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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2014 International Dog Nose School Bus

24480

This 2014 International School Bus seats up to 77 passengers and is ideal for schools, churches, or group transportation. With only 120k miles, hydraulic brakes, tinted windows, and good tires, it's a solid, budget-friendly option for reliable daily transport.

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Mileage 120000
Passengers 77
Year 2014

2013 Chevrolet Starcraft Micro Bird School Bus

24479

This 2013 Chevrolet Starcraft MicroBird is a dependable, compact school bus powered by the strong Vortec 6.0L gasoline engine. Designed for safety and comfort, it features 20 captain chairs and a smooth ride—ideal for schools or shuttle services seeking a reliable and efficient vehicle with a proven track record.

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Passengers 20
Year 2013

2011 International Dog Nose School Bus

24477

This 2011 International School Bus is a low-mileage gem with only 45,000 miles and one previous owner. Equipped with hydraulic brakes, air conditioning, and nearly new tires, it offers a reliable and comfortable ride—ideal for schools, churches, or fleet expansion looking for longevity and performance.

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Mileage 45000
Year 2011

2011 Ford Thomas Mini School Bus

24476

This 2011 Ford Mini Bus delivers reliable performance with its efficient 6.0L diesel engine, ideal for small group transport. With seating for up to 14 passengers and a compact 4-window design, it offers maneuverability and comfort—perfect for shuttles, daycares, or community transport services.

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Passengers 14
Year 2011

2010 International IC School Bus

24475

This 2010 International School Bus is built for performance and safety with its powerful DT466 engine and automatic transmission. Featuring dual A/C units and air brakes, it ensures a cool and comfortable ride for students in any climate. A dependable and budget-friendly solution for school districts or shuttle use.

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Year 2010

2009 Blue Bird All American School Bus

24474

This 2009 Bluebird All American School Bus is a durable and well-known model trusted by school districts across the U.S. Ideal for both student transportation and conversion into a skoolie, it offers solid construction and long-term reliability. Ready for its next chapter on the road.

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Year 2009

2010 International Dog Nose School Bus

24471

The 2010 International School Bus delivers power and reliability with its DT466 diesel engine and air brakes, making it a solid choice for school districts or private operators. With 8 large windows, it offers good interior lighting and ventilation. In strong running condition, it's ideal for safe student transportation or conversion projects.

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Mileage 140000
Year 2010

2010 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

24470

The 2010 Bluebird Vision School Bus is a dependable and well-equipped vehicle, ideal for school districts or private organizations. Powered by a 6.7L Cummins engine with an Allison transmission, and featuring dual A/C systems, it ensures a smooth and comfortable ride in all climates. With only 160k miles and no mechanical issues, this bus is ready to be put to work.

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Mileage 160000
Year 2010

2009 Chevrolet Mini School Bus

24469

This 2009 Chevrolet Mini School Bus with a powerful 6.6L Duramax diesel engine is the ideal solution for small group transportation. Featuring a 5-window layout and cold A/C, it offers safe, fuel-efficient, and comfortable rides for schools, daycares, or even skoolie conversions. With seating for 20–25 passengers and multiple units available, it’s a smart buy for organizations needing reliable fleet expansion.

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Passengers 25
Year 2009

2008 Thomas Built Flat Nose School Bus

24468

Reliable and budget-friendly, this 2008 Thomas School Bus for sale in Houston, Texas is equipped with a powerful 6.7L Cummins IPX RED engine and air brakes. With 14 windows, tinted glass, and onboard storage bins, it’s ideal for school fleets, nonprofits, or DIY skoolie conversions. Built with durability in mind, this used school bus is ready for daily routes or your next mobile living project.

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Year 2008

2007 Thomas Flat Nose School Bus

24466

This 2007 Thomas School Bus is a used school bus powered by a Cummins engine. Featuring sturdy construction and reliable performance, it's the perfect transportation solution for school districts on a budget.

