School Buses
BusesForSale.com is one of the largest marketplaces for used school buses in the United States. Whether you're a school district replacing aging units, a fleet operator building a jobsite transport program, a church or daycare starting a route, or a buyer searching for the ideal skoolie conversion project, we have inspected, ready-to-ship inventory available now. Our school bus inventory spans full-size 72-passenger yellow school buses from Blue Bird, Thomas Built, International, and Freightliner; mid-size school buses in the 40–55 passenger range; and mini school buses (Type A) for small groups. Matching fleet units are frequently available. Facility in Pedricktown, NJ near every major East Coast port. Call 877-287-7253.
School Bus Types Explained — A, B, C & D Classifications
The federal government classifies school buses into four school bus types based on chassis design and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Understanding these classifications helps you identify the right size and configuration for your needs — and clarifies important CDL and licensing implications.
|
Type |
Construction |
Typical Capacity |
Common Chassis |
CDL Required? |
|
Type A |
Cutaway van or truck chassis with bus body. Two sub-classifications: A-1 (≤14,500 lb GVWR) and A-2 (14,500–21,500 lb GVWR) |
10–30 students |
Ford E-450, Chevrolet 4500, Ford F-550 |
Generally no for Type A-1 (most states); yes for A-2 depending on state and passenger count |
|
Type B |
Transit-style bus with engine partially beneath the driver. Less common; a middle ground between Type A and C in capacity |
16–36 students |
Various cutaway and purpose-built platforms |
Yes — Class B CDL with P and S endorsements |
|
Type C |
The traditional "conventional" school bus — hood-forward design with engine in front. Most common full-size configuration in the U.S. |
48–78 students |
Blue Bird Vision, Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2, International CE |
Yes — Class B CDL with P and S endorsements |
|
Type D |
Transit-style flat-nose or rear-engine design — maximum interior space with engine behind or beneath the passenger area |
48–90+ students |
Blue Bird All American RE, Thomas Saf-T-Liner HDX, International RE |
Yes — Class B CDL with P and S endorsements |
How to Evaluate a Used School Bus — Mileage, Condition & What to Check
School buses are built to commercial heavy-duty standards — significantly more robust than commercial trucks of comparable age. A well-maintained school bus can and regularly does operate well past 200,000 miles. Here's how to evaluate a used school bus effectively:
Mileage in Context
Mileage alone is a poor indicator of condition on a school bus. School buses typically operate on short, low-speed routes — an accumulation of high idle time, frequent stop-start cycles, and urban miles that is harder on components than the same mileage at highway speed. A bus with 150,000 miles and full fleet maintenance records is often a better value than a 90,000-mile bus with no documented history. Ask for service records, not just the odometer.
Key Inspection Points
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Engine and fluid condition. Check oil for milkiness or sludge (signs of coolant intrusion or neglect). Note the color of coolant in the overflow reservoir. Ask about Cummins engine service intervals — properly maintained ISB and ISL Cummins engines are extremely durable and widely serviceable.
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Air system. Full-size school buses use air brakes. Build air pressure and confirm the system holds at rest. Listen for leaks. Low air warnings should not trigger until pressure drops well below operating range.
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Body and floor condition. Inspect the floor for soft spots, particularly around wheel wells and the entry step area. Check all window seals and emergency exit seals for deterioration. Surface rust on exterior panels is normal on older units — structural rust in floor framing is more serious.
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Transmission. Allison automatic transmissions are the standard on most school buses and are exceptionally durable. Confirm smooth, positive shifts through all ranges with no hesitation or slipping.
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Brakes and tires. Check brake chamber pushrod travel (stroke) at each wheel position. Inspect tires for tread depth and condition — a full school bus tire replacement is a significant cost and a useful negotiating point on older units.
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Documentation. Request the title, any available service history, and DOT inspection records. Fleet-maintained buses from school districts often have full paper trails — this documentation adds meaningful value to any unit.
FAQs
What types of school buses do you sell?
