Church Bus Buying Guide
Most churches are best served by a reconditioned used shuttle bus that seats 14 passengers plus the driver, so volunteers can drive it without a commercial license. This guide covers sizing, CDL rules, wheelchair access and cost, from Best Buses For Sale, a family-run dealership in Huntington, New York that delivers nationwide.
1. Start With Who Will Drive
Under federal rules, a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver, needs a driver with a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a passenger endorsement. A bus that seats 15 or fewer, including the driver, is usually called non-CDL. Most church volunteers have a regular license, so non-CDL buses are the most popular choice. State rules can add requirements, so check our State Buyer's Guide.
2. Pick the Right Size
- Up to 14 passengers plus driver: non-CDL Ford E-350 or E-450 shuttle buses. The most common church bus.
- 20 to 28 passengers: larger Ford E-450 or F-550 buses. These usually need a CDL driver.
- Two smaller buses instead of one big one: a matched pair of non-CDL buses lets volunteers drive both. We offer matched pairs.
3. Plan for Wheelchair Riders
A wheelchair lift lets seniors and members with disabilities ride with everyone else. On most shuttle buses, some seats fold up to make room for wheelchairs. A bus listed as 13/2 seats up to 13 passengers, or fewer passengers plus 2 wheelchairs. Count how many wheelchair riders you usually carry, then pick a layout with room to spare. See our wheelchair buses for sale.
4. What a Used Church Bus Costs
As of November 2026, the reconditioned shuttle buses in our inventory are priced from about $40,000 to $66,000, depending on year, size and wheelchair equipment. A new shuttle bus typically costs far more. We offer finance options, and you can call us about current prices on any bus.
5. Look Past the Paint
- Ask how the bus was reconditioned and what was fixed. Manny Casamassima, our president, drives every bus before it is sold and fixes anything he doesn't like.
- Check for rust underneath. Our buses come from outside the Rust Belt.
- Test the wheelchair lift through several full cycles.
- Make sure the air conditioning works front and rear.
- Get insurance quotes before you buy. See bus insurance.
6. Getting the Bus Home
We deliver anywhere in the U.S. on our own flatbed trucks, so the bus arrives without added miles or wear from a long drive.
Church Bus Questions
Can a church volunteer drive a 15-passenger bus?
Usually yes, if the bus seats 15 or fewer including the driver. A bus designed for 16 or more, including the driver, requires a CDL with a passenger endorsement. Check your state's rules too.
Should we buy a 15-passenger van instead?
Many churches choose a shuttle bus over a van for the higher roof, easier entry, room for a wheelchair lift and a separate passenger door. Talk with your insurer about the options.
Do you work with churches outside New York?
Yes. We sell to churches across the country and deliver by flatbed.
See church buses for sale · Call or text (516) 852-2748 · mannyc@bestbusesforsale.com