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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2016 International IC School Bus

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The 2016 International IC CE300 is equipped with a robust MAXXD 6-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission, making it a reliable option for school transportation.

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Mileage 93564
Passengers 0
Year 2016
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2018 Ford Girardin Micro Bird Shuttle Bus

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The 2018 Ford Girardin Micro Bird features a reliable 3.2L I5 diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, making it a versatile choice for various transportation requirements.

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Mileage 63337
Passengers 0
Year 2018
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2019 Blue Bird All American Flat Nose School Bus

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The 2019 Blue Bird All American offers dependable transportation with a durable 6.7L diesel engine and a spacious interior ideal for school routes.

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Mileage 77063
Passengers 0
Year 2019
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2020 Chevrolet Thomas Cutaway

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The 2020 Chevrolet Thomas Minotour offers reliable performance with its 6.0L V8 engine, ideal for transporting groups or events.

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Mileage 69576
Passengers 0
Year 2020
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2017 Chevrolet Thomas Cutaway

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The 2017 Chevrolet Thomas Minotour is a dependable cutaway van featuring a 6.0L V8 engine, ideal for various transportation requirements.

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Mileage 99564
Passengers 0
Year 2017
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2018 Chevrolet Trans Tech Cutaway School Bus

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The 2018 Chevrolet TRANS TECH is a versatile cutaway van equipped with a dependable 6.0L V8 engine, perfect for transportation needs.

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Mileage 129186
Passengers 0
Year 2018
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2017 Chevrolet Girardin Cutaway School Bus

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The 2017 Chevrolet GIRARDIN is a reliable cutaway van featuring a 6.0L V8 engine suited for various transport needs with a spacious interior designed for comfort.

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Mileage 135631
Passengers 0
Year 2017
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2018 Freightliner C2 School Bus

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The 2018 Freightliner C2 offers a spacious seating capacity for up to 77 passengers, making it an ideal choice for large transportation needs. Equipped with a cummins 6.7 engine, this robust bus ensures reliable performance and durability, perfect for daily use or special events.

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Mileage 86600
Passengers 77
Year 2018
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2011 Freightliner Thomas C2 School Bus

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The 2011 Freightliner Thomas C2 78P is a robust school bus designed to carry all passengers with a powerful Cummins ISB 220HP engine and automatic transmission. This used vehicle provides reliable performance for various student transportation demands.
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Passengers 78
Year 2011
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2014 Thomas C2 School Bus

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The 2014 Thomas C2 is a versatile school bus with an impressively low mileage of just 170, designed for all passengers. This model combines functionality with comfort, making it a dependable choice for student transportation.
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Mileage 170
Passengers 0
Year 2014
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2015 Thomas C2 School Bus

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The 2015 Thomas C2 is a reliable school bus with minimal mileage of just 129 and designed for all passengers. This vehicle ensures safety and comfort for students, making it an excellent choice for transport needs.
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Mileage 129
Passengers 0
Year 2015
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2021 Freightliner Thomas C2 School Bus

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The 2021 Freightliner Thomas C2 bus offers ample seating for up to 48 passengers and is wheelchair accessible to meet diverse transportation needs. With a mileage of 49,285, it combines functionality with reliability for safe school transport.
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Mileage 49285
Passengers 48
Year 2021
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Two matching ADA Diesel Mini Buses

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Two matching buses package. Both of these Blue Bird wheel chair accessible mini buses came from the same fleet. They are identical twins that have worked together since new. One bus is titled as a 2012 and one titled as a 2013. Both buses have approx 150k miles on them. These are 15 passenger units and one bus has an extra removable seat that makes it 18 passengers right now. Both have Duramax diesel engines, power entry doors, TALL Bodies allowing for 6 foot 4 inch tall people to walk freely inside, nice large windows, rear doors, rear air conditioning, Braun 800 pound lifts, seat belts, fold away seats allowing additional wheel chair positions and more. Both nice buses. Check out the videos.

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Mileage 150000
Passengers 15
Year 2013
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2002 International AmTran School Bus

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The 2002 International AmTran is a robust school bus featuring a T-444-E V-8 diesel engine and an Allison automatic transmission, designed to accommodate up to 71 passengers for reliable transport. With its bright yellow exterior and various safety features, this bus is perfect for schools or organizations looking for dependable group transportation.
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Mileage 131584
Passengers 71
Year 2002
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2017 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

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The 2017 Blue Bird Vision School Bus is designed to accommodate up to 71 passengers and is powered by a robust Cummins diesel engine. With air brakes and a mileage of 73,318, this bus is built for safe and reliable student transportation.
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Mileage 73318
Passengers 71
Year 2017
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2018 International ICCE School Bus

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Explore the spacious interior of this school bus, capable of transporting 66 passengers efficiently and safely. The 2018 International ICCE model is powered by a Cummins engine and equipped with air brakes, featuring a mileage of 64,011.
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Mileage 64011
Passengers 66
Year 2018
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2020 International IC CE School Bus

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Discover the reliability of this school bus, designed to accommodate 63 passengers with comfort and safety in mind. The 2020 International ICCE model is equipped with a Cummins engine and features hydraulic brakes, boasting a mileage of 82,193.
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Mileage 82193
Passengers 63
Year 2020
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2020 Thomas C2 School Bus

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Explore the versatility of this school bus, specially designed to accommodate 54 passengers while offering enhanced accessibility features. The 2020 Thomas C2 model is equipped with a Cummins engine and air brakes, boasting a mileage of 56,596.
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Mileage 56596
Passengers 5
Year 2020
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2013 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

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Discover the reliability of this school bus, designed to transport up to 66 passengers comfortably. The 2013 Blue Bird Vision model is equipped with a Cummins engine and features air brakes, showcasing a mileage of 60,064.
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Mileage 60064
Passengers 66
Year 2013
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2017 Thomas C2 School Bus

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Discover the durability of the school bus designed to accommodate up to 71 passengers, ensuring an efficient transportation solution. This 2017 Thomas C2 model is powered by a reliable Cummins engine and features hydraulic brakes with only 36,864 miles.
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Mileage 36864
Passengers 71
Year 2017
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2017 Thomas C2 School Bus

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Explore the reliability of the school bus designed for various environments with a total capacity of 71 passengers. This 2017 Thomas C2 model features a powerful Cummins engine and is equipped with hydraulic brakes for enhanced safety.
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Mileage 49598
Passengers 71
Year 2017
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2019 Thomas C2 ADA School Bus

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The 2019 Thomas C2 school bus is specially designed for needs-based transportation, featuring a Cummins diesel engine and a spacious capacity of 36 passengers. With hydraulic brakes and a mileage of 70,215, this bus ensures safe and reliable travel for student groups requiring additional support.
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Mileage 70215
Passengers 36
Year 2019
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2019 Thomas C2 School Bus

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The 2019 Thomas C2 school bus features a robust Cummins diesel engine and has a capacity of 42 passengers. Designed for reliability, this bus ensures safe transportation tailored for school use with air brakes for enhanced safety and control, making it an excellent choice for any school district seeking a dependable vehicle.
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Mileage 47311
Passengers 42
Year 2019
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2013 Chevrolet Express 3500 Shuttle Bus

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The 2013 Chevrolet Express 3500 is a low-mileage shuttle bus equipped with a powerful 4.8L V8 engine, designed to transport up to 15 passengers comfortably. Featuring a 12ft Micro Blue Bird bus body, this vehicle offers front and rear A/C, dual air conditioning, and a seating arrangement suitable for daycare transport.
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Mileage 38053
Passengers 15
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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