35 Passenger Bus: The Complete Guide for Buyers

A 35 passenger bus is a large shuttle bus configured to carry 35 people, including the driver. Carpenter Bus Sales offers 35 passenger configurations of the Starcraft Allstar XL, Glaval Concorde II, and Glaval Legacy, built on heavy duty Ford F-650 or Freightliner S2C chassis, with the space not used for seats going to a rear luggage compartment, extra legroom, or wheelchair positions.

This guide explains how Carpenter Bus Sales counts passengers, what the extra space can hold, which chassis and models are available, how licensing works, and how to order the 35 passenger bus your group needs.

What is a 35 passenger bus?

A 35 passenger bus is a heavy duty shuttle bus set up for 35 total occupants: 34 passengers plus the driver. Carpenter Bus Sales offers it on the same platforms it sells in higher capacity layouts, so a 35 passenger bus has the body and chassis of a large bus with fewer seats and more usable floor space.

That usable space is the reason to choose a 35 passenger bus over a maximum capacity layout. Groups that travel overnight, carry equipment, or include riders who use wheelchairs can put the room to work instead of filling it with seats.

How does Carpenter Bus Sales count passengers?

Carpenter Bus Sales always counts the driver in a bus's passenger capacity. A 35 passenger bus therefore has 35 seating positions in total: one for the driver and 34 for riders. The Carpenter Bus Sales floor plan library follows the same rule and notes that all listed capacities include the driver.

When you compare listings from different sources, confirm whether the stated capacity includes the driver before you compare seat counts.

Is a 35 passenger bus the same vehicle as a 40 or 45 passenger bus?

A 35 passenger bus shares its chassis and body with the higher capacity layouts of the same model. The difference is the floor plan. The 35 passenger layout trades seats for luggage space, legroom, or wheelchair positions, while higher capacity layouts use that floor space for seating. Our 40 passenger bus guide covers the higher capacity layouts.

What can the extra space on a 35 passenger bus be used for?

The floor space a 35 passenger bus does not use for seats can hold a rear luggage compartment, wider seat spacing for extra legroom, or wheelchair positions. Carpenter Bus Sales can configure one of these uses or a combination of all three, depending on how your group travels.

Use this table to match your need to a configuration before you look at specific units.

If your group needs	Consider
The most seats possible	A higher capacity configuration of the same model
Overnight or multi-day travel with bags	A 35 passenger bus with a rear luggage compartment
Riders who use wheelchairs	A 35 passenger bus with wheelchair positions and a lift
Comfort on long trips	A 35 passenger bus with extra legroom
Fewer than 30 riders on a typical trip	A 30 passenger bus on the lighter Ford F-550 chassis
Drivers without a CDL	A bus that carries 15 or fewer people including the driver
A large bus a few times a year	Renting rather than buying

Use of the space	What it is	Who it suits	What to ask your rep
Rear luggage compartment	An enclosed storage area at the back of the bus, accessed from outside and separated from the passenger cabin	Overnight trips, airport shuttle operations, groups traveling with gear	Whether you need a rear storage area, overhead luggage racks, or both
Extra legroom	Wider spacing between seat rows	University athletic teams, executive transport, touring	Which seat style fits your trips, such as mid-back or high-back seating
Wheelchair positions	Foldaway seats that convert to wheelchair securement stations, paired with a wheelchair lift	Senior living communities and healthcare transportation	How many wheelchair positions you need and which lift options are available

How does a rear luggage compartment work?

A rear luggage compartment keeps bags out of the passenger cabin. Carpenter Bus Sales lists the Glaval Legacy with a rear luggage area and recessed overhead parcel racks. The Starcraft Allstar XL offers overhead luggage racks with reading lights, interior luggage racks, and a rear storage area, and its rear luggage wall is designed to hold airport transfer bags.

What does extra legroom add?

Wider seat spacing gives each rider more room on long trips, which is why it is popular for athletic teams, executive transport, and touring. Seating options include mid-back or high-back seats, so your rep can match the seat style to the length of your typical trip.

Can a 35 passenger bus carry wheelchair passengers?

Yes. A 35 passenger bus can include wheelchair positions using foldaway seats that convert to securement stations, along with a wheelchair lift. Carpenter Bus Sales lists wheelchair accessible Glaval Legacy floor plans with flip and foldaway seats and lift options. Your rep sets the exact mix of seats and wheelchair positions in the floor plan.

Which option do 35 passenger bus buyers most often regret skipping?

Overhead storage. Carpenter Bus Sales Regional Sales Manager Rick Cassels names it as the upgrade buyers most often wish they had added, because anything that does not fit in an overhead rack ends up in a rider's lap or on the floor, where loose bags become a tripping hazard.

