Types of Shuttle Buses
Shopping for a bus starts with knowing which type fits your riders, your drivers and your budget. This guide explains the common types of shuttle buses we sell at Best Buses For Sale, a family-run dealer in Huntington, New York, and what each one is best at. Every bus we sell is reconditioned, sourced from outside the Salt Belt and delivered anywhere in the U.S.
Types of Buses by Size and Chassis
| Type | Typical seating | Common chassis | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van-based shuttle | 8 to 12 passengers | Ford Transit, Chevrolet Express | Small groups, tight parking, lowest running cost |
| Small cutaway shuttle | 10 to 15 passengers | Ford E-350, Chevrolet 3500 | Churches, senior centers, day programs |
| Mid-size cutaway shuttle | 14 to 24 passengers | Ford E-450 | The most popular all-around shuttle bus |
| Large cutaway shuttle | 24 to 33 passengers | Ford F-550, F-650 | Big groups, long bodies, wheelchair-heavy layouts |
A cutaway bus is a truck or van cab with a separate passenger body built behind it by a body builder such as Glaval, StarTrans, Turtle Top or Champion. That body gives riders standing headroom, a wide entry door and room for a wheelchair lift.
Types of Buses by Use
- Non-CDL buses: built to carry fewer than 16 people including the driver, so most drivers do not need a CDL. See non-CDL buses.
- Wheelchair and ADA buses: a rear or side lift plus floor securements. Seats fold up to make room for wheelchairs, so a 16/6 bus carries up to 16 passengers or up to 6 wheelchairs. See wheelchair buses.
- NEMT and paratransit buses: wheelchair buses set up for medical trips; many states add equipment and inspection rules. See NEMT buses.
- Church buses: usually 14 to 24 passengers, often non-CDL so volunteers can drive. See church buses.
- Hotel and airport shuttles: perimeter seating, grab rails and a rear luggage compartment or rack. See hotel and airport shuttles or buses with luggage compartments.
Types of Buses We Don’t Sell
School buses, full-size transit buses and motor coaches are built for different jobs and usually need a CDL. If you are comparing them, a cutaway shuttle bus is often cheaper to buy, run and insure for groups under about 33 people.
Gas, Diesel or CNG?
Most shuttle buses run Ford’s 6.8L V10 gas engine, which is simple to maintain and has parts almost everywhere. Diesels, such as Chevrolet’s Duramax, suit long highway runs. CNG buses cost less to fuel where CNG stations are nearby.
Which Type Is Right for You?
- Do your drivers have a CDL? If not, stay under 16 people including the driver.
- Will you carry wheelchairs? Count seats and wheelchair positions together, since seats fold for wheelchairs.
- Where will it park? Van-based and E-350 buses fit tighter lots.
- What state are you in? Our State Buyer’s Guide covers license, wheelchair, tax and inspection rules.
Shop by size: 12 passenger · 14 passenger · 22 passenger · 24 passenger. Shop by chassis: Ford E-350 · Ford E-450 · Ford F-550.
Types of Shuttle Buses FAQ
What Is the Most Common Type of Shuttle Bus?
The Ford E-450 cutaway, usually seating 14 to 24 passengers. It balances size, cost and parts availability.
What Is a Cutaway Bus?
A bus built on a truck or van cab and chassis, with a separate passenger body added behind the cab.
Which Bus Types Don’t Need a CDL?
Buses designed for fewer than 16 people including the driver, under federal rules. Some states add their own requirements, so check our State Buyer’s Guide.
Where Can I Find Parts for a Shuttle Bus?
Chassis parts come from Ford or Chevrolet, but body, door and wheelchair lift parts can be hard to find. We help owners track them down, including obsolete parts. See Ford shuttle bus parts.
Talk to Manny
Call or text (516) 852-2748 for a FaceTime walkaround, financing or delivery. We buy our buses nationwide from outside the Salt Belt and deliver anywhere in the U.S. See every bus for sale »