We offer a comprehensive selection of inspected, ready-to-ship school buses across all federal classifications. Our inventory includes Type A (mini buses and vans), Type C (conventional "dog-nose" buses), and Type D (transit-style flat-front buses) from top manufacturers like Blue Bird, Thomas Built, International, and Freightliner.
Why is mileage not the best indicator of a used school bus's condition?
School buses typically run short, low-speed routes with frequent stop-and-go cycles and high engine idle times. Because of this, a bus with low mileage might still have significant engine wear. When evaluating a used school bus, we recommend focusing on total engine hours and comprehensive service records rather than just the odometer reading.
Do I need a CDL to drive a school bus?
CDL requirements are based on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and passenger capacity. Full-size Type C and Type D school buses (which can carry up to 72 passengers) always require a CDL with a Passenger endorsement. However, some smaller Type A school buses designed for 14 passengers or fewer may not require a CDL. Always verify your specific state regulations.
Do you offer bulk package deals for school districts and contractors?
Yes! We frequently work with school districts, transit authorities, and private contractors who need to scale their operations quickly. We offer dedicated fleet pricing and package deals—such as matching fleets of 72-passenger buses—making it easy to standardize your fleet and streamline your maintenance schedule.
Are ADA-accessible school buses available?
Absolutely. Accessibility is essential for inclusive student transport. We regularly stock ADA-accessible yellow school buses equipped with commercial-grade wheelchair lifts, dedicated tie-down positions, and specialized safety equipment. You can easily filter our inventory to find accessible options across all sizes, from mini school vans to full-size buses.
Can I buy a used school bus to convert into a "Skoolie"?
Yes! Used school buses are incredibly popular for motorhome conversions ("Skoolies") because of their heavy-duty steel safety cages, durable diesel engines, and affordable price points. Whether you are looking for a short bus for a weekend camper or a 40-foot transit-style shell for full-time off-grid living, we have the perfect foundation for your project.
Cummins 2016 International CE 72P
2016 International CE 72-Passenger School Bus with a Cummins Diesel engine, air brakes, air door, Allison automatic transmission and more. One owner, fleet maintained since new and ready to go right now without delay. No waiting. No ordering. In Stock Now. Multiple units available. this bus perfect for any private school, public school, charter school, summer camp program, campus transport, churches, job site transport companies or any fleet operator looking to offer mass transportation options.
2018 Thomas C2 33P ADA
2018 Freightliner Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 33 Passenger ADA wheel chair accessible school bus featuring a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, Ricon ADA lift, rear air suspension, front to rear Q Straint tracks and more. This unique bus features track seating giving you the ablity to configure seating and wheelchair positions easily. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service in Florida and is ready to get back to work.
2012 International CE Diesel
20 matching 2012 International CE full size yellow school buses with seat belts, diesel engines 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. These used yellow school buses are perfect for any construction company needing jobsite transport, data center transport vehicles, private schools, export customers looking for used buses to export, school bus fleet operators and more.
2013 Blue Bird All American 71P FE
The 2013 Blue Bird All American FE is an exceptional choice for schools or fleet operators looking for fleet-ready transportation solutions. Designed to accommodate 71 passengers, this school bus is powered by a reliable Cummins Diesel engine paired with an Allison Automatic Transmission, making it perfect for cost-effective transport of students and employees. This Blue Bird has had only one previous owner and we have the service records since new. It was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and is ready to work.
Blue Bird is synonymous with durability and safety, offering buses that consistently meet high standards of mechanical reliability. Known for comprehensive service records and meticulous fleet maintenance, Blue Bird ensures peace of mind for buyers, making it a trusted choice for educational institutions aiming to integrate seamlessly into their existing fleets.
8 In Stock 2017 Thomas C2 48P
The 2017 Freightliner C2 Saf-T-Liner Thomas is a fleet-ready school bus designed to meet the needs of both public and private schools seeking reliable and cost-effective student transportation. Powered by a Cummins Diesel engine and equipped with air brakes, this 48-passenger bus ensures compliant transport for students across daily operations and extracurricular activities. With features like tinted glass and an audio system, it offers a comfortable ride, making it an excellent choice for schools aiming to maintain regulatory compliance while reducing dependency on rentals.