It's not even close. Overhead storage. I've never seen someone unhappy because they got overhead storage on their bus.

Rick Cassels, Regional Sales Manager, Carpenter Bus Sales

The problem is what happens to everything that does not fit. Bags on the floor create a tripping hazard in the aisle, which raises liability and makes the trip worse for everyone on board. On a bus carrying 35 people, the aisle is exactly where riders move while boarding and unloading.

How much weight can overhead luggage racks hold?

Cassels points out that the overhead racks are bolted into the frame of the bus rather than attached to the ceiling alone, so they are built to carry real weight rather than light items only. Ask your Carpenter Bus Sales rep about rack capacity for the model and floor plan you are considering.

What else comes with overhead storage?

Overhead racks can be ordered with aircraft style reading lights built in, so the same upgrade adds individual lighting for each row. Carpenter Bus Sales lists overhead luggage racks with reading lights on the Starcraft Allstar XL and recessed overhead parcel racks on the Glaval Legacy.

Overhead storage also works alongside a rear luggage compartment rather than replacing it. The rear compartment handles suitcases and equipment, while overhead racks hold the coats, bags, and personal items that would otherwise ride on a lap. As Cassels puts it, he has never seen a bus with too much storage, but he has seen plenty that did not have enough.

Which chassis is a 35 passenger bus built on?

Carpenter Bus Sales offers 35 passenger buses on two heavy duty chassis: the Ford F-650, available with a gas or diesel engine, and the Freightliner S2C, which runs a Cummins 6.7L diesel. The Ford F-650 is the only chassis in this class with a gas engine option.

Chassis	Engine options	GVWR	Models
Ford F-650	7.3L gas V8 or 6.7L Power Stroke diesel	25,999 lbs	Starcraft Allstar XL, Glaval Concorde II
Freightliner S2C	Cummins 6.7L diesel	Varies by configuration; confirm with your rep	Starcraft Allstar XL, Glaval Legacy

Specifications vary by model year and configuration, so confirm the exact chassis details for the bus you are considering with your Carpenter Bus Sales rep.

Should you choose the Ford F-650 or the Freightliner S2C?

Choose the Ford F-650 if you want a large bus without diesel maintenance, since its 7.3L gas engine is the only gas option in this class. Choose the Freightliner S2C for heavy use. Carpenter Bus Sales notes that the diesel Freightliner chassis delivers reliable, high-mileage performance for daily shuttle routes.

How do you order a 35 passenger bus?

You order a 35 passenger bus by asking your Carpenter Bus Sales rep for a 35 passenger floor plan on the model you prefer. The Starcraft Allstar XL, Glaval Concorde II, and Glaval Legacy can all be configured for 35 passengers, and Carpenter Bus Sales gets floor plans for buyers who do not see the layout they need.

1. Count your riders, then add the driver. A 35 passenger bus carries 34 riders plus the driver.
2. Decide how to use the extra space. Choose a rear luggage compartment, extra legroom, wheelchair positions, or a combination.
3. Pick a chassis. Choose the gas or diesel Ford F-650, or the diesel Freightliner S2C.
4. Review sample layouts. The Carpenter Bus Sales bus floor plans library shows how seats, storage, and wheelchair stations are arranged.
5. Ask your rep for the floor plan. If the 35 passenger layout you want is not listed, your rep will get it for you.
6. Confirm licensing. Check driver license requirements with your state DMV before you order.

Do you need a CDL to drive a 35 passenger bus?

In most states, yes. Federal law requires a CDL with a Passenger (P) endorsement for any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and a 35 passenger bus is designed to carry 35. State laws can be stricter, so Carpenter Bus Sales recommends confirming requirements with your state DMV.

The requirement is based on the bus's design capacity, not on how many people ride on a given trip. Even a trip with a dozen riders still needs a CDL driver in most states.

That affects staffing. If your organization relies on volunteers with standard licenses, plan for CDL qualified drivers before you buy, or consider non-CDL buses that carry 15 or fewer people including the driver. Our guide to shuttle bus driver's license requirements explains the thresholds in detail.

Count your qualified drivers, not just your riders. A 35 passenger bus with one available CDL driver sits in the parking lot on every date that driver cannot make. Carpenter Bus Sales recommends confirming you have enough licensed drivers to cover your normal schedule before you commit to a bus in this class.

How does GVWR affect the license class?

Weight can also affect the license class. A GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more triggers a Class B license based on weight alone, and the Ford F-650's 25,999 lb GVWR sits just under that line. Freightliner S2C ratings vary by configuration, so check the GVWR on the specific bus and confirm the license class with your state DMV.

What changes if you tow a trailer?

