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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Cummins 2016 International CE 72P

951367

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.

$24,000
Mileage 130632
Passengers 72
Year 2016

2018 Thomas C2 33P ADA

851604

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. 

$73,000
Mileage 69818
Passengers 33
Year 2018

2012 International CE Diesel

828033

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.

$8,800
Mileage 173000
Passengers 54
Year 2012

2013 Blue Bird All American 71P FE

751257

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.

$18,000
Mileage 131678
Passengers 71
Year 2013

8 In Stock 2017 Thomas C2 48P

728726

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.

$30,000
Mileage 120000
Passengers 48
Year 2017

2024 International 48-72P Units

628493

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.

$115,000
Mileage 15000
Passengers 72
Year 2024

2014 GMC School Van 6 Units

550053

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.

$12,000
Mileage 147047
Passengers 7
Year 2014

2022 Chevrolet 4500 29P NJ Spec

51639

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.

$88,000
Mileage 39895
Passengers 29
Year 2022

2015 Thomas C2 NJ Spec 54P

51638

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.

$28,000
Mileage 77992
Passengers 54
Year 2015

2018 Thomas C2 30P ADA

51633

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.

$67,000
Mileage 88750
Passengers 30
Year 2018

2018 Thomas C2 39P ADA

51632

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.

$66,700
Mileage 93460
Passengers 39
Year 2018

2018 Thomas C2 77P Air Con

51615

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. 

$66,000
Mileage 90592
Passengers 77
Year 2018

2017 Thomas C2 77P AC

51614

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.

$49,900
Mileage 133334
Passengers 77
Year 2017

2018 Thomas C2 77P AC

51613

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.

$60,000
Mileage 132166
Passengers 77
Year 2018

2018 Thomas C2 45P ADA AC

51609

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. 

$65,000
Mileage 89448
Passengers 45
Year 2018

2018 Thomas C2 36P ADA

51607

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.

$68,000
Mileage 91021
Passengers 36
Year 2018

2018 Thomas C2 27P ADA

51603

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. 

$59,000
Mileage 92273
Passengers 27
Year 2018

2016 Thomas C2 77P Air Con

51601

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.

$44,000
Mileage 150010
Passengers 77
Year 2016

2018 International CE 51P ADA

51587

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.

$49,000
Mileage 105036
Passengers 51
Year 2018

2017 Thomas C2 39P ADA

51585

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.

$45,000
Mileage 132492
Passengers 39
Year 2017
2016 Thomas C2 77P AC

2017 Thomas C2 77P Air Con

51584

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.

$49,900
Mileage 133000
Passengers 77
Year 2017

2017 Blue Bird Vision 42P ADA

51581

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. 

$45,000
Mileage 107285
Passengers 42
Year 2017

2015 Chevrolet Collins 30P

51564

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.

$24,900
Mileage 95635
Passengers 30
Year 2015

2016 Ford E-450 Collins 30P

51561

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.

$33,000
Mileage 94020
Passengers 30
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.

Ready to Find Your Bus?

Browse the full inventory of used school buses available now — filtered by type, state, price, and capacity.

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