Freightliner, a trusted name in the transportation industry, is renowned for its durable and dependable vehicles. Their collaboration with Thomas to produce this bus enhances its reputation for safety and robust construction. This partnership ensures that schools can invest in long-lasting transportation solutions, providing peace of mind to administrators and church leaders alike. The combination of Freightliner's engineering excellence and Thomas's focus on safety makes this bus an ideal investment for those looking to leverage school funds effectively.
2024 International 48-72P Units
2024 International CE 72-Passenger Yellow School Bus fleet for sale. 12 units in stock now in 48, 66 and 72 passenger configuration. In stock now and ready to ship. These are one owner buses with less than 20,000 miles. These buses are currently inspected and are completely ready to use. They are covered by the factory warranty.
These buses are perfect for public school systems, universities and colleges, school bus fleet operators, religious institutions, private schools and any other school or business looking to transport employees or students safely and comfortably.
2014 GMC School Van 6 Units
The 2014 GMC Savana 1500 LS is a fleet-ready school van designed to accommodate passengers comfortably. Perfect for schools and churches seeking safe and cost-effective student transportation, this van is an excellent choice for daily commutes and activity trips.
Powered by a reliable 5.3L V8 gasoline engine and featuring an automatic transmission, the Savana 1500 LS ensures smooth and efficient performance. Its history of fleet maintenance by a single owner guarantees mechanical reliability and readiness for immediate use, providing peace of mind for organizations prioritizing safety and longevity.
GMC is renowned for producing durable and dependable vehicles, making the Savana 1500 LS a top choice for institutions that value solid build quality and compliance with transportation standards. This van promises reliable service for years to come.
2022 Chevrolet 4500 29P NJ Spec
2022 Chevrolet Express 4500 NJ Spec 29 passenger Mid Bus featuring a V8 gasoline engine, automatic transmission, dash and rear air conditioning, 3 point seat belts, power entry door, tinted glass and more. This is a one owner bus that was recently retired from school bus fleet use. It has very low miles and is perfect for any public school, private school, school bus fleet operator or any company in need of premium air conditioned school buses.
2015 Thomas C2 NJ Spec 54P
2015 Freightliner Thomas 54-Passenger New Jersey Spec School Bus with a Cummins Diesel engine and only 77,000 miles. This bus was recently retired from a private school and is ready for work. It has seat belts and child booster seats throughout. This bus is perfect for any school, daycare center, day camp or school bus fleet operator looking for a used school bus with low miles.
2018 Thomas C2 30P ADA
2018 Freightliner Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 30-Passenger ADA Accessible School Bus featuring a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, front and rear air conditioning, Ricon ADA lift, seat belts, rear air ride suspension, track seating for the most versatility, tinted glass, seat belts and more. This bus was recently retired from school bus fleet use in Florida. It is clean and ready to get back to work. This bus is perfect for any public school, private school, fleet operator, school bus fleet contractor or any company interested in providing ADA handicapped accessible transportation.
2018 Thomas C2 39P ADA
2018 Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 39-Passenger ADA accessible school bus featuring a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, front and rear air conditioning, Ricon ADA lift, seat belts, and more. This bus has seat tracks throughout, making it easy to add more bench seating or to remove benches for more wheel chair positions. This bus is perfect for any school, day camp or school bus fleet operator interested in providing ADA handicapped accessible transportation.
2018 Thomas C2 77P Air Con
2018 Freightliner Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 77 passenger Air Conditioned school bus with a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, front and rear air conditioning, seat belts, air door, tinted glass and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service in Florida and is ready to get back to work. This is an excellent used bus for any public school, private school, church, fleet operator or any company looking to provide air conditioned transportation for large groups.
2017 Thomas C2 77P AC
2017 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 77-Passenger full sized school bus featuring a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, front and rear air conditioning, air brakes, rear air suspension, seat belts, and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service in Florida and is ready to get back to work.