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Year 2007

2007 Blue Bird All American School Bus

24465

2007 Bluebird All American School Bus with powerful 6.7L Cummins engine and air brakes. Budget-friendly and dependable, ideal for schools or fleet expansion.

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Year 2007

2008 Freightliner Thomas C2 School Bus

24403

This 2008 Freightliner Thomas C2 is a full-size 72-passenger school bus from the southern U.S., offering rust-free construction and Pre-DPF simplicity. With front and rear A/C, air brakes, and a clean interior, it’s a practical and low-maintenance choice for school bus operations.

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Passengers 72
Year 2008

2015 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24400

This 2015 Freightliner Thomas is a full-size 78-passenger school bus in excellent condition. With a Cummins engine, air ride suspension, and luggage storage, it's a reliable solution for high-capacity school transportation needs.

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Mileage 121000
Passengers 78
Year 2015

2012 International CE School Bus

24398

This 2012 International CE with only 83,000 miles is a prime candidate for a bus conversion or reliable group transport. Featuring a MaxxForce 7 engine, air brakes, and a solid interior with high-back seats, it's a ready-to-roll platform with long life ahead.

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Mileage 83000
Passengers 72
Year 2012

2009 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24383

This 2009 Freightliner Thomas is a Colorado-legal school bus powered by a 250 HP Mercedes engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. With air suspension, spot chains, and high-speed highway capability, it’s a solid choice for student transportation in demanding conditions.

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Mileage 150708
Passengers 66
Year 2009

2010 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24382

This 2010 Freightliner Thomas is a Colorado-legal school bus equipped with a powerful Mercedes 250 HP engine and smooth six-speed transmission. With air suspension, spot chains, and a high-speed capacity, it offers reliability and comfort for school transportation in various terrains.

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Mileage 144313
Passengers 66
Year 2010

2015 International IC School Bus

24381

This 2015 International IC is a well-maintained mid-size school bus ideal for efficient daily routes. With just over 54,000 miles, it features a strong MaxxForce DT engine, underfloor storage, and a quiet, smooth ride enhanced by air suspension and rooftop A/C—an excellent fit for school or activity transportation needs.

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Mileage 54414
Passengers 42
Year 2015

2011 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

24380

This 2011 Blue Bird Vision school bus is a strong and reliable unit powered by a 250 HP Cummins 6.7L engine. With only 74K miles, air brakes, and a 54-passenger capacity, it’s ideal for schools or organizations looking for dependable and cost-effective transportation.

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Mileage 74031
Passengers 54
Year 2011

2012 International IC School Bus

24379

This 2012 International IC school bus is Colorado-spec and offers dependable power with its DT-466 MaxxForce engine and automatic transmission. With 77-passenger seating and only 111K miles, it’s an ideal choice for high-capacity school transportation or fleet upgrades.

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Mileage 111500
Passengers 77
Year 2012

2013 Thomas C2 School Bus

24378

This 2013 Thomas C2 school bus offers dependable performance with its Cummins 6.7L engine and MD-3060 automatic transmission. With 54-passenger capacity and just 148K miles, it’s a strong runner ideal for fleet expansion or student transport operations.

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Mileage 148000
Passengers 54
Year 2013

2019 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

24346

The 2019 Freightliner Thomas C2 is equipped with a robust 6.7L 6-cylinder diesel engine and features an automatic transmission, making it an efficient choice for school transportation.

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Mileage 65446
Passengers 0
Year 2019

2021 Chevrolet Thomas Cutaway

24337

The 2021 Chevrolet Thomas Minotour is powered by a durable 6.0L V8 engine and features a 6-speed automatic transmission, great for efficient transport solutions.

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Mileage 63435
Passengers 0
Year 2021

2019 Chevrolet Girardin Cutaway

24336

The 2019 Chevrolet GIRARDIN MICROBIRD is powered by a robust 6.0L V8 engine and features a 6-speed automatic transmission, designed for reliable performance in passenger transport.

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Mileage 97991
Passengers 0
Year 2019
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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.

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