Bus types
School buses
A Type C or Type D yellow school bus built to federal school-bus construction standards, typically seating 47 to 90 students on bench seats.
- Typical capacity
- 47 to 90 passengers
- Who buys them
- District home-to-school routes, athletics, charter schools
- Licence
- Requires a CDL with passenger and school-bus endorsements in nearly every case.
Free guide
Buying a Used School Bus
Get the free 9-page guide that shows you which bus can carry your students, who can drive it, and how to judge a retired district bus.
What is inside the guideLooking for a school bus?
Search listings from dealers across the U.S. When you find a bus you want, make a request about it. We connect you directly with the dealer selling the bus. We don't sell your details or send you other offers.
Free to search and send a request. No account needed.
School buses: common questions
What is a school bus?
A Type C or Type D yellow school bus built to federal school-bus construction standards, typically seating 47 to 90 students on bench seats.
How many passengers does a school bus seat?
School buses typically seat 47 to 90 passengers. Exact capacity depends on the seating configuration and, where wheelchair positions are specified, on how many seats are given up to securement stations.
Do you need a CDL to drive a school bus?
Requires a CDL with passenger and school-bus endorsements in nearly every case. A commercial driver's licence with a passenger endorsement is generally required at 16 or more occupants including the driver, or above 26,001 lb GVWR, but state rules vary and the occupant count on the specific unit is what decides it. Always verify against the unit, not the category.
Who buys school buses?
District home-to-school routes, athletics, charter schools.
How do I find a school bus for sale?
Search school buses listed by dealers across the U.S., then make a request about the bus you want. Your enquiry goes only to the dealer selling that bus, and the dealer follows up. It is free to search and send a request.