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 NJ SPEC ADA

29083

2019 Chevrolet C4500 Collins Body NJ Spec 24-Passenger ADA Accessible mini school bus with only 75,000 miles. This unit has rear air conditioning, tinted glass, a Braun ability lift and more. This bus is perfect for any fleet operator looking for an ADA Accessible mini bus for school use.

$69,000

Mileage 75000

Passengers 24

Year 2019

2017 Freightliner Thomas C2 72p

28727

2017 Freightliner Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 72 Passenger School Bus with a Cummins Diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission. Yellow with blue interior. One owner and fleet maintained since new. Tinted glass, audio system, air brakes, air door and more. This bus was recently retired from school bus fleet use and it is ready to get back to work! Perfect for any school, fleet operator, transport service or any business needing to transport students or employees in comfort.

$37,000

Mileage 111000

Passengers 72

Year 2017

2012 Blue Bird Vision ADA School Bus

28689

The 2012 Blue Bird Vision ADA School Bus is the perfect solution for school bus fleet operators, private and public schools, and special needs transporters seeking a reliable and accessible transportation option. Designed with inclusivity in mind, this bus comfortably seats 27 passengers and includes a dedicated wheelchair position, ensuring ADA compliance and ease of access for all passengers.

Blue Bird is renowned for its commitment to safety and durability, making it a trusted choice for institutions that prioritize the well-being of their passengers. With a history of excellence in manufacturing, Blue Bird buses are built to withstand the rigors of daily use.

$15,000

Mileage 175000

Passengers 27

Year 2012

2014 International PB10500

28638

Good to almost really good condition. Kept outside but out of direct sun. I would like to move it quickly.

It needs some engine work. Broken bolt in manifold system - mechanic says it could be an issue but it hasn't been while in use. Hydraulic brakes.

$11,000

Mileage 172000

Passengers 72

Year 2014

2011 Chevy 4500 24P

28470

2011 Chevrolet 4500 24-Passenger diesel powered Mini School Bus with 159,000 miles. Currently inspected and operating well. This bus has rear air conditioning and more.

$14,900

Mileage 159479

Passengers 24

Year 2011

2004 BlueBird American RE

28462

2004 Bluebird American RE School bus for sale. It has tinted windows, a CAT 3126B engine with a new turbocharger and new intake manifold. We have 5 years of solid maintenance records. NEW LED tail lights and brake lights.

$12,000

Mileage 119000

Passengers 54

Year 2004

2016 Thomas RE Flat Nose 84P

28459

2016 Thomas Rear Engine Flat Nose 84-Passenger School Bus that was recently retired from fleet use in Florida. This bus has 3 interior air conditioning units, underfloor storage, seat belts, tinted glass, a Cummins Diesel, Allison automatic transmission and more. Ready for work.

$24,900

Mileage 202000

Passengers 84

Year 2016

2016 International IC 3000

28119

2016 International CE School Bus with only 88k miles. 3 brand new batteries, two new front tires, fully functional and ready for use. This bus was just pulled out of service due low enrollment. It was inspected and ready for carrying students when the school restructured. The video recorder was removed, but the wiring is still in place. Ohio spec bus.

$20,000

Mileage 88888

Passengers 77

Year 2016

30 BLUE BIRD PACKAGE DEAL

28039

Price includes all 30 buses. 2012 Blue Bird Vision 72 Passenger full size yellow school buses. These buses are fresh from daily school bus fleet use and ready to go. Powered by Cummins diesel engines and Allison automatic transmissions. One owner and fleet maintained since new. Air brakes, air door. In stock now and ready to ship with no delay. These buses are located in NJ 08067, near all major ports in Wilmington DE, Baltimore MD, New York and more.

$380,000

Mileage 164000

Passengers 72

Year 2012

12 BLUE BIRD PACKAGE DEAL

28037

Price includes all 12 buses. 2012 Blue Bird Vision 72 Passenger full size yellow school buses. These buses are fresh from daily school bus fleet use and ready to go. Powered by Cummins diesel engines and Allison automatic transmissions. One owner and fleet maintained since new. Air brakes, air door. In stock now and ready to ship with no delay. These buses are located in NJ 08067, near all major ports in Wilmington DE, Baltimore MD, New York and more.

$164,000

Mileage 162000

Passengers 72

Year 2012

10 BLUE BIRD PACKAGE DEAL

28036

Price includes all 10 buses. 2012 Blue Bird Vision 72 Passenger full size yellow school buses. These buses are fresh from daily school bus fleet use and ready to go. Powered by Cummins diesel engines and Allison automatic transmissions. One owner and fleet maintained since new. Air brakes, air door. In stock now and ready to ship with no delay. These buses are located in NJ 08067, near all major ports in Wilmington DE, Baltimore MD, New York and more.

$140,000

Mileage 161000

Passengers 72

Year 2012

5 BLUE BIRD PACKAGE DEAL

28035

Price includes all 5 buses. 2012 Blue Bird Vision 72 Passenger full size yellow school buses. These buses are fresh from daily school bus fleet use and ready to go. Powered by Cummins diesel engines and Allison automatic transmissions. One owner and fleet maintained since new. Air brakes, air door. In stock now and ready to ship with no delay. These buses are located in NJ 08067, near all major ports in Wilmington DE, Baltimore MD, New York and more.

