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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2008 International CE 300 School Bus

10887

The 2008 International CE 300 is a robust and dependable bus, built for efficient group transport with a spacious interior and strong performance. This vehicle is perfect for those seeking a pre-owned school bus that ensures both reliability and comfort.

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Passengers 72
Year 2008

2016 Ford E450 ADA

10810

The 2016 Ford E450 Blue Bird Micro Bird ADA Wheelchair Accessible School Bus is designed for accessible transport, offering a reliable and comfortable solution for small group transportation. With seating for 10 adults or 15 children plus 2 wheelchair positions, this bus is perfect for special education transport providers, community outreach programs, and organizations seeking an accessible and efficient solution. Powered by a 5.4L V8 engine and equipped with an automatic transmission, it ensures smooth and dependable performance for daily transport needs. Its thoughtful design and advanced features make it an excellent choice for churches and senior facilities looking for a versatile mini bus.

 

Ford is known for its commitment to quality and innovation in the automotive industry. The E450 model stands out with its emphasis on accessibility and comfort, making it a preferred choice for mini school transportation.

 

Notable Features

Accessibility: Equipped with a Ricon wheelchair lift, providing easy access for passengers with mobility needs.

Comfort and Convenience: Features rear A/C, tilt steering column, cruise control, AM/FM radio, power steering, and a driver airbag, ensuring a comfortable and safe travel experience.

Low Mileage: This bus has low miles and has been owned by one owner, ensuring reliability and peace of mind for buyers.

 

Additional Specifications

Engine: 5.4L V8

Transmission: Automatic

Mileage: 70,969

Exterior Dimensions: Length: 30 ft, Width: 8 ft, Height: 11 ft

Interior Dimensions: Length: 24 ft, Width: 7.5 ft, Height: 6.5 ft

GVWR: 14,050 lbs

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Mileage 70969
Passengers 15
Year 2016

2014 Chevrolet Express 4500 

10808

The 2014 Chevrolet Express 4500 is a versatile and durable vehicle, ideal for transporting passengers or cargo with its spacious interior and strong performance. It’s a great option for those seeking a semi-new school bus that offers both reliability and long-term durability.

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Mileage 162500
Passengers 14
Year 2014

2012 Bluebird Vision School Bus

10807

The 2012 Bluebird Vision School Bus is built for efficiency and safety, offering ample seating and a robust design ideal for school transportation. Its reliable diesel engine makes it a practical option for those searching for a bus for sale.

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Mileage 57794
Passengers 72
Year 2012

2015 Blue Bird Vision 72P

10805

The 2015 Bluebird Vision School Bus is designed for large-group transportation, offering seating for up to 72 passengers with a durable and spacious design. This model is perfect for public school districts, private schools, and special education transport providers seeking a pre-owned bus that combines high capacity with long-lasting performance. Equipped with a Cummins Diesel engine and Allison Automatic transmission, the Bluebird Vision ensures reliable and efficient operation for daily school transport needs.

Blue Bird is a trusted name in the school bus industry, known for its commitment to safety and durability. The Vision model stands out with its robust construction and high passenger capacity, making it a preferred choice for educational institutions.

Notable Features

High Passenger Capacity: Seats up to 72 passengers, ideal for large-group transportation.

Safety Features: Includes air brakes, air ride front and rear, air door, two roof hatches, and four emergency windows for enhanced safety.

Durable Design: Built with a focus on longevity and reliability, ensuring efficient performance for school transport.

Contact for Price
Mileage 70700
Passengers 72
Year 2015

2014 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 School Bus

10804

The 2014 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 is designed for efficient mid-sized group transport, offering comfortable seating and a durable build. It's a great choice for those looking for a pre-owned mid-bus that provides everything you need to to accommodate passengers that require wheelchair access.

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Mileage 114000
Passengers 30
Year 2014

2013 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

10802

The 2013 Bluebird Vision is a reliable and spacious vehicle designed for group transportation, offering durable construction and comfortable seating. It’s a great choice for those seeking a pre-owned bus that delivers both performance and long-term dependability.

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Mileage 135711
Passengers 78
Year 2013

2004 Blue Bird All American RE School Bus

10742

The 2004 BlueBird All-American RE is a rear-engine vehicle designed for large-group transportation, providing a sturdy build and plenty of seating. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a Bluebird bus that delivers both comfort and dependable performance.

