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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2019 Freightliner Thomas C2 School Bus

22205

This pre-owned 2019 Freightliner Thomas C2 is a reliable school bus designed to transport up to 35 passengers comfortably and safely. Featuring a durable Cummins 6.7L diesel engine and automatic transmission, this bus is equipped with accessibility features like a wheelchair lift, making it an ideal choice for schools or organizations in need of an inclusive transport solution.

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Mileage 107010
Passengers 35
Year 2019

2018 Freightliner Thomas C2 School Bus

22204

This 2018 Freightliner Thomas C2 is a dependable conventional school bus powered by a Cummins 6.7 diesel engine. With seating for 48 passengers and under 64K miles, it’s a great option for school districts or transportation services needing a reliable fleet addition.

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Mileage 63773
Passengers 48
Year 2018

2017 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

22203

This 2017 Blue Bird Vision offers a 65-passenger capacity and is powered by a Cummins 6.7 diesel engine, making it a reliable choice for daily school routes. Designed with safety and durability in mind, this conventional-style bus is ideal for educational and fleet use.

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Mileage 83309
Passengers 65
Year 2017

2019 Freightliner Thomas C2 School Bus

22202

This 2019 Freightliner Thomas C2 is built for dependable performance and safety, offering seating for 45 passengers and powered by a Cummins 6.7 diesel engine. It's a great option for school districts or organizations needing a durable, conventional-style school bus.

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Mileage 78054
Passengers 45
Year 2019

2020 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

22201

This 2020 Blue Bird Vision is a reliable school bus designed for safety and performance, powered by a Cummins 6.7 diesel engine. With a 48-passenger capacity, it’s ideal for schools or institutions looking for efficient and dependable student transport.

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Mileage 48592
Passengers 48
Year 2020

2017 International CE Conventional School Bus

22200

This 2017 International CE Conventional school bus seats up to 65 passengers and runs on a Cummins 6.7 diesel engine. Ideal for school districts or fleet expansion, this bus offers a durable build and dependable performance backed by International’s reputation in student transportation.

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Passengers 65
Year 2017

2013 Blue Bird All American School Bus

22199

This 2013 Blue Bird All American Front Engine school bus seats up to 65 passengers and is powered by a Cummins 6.7 diesel engine. With only 75,016 miles, it’s a reliable option for school or fleet transport, offering a strong front-engine design built for durability.

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Mileage 75016
Passengers 65
Year 2013

2014 Blue Bird Vision Type D School Bus

22190

This group of 2012–2014 Blue Bird Vision school buses includes 6 pre-owned units with a seating capacity for up to 44 passengers. Featuring diesel-powered engines and Allison transmissions, they offer reliable performance and are well-suited for school or group transportation needs.

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Passengers 44
Year 2014

2011 Blue Bird Vision Type C School Bus

22188

This 2011 Blue Bird Vision school bus seats up to 66 passengers and is designed for safe and dependable daily operation. Equipped with a diesel engine and air brakes, this conventional bus offers reliable performance and essential school transportation features.

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Mileage 169326
Passengers 66
Year 2011

2006 Blue Bird All American School Bus

22185

This 2006 Blue Bird All American transit bus accommodates 30 seated passengers and up to 4 wheelchairs, making it a practical choice for accessible school transport. Featuring a CAT C7 diesel engine and air brakes, it delivers dependable performance and safety.

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Mileage 262895
Passengers 30
Year 2006

2012 International BE200 Type C School Bus

22178

This 2012 International BE200 is a Type C school bus with room for 25 passengers and front-side wheelchair accessibility. Powered by a MaxxForce 7 diesel engine and Allison transmission, it's equipped with air brakes and Child Check-Mate safety features for reliable and secure transport.

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Mileage 82905
Passengers 25
Year 2012

2011 Thomas Express School Bus

22177

This 2011 Thomas Express short bus accommodates up to 25 passengers with a dependable 6.0L V8 gas engine and automatic transmission. It includes air conditioning and a Child Check-Mate system, offering comfort and safety for everyday school transport.

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Mileage 73823
Passengers 25
Year 2011

2011 Thomas Express School Bus

22176

This 2011 Thomas Express short school bus seats up to 25 passengers and runs on a GM gas/flex fuel engine. With hydraulic brakes and suspension, it ensures smooth city routes, while air conditioning and seat belts add comfort and safety for all passengers.

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Mileage 69505
Passengers 25
Year 2011

2008 Blue Bird RE All American

22174

This 2008 Blue Bird All American is a dependable Type D school bus with a 50-passenger capacity and a rear Cummins 8.3L diesel engine. Featuring an Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, and spring suspension, it’s a solid and efficient option for school transportation or fleet use.

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Mileage 157600
Passengers 50
Year 2008

2010 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

22170

This 2010 Blue Bird Vision Type C school bus is wheelchair accessible with a rear side lift and offers seating for 18 passengers and 3 wheelchair positions. It features a Caterpillar C7 diesel engine, automatic transmission, and air conditioning, ensuring comfort and reliability on every route.

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Mileage 63987
Passengers 18
Year 2010

2008 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

22167

This 2008 Blue Bird Vision Type C school bus offers seating for 18 passengers and 3 wheelchair positions. Powered by a front Cummins diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission, it provides reliable operation and wheelchair lift accessibility for versatile transportation needs.

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Mileage 72016
Passengers 18
Year 2008

2008 Blue Bird All American School Bus

22161

This 2008 Blue Bird All American Type D school bus features a CNG-powered John Deere 8.7L engine, Allison transmission, and room for 65 passengers, making it a reliable and eco-friendly option for fleet operators.

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Mileage 155156
Passengers 65
Year 2008

2011 Thomas Minotour School Bus

22160

This 2011 Thomas Minotour short school bus features a gas engine, hydraulic brakes, and seating for 6 passengers plus 4 wheelchair positions with a rear side lift for ADA accessibility.

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Mileage 72089
Passengers 6
Year 2011

2014 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

22159

This 2014 Blue Bird Vision propane-powered school bus offers seating for 40 passengers and delivers dependable performance with a Ford 6.8L engine and automatic transmission.

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Mileage 94667
Passengers 40
Year 2014

2023 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

22139

This 2023 Blue Bird Vision is a high-capacity school bus with room for 77 passengers, powered by a fuel-efficient gas engine for reliable daily service.

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Mileage 17000
Passengers 77
Year 2023

2017 Chevrolet Blue Bird School Bus

22138

This 2017 Chevrolet Blue Bird is a dependable school bus with a 30-passenger capacity, built for safety and efficient daily operation.

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Passengers 30
Year 2017

2022 International School Bus

22137

This 2022 International school bus offers reliable performance and seating for 59 passengers, powered by a durable Cummins engine for dependable daily use.

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Passengers 59
Year 2022

2021 Freightliner Thomas C2 School Bus

22136

This 2021 Thomas C2 is a dependable school bus with seating for 77 passengers, ideal for fleet expansion or route replacement in educational or transit operations.

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Passengers 77
Year 2021

2022 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

22134

This 2022 Blue Bird Vision school bus seats 71 passengers and runs on a powerful 7.3L gas engine, offering dependable performance for school transportation needs.

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Mileage 47766
Passengers 71
Year 2022
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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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