$75,000

Mileage 160000

Passengers 72

Year 2012

30 Bus Package Deal

28034

Sale price includes 30 buses. Matching International full size yellow school buses with seat belts, diesel engine and more. All running well with no warning lights. We are located near the East Coast USA ports of Wilmington DE, New Jersey, New York and Baltimore. We sell and ship worldwide.

$240,000

Mileage 174000

Year 2012

12 Bus Package Deal

28032

Sale price includes 12 buses. Matching International full size yellow school buses with seat belts, diesel engine and more. All running well with no warning lights. We are located near the East Coast USA ports of Wilmington DE, New Jersey, New York and Baltimore. We sell and ship worldwide.

$96,000

Mileage 172000

Passengers 54

Year 2012

10 Bus Package Deal

28031

Sale price includes 10 buses. Matching International full size yellow school buses with seat belts, diesel engine and more. All running well with no warning lights. We are located near the East Coast USA ports of Wilmington DE, New Jersey, New York and Baltimore. We sell and ship worldwide.

$80,000

Mileage 171000

Passengers 54

Year 2012

5 Bus Package Deal

28030

Sale price includes 5 buses. Matching International full size yellow school buses with seat belts, diesel engine and more. All running well with no warning lights. We are located near the East Coast USA ports of Wilmington DE, New Jersey, New York and Baltimore. We sell and ship worldwide.

$40,000

Mileage 170000

Passengers 54

Year 2012

2026 NJ Spec ADA Micro Bird

27985

2026 Chevrolet Micro Bird NJ Spec 23 Passenger ADA Accessible Mini School Buses with delivery miles only. Floor tracks from front to back inside provide the highest level of seating flexibility. 2 Units in stock now and available without delay. New units with delivery miles only. Power door, rear air, seat belts, tinted glass, cameras and more. In Stock Now and READY TO SHIP RIGHT NOW. No ordering, no delays.

$137,000

Mileage 1000

Passengers 23

Year 2026

10 In Stock 2026 NJ Spec 16P

27984

2026 Chevrolet Micro Bird NJ Spec 16 Passenger Mini School Bus with deliver miles only. 10 matching units in stock now. Deliver miles only, these buses are new. Rear air, power door, tinted glass, cameras and more. No wait, no delay, no ordering. We have 10 units IN STOCK NOW AND READY TO SHIP.

$106,000

Mileage 1000

Passengers 16

Year 2026

2020 Blue Bird Vision AC

27983

2020 Blue Bird Vision with front and rear AC units. Fresh from fleet use, DOT ready. Brand new tires all around just installed. Full service to be done before shipping including coolant flush, oil change, greased, fuel filters, air element and inspection.

Hydraulic brakes, 65 passenger unit Cummins engine

$117,000

Mileage 59000

Passengers 65

Year 2020

2026 Chevrolet NJ Spec 29P

27982

2026 Chevrolet Micro Bird NJ Spec 29 Passenger Mini School Bus with delivery miles only. New bus still in plastic wrap. Rear air, power door, seat belts and more. Ready to use and SIX UNITS IN STOCK NOW. Ready to Ship.

$126,000

Mileage 1000

Passengers 29

Year 2026

1997 Blue Bird TCFE84

27775

Western bus.

good condition,drop down chains

$7,500

Mileage 288279

Passengers 84

Year 1997

2014 International RE 84P

27527

2 matching Western units ready for immediate shipping.

School bus in good condition, underbus storage, original owners, have all service paperwork.

$39,000

Mileage 46218

Passengers 84

Year 2014

2026 Blue Bird All American FE School Bus

26786

The 2026 Blue Bird All American FE - Diesel offers versatile configurations with 84 Passenger seating and 77 inch headroom to suit various student transportation needs.

$168,000

Mileage 1000

Passengers 84

Year 2026

2013 International 3000 School Bus

26660

The 2013 International 3000 School Bus is a fleet-ready vehicle designed to meet the needs of private student transportation services. With only 65,949 miles on its MaxxForce DT, 6-Cyl Turbo Diesel engine, this bus offers reliability and efficiency for continued school service or a seamless shuttle conversion. Its 66-passenger capacity ensures ample space for students, making it an ideal choice for those looking to expand their transportation fleet.

International is renowned for manufacturing durable and dependable buses, providing peace of mind to buyers who prioritize safety and longevity. Known for their robust engineering and low maintenance costs, International buses are a smart investment for any transportation service aiming to deliver consistent, high-quality performance.

$26,000

Mileage 65949

Passengers 66

Year 2013

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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School Buses

Which School Bus Is Right for You?

School Bus Types at a Glance

Understanding the Four School Bus Types

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a used school bus cost?

How many miles is too many on a used school bus?

Do I need a CDL to drive a school bus?

Can I legally convert a school bus into an RV (skoolie)?

What should I inspect before buying a used school bus?

What's the difference between a school bus and an activity bus title?

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