By budget
Used school buses for sale under $20,000
30 used school buses are listed by dealers on CommercialBuses at $20,000 or less as of October 31, 2026. At this budget most buses sell at government auction, so the auction searches below are filtered to $20,000 for you.
Government auctions under $20,000
GovDeals
buses only · current bid up to $20,000
The largest source of retired school and transit buses: school districts, cities and transit agencies. Prices are current bids and rise until the auction closes.
Open GovDeals resultsPublic Surplus
vehicles matching "bus" · price up to $20,000
School districts and agencies, often in batches. The keyword search can include a few non-bus vehicles.
Open Public Surplus resultsMunicibid
keyword "bus" only
Few buses, mostly in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New England.
Open Municibid results
Want auctions near you only? Search by ZIP and distance.
Listed by dealers at $20,000 or less
- 2009 IC Bus RE 300 school bus$4,435 · WA
- 2010 Thomas Built Type A type a school bus$7,900 · 30 passengers · 150k+ miles · WA
- 2009 Blue Bird Vision school bus$8,960 · 42 passengers · 150k+ miles · WA
- 2007 Blue Bird Micro Bird type a school bus$9,785 · 4 passengers · 150k+ miles · WA
- 2011 International RE 300 school bus$9,835 · 78 passengers · WA
- 2013 Blue Bird Vision school bus$9,835 · 32 passengers · 75k to 150k miles · WA
- 2004 Blue Bird All American school bus$9,980 · 78 passengers · 150k+ miles · WA
- 2001 GMC Blue Bird school bus$10,770 · 71 passengers · 150k+ miles · WA
- 2008 Blue Bird Micro Bird type a school bus$10,770 · 4 passengers · 150k+ miles · WA
- 2009 Blue Bird Micro Bird type a school bus$11,885 · 4 passengers · 150k+ miles · WA
- 2010 Blue Bird Vision school bus$12,400 · 74 passengers · 75k to 150k miles · WA
- 2008 Blue Bird All American school bus$13,425 · 84 passengers · 150k+ miles · WA
As of October 31, 2026. Each listing page shows whether the bus is still for sale.
Other budgets
Common questions
Can you really buy a school bus for under $20,000?
Yes, mostly at government auctions. School districts and transit agencies sell retired buses on sites like GovDeals and Public Surplus, and many close under $20,000. Expect high mileage, age and as-is condition at that price, and budget for an inspection, towing or repairs.
Why are auction school buses so cheap?
Districts retire buses on an age or mileage schedule and must sell surplus publicly, usually at auction. Buyers bid on what they see, with no warranty, and must remove the bus themselves within days.
Is a dealer bus worth paying more for?
A dealer bus usually runs, has been checked over and can be driven away, and the dealer answers questions before you pay. An auction bus can cost a fraction of that but may need towing and repairs. Compare the total, not the bid.