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Mileage 134088
Passengers 38
Year 2004

2008 Blue Bird Vision School Bus

10739

The 2009 International CE is a reliable choice for transporting large groups, with seating for up to 73 passengers and a sturdy design. It's an ideal option for anyone looking for a big dependable school bus.

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Mileage 62312
Passengers 24
Year 2008

2005 Blue Bird All American School Bus

10738

The 2005 Blue Bird All American is a dependable and spacious bus designed for large group transportation. Known for its durability, this model is a popular choice among blue bird buses for sale.

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Mileage 124726
Passengers 50
Year 2005

2009 Chevrolet Thomas C2 School Bus

10736

The 2009 Chevrolet Thomas C2 offers reliable group transportation with a spacious interior and a durable build. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a second hand bus that provides both comfort and long-lasting performance.

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Mileage 167546
Passengers 43
Year 2009

2007 Blue Bird All American School Bus

10735

The 2007 BlueBird All American is a dependable bus designed for large-group transport, seating 48 passengers, featuring a spacious interior and robust construction. 

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Mileage 97219
Passengers 44
Year 2007

2002 Freightliner Thomas School Bus

10734

The 2002 Freightliner Thomas is built for mid-sized group transport, offering seating for up to 43 passengers and a durable design. This vehicle is an excellent choice for those seeking a pre-owned bus that provides both comfort and reliability.

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Mileage 248961
Passengers 43
Year 2002

2008 Freightliner Thomas C2 School Bus

10731

The 2008 Freightliner Thomas C2 has is equipped with 2 wheelchair positions and a wheelchair lift, making it ideal for accessible group transport. This vehicle is an excellent choice for those seeking a wheelchair-accessible bus that combines comfort, convenience, and reliability.

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Mileage 154000
Passengers 12
Year 2008

2009 International CE School Bus

10725

The 2009 International CE seats up to 73 passengers and is built to last, offering a lot of road life for future use. This bus will get you and your students to point A to point B safely.

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Mileage 137254
Passengers 73
Year 2009

2010 International CE School Bus

10723

The 2010 International CE is built for reliable group transportation, offering a durable design and comfortable seating. This vehicle can seat up to 71 passengers.

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Mileage 161551
Passengers 71
Year 2010

2011 International CE School Bus

10721

The 2011 International CE is a dependable vehicle designed for efficient group transportation, featuring a robust build and comfortable seating. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a pre-owned vehicle that delivers both performance and reliability.

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Mileage 109139
Passengers 43
Year 2011

2011 International CE School Bus

10720

The 2011 International CE offers dependable group transportation, with solid construction and comfortable seating for passengers. This bus is a hallmark in the world of reliable school buses.

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Mileage 161734
Passengers 71
Year 2011

2011 International CE School Bus

10719

The 2011 International CE delivers reliable group transportation with its robust build and comfortable seating. It's an excellent option for anyone looking for a pre-owned bus that combines durability with consistent performance.

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Mileage 153594
Passengers 77
Year 2011

2011 Chevrolet Collins School Bus

10718

The 2011 Chevrolet Collins School Bus is built for durability and offers a compact size, making it perfect for school or shuttle services. If you're considering a mini school bus bus for sale, this model provides a great balance of efficiency and comfort.

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Mileage 106417
Passengers 27
Year 2011

2012 International CE School Bus

10717

The 2012 International CE offers reliable and efficient group transportation, featuring a sturdy design and spacious seating. It’s the way to go when looking for a semi-used reliable school bus.

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Mileage 108006
Passengers 77
Year 2012

2014 International CE School Bus

10712

The 2014 International CE provides dependable group transport with its robust construction and comfortable seating. This vehicle is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a pre-owned bus that combines reliability and ease of use.

Contact for Price
Mileage 88798
Passengers 72
Year 2014

2016 Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner School Bus

10708

This 2016 Freightliner  Saf-T-Liner offers seating for 71 passengers and is equipped with high-back vinyl seats, providing safety and comfort for long trips. 

This bus is a versatile option for those looking for a bus for sale for school or shuttle purposes. 

Contact for Price
Mileage 84774
Passengers 71
Year 2016

2016 Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner School Bus

10707

The 2016 Freightliner Thomas is built for reliable group transportation, featuring a spacious interior and a durable design. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a new school bus with zero mileage.

Contact for Price
Passengers 77
Year 2016
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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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