2018 Thomas C2 77P AC
2018 Freightliner Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 77 passenger full sized school bus with a Cummins diesel, Allison automatic, Front and Rear Air conditioning, Air brakes, Rear air suspension, Tinted glass and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service in Sunny Florida and is ready to get back to work. This used bus is perfect for any private school, public school, day camp, church or any fleet operator interested in providing air conditioned large group transportation.
2018 Thomas C2 45P ADA AC
2018 Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner ADA Accessible 45 Passenger school bus with a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, front and rear air conditioning, Ricon ADA lift, and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service in sunny Florida and is ready to get back to work.
2018 Thomas C2 36P ADA
2018 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 ADA accessible 36 passenger school bus with a Cummins diesel, Allison automatic, air brakes, Ricon ADA lift, Front and rear air conditioning, seat belts, and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service in sunny Florida and is ready to get back to work. This bus has very unique track flooring throughout the bus. This allows you to add or remove seats as you wish. The bus is rated for up to 72 seated passengers and seats can easily be added to accomodate. Or, you can remove seats and the bus can then accomodate up to 12 wheel chair positions.
2018 Thomas C2 27P ADA
2018 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 ADA accessible 27-Passenger school bus featuring a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, front and rear air conditioning, air brakes, rear air suspension, Ricon ADA lift, and more. A unique feature is this bus has Q Straint track from front to rear on both sides of the passenger area making it possible to remove all seats and have many ADA positions or install more seating to have less ADA spots. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet service un Sunny Florida and is ready to get back to work.
2016 Thomas C2 77P Air Con
2016 Freightliner Thomas 77-Passenger Air Conditioned bus with a cummins diesel, allison automatic transmission, air brakes, seat beltys, tinted glass, air door, rear air suspension and more. This bus was just retired from daily school bus fleet use in Florida. It is perfect for any school, church, summer camp, fleet operator or any company interested in providing air conditioned school bus transportation.
2018 International CE 51P ADA
2018 International CE ADA Accessible 51-Passenger School Bus with a Braun wheel chair lift, front and rear air conditioning, Cummins Diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, air door, seat belts, tinted glass and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use in Florida. It is perfect for any school or school bus fleet operator interested in providing wheel chair accessible transport to school children.
2017 Thomas C2 39P ADA
2017 Freightliner Thomas ADA Wheelchair Accessible Schol Bus with a Braun Ability Lift, front and rear air conditioning, Cummins Diesel, Allison automatic transmission, air brakes, air door, tinted glass, seat belts and more. This bus is fresh from Sunny Florida. It was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and is ready to get back to work. This bus is perfect for any school, camp, campus or fleet operator looking to provide ADA wheelchair accessible school transport.
2017 Thomas C2 77P Air Con
2017 Freightliner Thomas C2 Saf-T-Liner 77-Passenger School Bus with front and rear air conditioning, tinted glass, air brakes, air door, seat belts, Cummins Diesel, Allison automatic transmission and more. This bus is fresh from Florida and recently retired from daily school bus fleet use. This bus is perfect for any school, fleet operator, employee shuttle company or any company interested in moving large groups of people is air conditioned comfort.
2017 Blue Bird Vision 42P ADA
2017 Blue Bird Vision 42 passenger ADA school bus with 3 wheelchair positions. This bus features a Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, Braun 800Lbs ADA lift, front and rear air conditioning and more. Recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and it is ready to get back to work.
2015 Chevrolet Collins 30P
2015 Chevrolet Collins 30-Passenger Mini School Bus with rear air conditioning, tinted glass, hydraulic brakes, manual entry door and more. This bus was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use and it is ready to go back to work. This mini yellow bus is perfect for any public school, private school, daycare, camp or any fleet operator looking to transport large groups of kiddos.
2016 Ford E-450 Collins 30P
2016 Ford E-450 Collins 30-Passenger School Bus with rear air conditioning, tinted glass, manual entry door, audio system and more. This bus has only 94,000 original miles and it was recently retired from daily school bus fleet use. This bus is perfect for schools, daycare centers, after school programs or any fleet operator looking to transport students in comfort.
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