ideal for school districts seeking durability and performance.

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Mileage 73174
Passengers 71
Year 2016
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2016 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24521

This 2016 Freightliner Thomas S CONV school bus offers seating for 71 passengers and runs on a diesel engine with HYD brakes. A dependable yellow school bus ideal for large student routes.

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Mileage 86926
Passengers 71
Year 2016
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2016 IC CE School Bus

24520

This used 2016 IC CE S CONV school bus seats up to 71 passengers and runs on a reliable Cummins diesel engine. A solid choice for schools in need of a dependable, high-capacity yellow bus.

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Mileage 115774
Passengers 71
Year 2016
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2015 Blue Bird Type D School Bus

24516

This 2015 Blue Bird school bus offers seating for 71 passengers, powered by a 6.7L Cummins diesel engine with hydraulic brakes—perfect for safe and efficient school transportation.

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Mileage 63655
Passengers 71
Year 2015
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2015 IC CE Type D School Bus

24515

This used 2015 IC CE S CONV school bus offers seating for 71 passengers and is equipped with a 6.7L Cummins diesel engine and hydraulic brakes, delivering reliable performance for school district fleets.

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Mileage 123033
Passengers 71
Year 2015
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2015 Blue Bird Type D School Bus

24514

This used 2015 Blue Bird S CONV school bus seats up to 71 passengers and runs on a powerful 6.7L Cummins diesel engine with hydraulic brakes, making it ideal for large-scale student transportation.

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Mileage 113231
Passengers 71
Year 2015
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2014 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24513

This used 2014 Freightliner Thomas S CONV is a high-capacity school bus seating 45 passengers and offering 3 wheelchair positions, powered by a reliable Cummins 6.7L diesel engine with air brakes for safety.

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Mileage 129508
Passengers 45
Year 2014
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2014 IC CE School Bus

24511

This 2014 IC CE school bus features a high-capacity design seating up to 76 passengers, ideal for district routes or large-scale student transport. Powered by a 7.6L diesel engine with hydraulic brakes, it offers reliability and performance for daily school operations.

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Mileage 76060
Passengers 76
Year 2014
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2013 Chevrolet Collins School Bus

24510

This 2013 Chevrolet Collins S DRW is a compact and reliable school bus powered by a 6.0L Vortec gas engine. With a 24-passenger capacity and hydraulic brakes, it's ideal for small school systems or private institutions looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient option.

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Mileage 160585
Passengers 24
Year 2013
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2013 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24509

This 2013 Freightliner Thomas school bus fits up to 39 passengers plus 3 wheelchair positions, featuring a durable Cummins 6.7L diesel engine and air brakes. Ideal for districts or nonprofits needing ADA-accessible transport capacity.

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Mileage 200026
Passengers 39
Year 2013
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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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