Towing adds another factor. If you plan to pull a trailer behind the bus, the combined weight rating of the bus and trailer must also be considered. Confirm your specific requirements with your state DMV before you tow.

How long is a 35 passenger bus?

A 35 passenger bus is approximately 32 to 36 feet long, depending on the model and chassis. The heavy duty Glaval models Carpenter Bus Sales offers are built in body lengths from 32 to 40 feet, with a standard 96 inch exterior width and a 102 inch wide body available on select models.

Before you order, measure your garage door, carport, and any covered drop-off area. Your rep can confirm the exact length and height of the floor plan you choose.

What safety and comfort features should a 35 passenger bus have?

A 35 passenger bus from Carpenter Bus Sales is built on a welded steel cage body with dual rear wheels and LED lighting, to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Comfort features include rear heat and air conditioning, overhead luggage racks with reading lights, and a 102 inch wide body on select models.

Safety features to confirm on any 35 passenger buses you compare:

• A fully welded steel cage on Starcraft buses, or a welded aluminized steel cage on Glaval buses.
• Construction to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• Dual rear wheels for stability.
• LED interior and exterior lighting.
• A backup camera.
• Emergency exits, including push-out emergency windows and a roof hatch, with a rear emergency door with windows available.

Comfort and durability features:

• A standard 96 inch exterior width, with a 102 inch wide body available on select models for a wider aisle.
• Rear heat and air conditioning for the passenger area.
• Altro safety flooring on the Starcraft Allstar series, and 5/8 inch marine grade plywood flooring with stainless steel exterior screws on Glaval buses.
• Optional upgrades such as overhead luggage racks with reading lights, USB charging ports, a PA system, mid-back or high-back seating, audio and video systems, custom paint and graphics, and fire suppression systems.

Which models can be configured as a 35 passenger bus?

Carpenter Bus Sales can configure three models as a 35 passenger bus: the Starcraft Allstar XL on a Ford F-650 or Freightliner S2C, the Glaval Concorde II on a Ford F-650, and the Glaval Legacy on a Freightliner S2C. All three are also built in higher capacity layouts, which is what leaves room for luggage, legroom, or wheelchairs.

Model	Chassis	Engine options	Manufacturer structural warranty	Highlights
Starcraft Allstar XL	Ford F-650 or Freightliner S2C	Gas or diesel (F-650), diesel (S2C)	5 years or 100,000 miles	Fully welded steel cage, Altro safety flooring, rear luggage wall options
Glaval Concorde II	Ford F-650	Gas or diesel	5 years or 100,000 miles	96 inch or 102 inch wide body, 32 to 40 foot body lengths
Glaval Legacy	Freightliner S2C	Cummins diesel	5 years or 100,000 miles	Recessed overhead parcel racks, rear luggage area, 32 to 40 foot body lengths

The Glaval Concorde II gives organizations the choice of a gas or diesel powertrain on the Ford F-650. The Glaval Legacy is Glaval's heavy duty flagship, built exclusively on the diesel Freightliner S2C. The Starcraft Allstar XL is the one model of the three offered on both chassis.

What affects the cost of a 35 passenger bus?

The cost of a 35 passenger bus depends on the chassis, engine, condition, configuration, and options you choose. Carpenter Bus Sales provides current quotes by phone at (800) 370-6180, so a rep can price the exact layout your group needs rather than a generic starting point.

• Chassis and engine. Gas or diesel on the Ford F-650, or diesel on the Freightliner S2C.
• New or used. A well maintained used bus can offer significant savings over a new one.
• Configuration. Wheelchair accessible layouts with lifts and securement systems cost more than standard seating layouts.
• Body width. The optional 102 inch wide body adds cost in exchange for a wider aisle and interior.
• Options. High-back seating, overhead luggage racks, rear air conditioning, USB ports, PA systems, fire suppression, and custom paint all add to the total.

Financing is available through Carpenter Bus Sales. When you are ready to compare units, browse current 35 passenger buses for sale in the Carpenter Bus Sales large bus inventory.

What warranty comes with a new 35 passenger bus?

Every new bus from Carpenter Bus Sales includes SilverCare at no cost, covering the entire vehicle, bumper to bumper, for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Any customer can upgrade to GoldCare, which extends that coverage to 7 years or 70,000 miles.

Each claim carries a $100 deductible. Once a claim is approved, you can take the bus to a qualified local mechanic, and Carpenter Bus Sales pays the repair shop directly for approved labor and parts. Coverage applies to new vehicles only and excludes routine maintenance and consumable items such as wiper blades, filters, and fluids. Full terms are on the Carpenter Bus Sales warranty page.

Manufacturer warranties are separate from Carpenter Bus Sales coverage. Starcraft backs the Allstar with a 5 year or 100,000 mile structural warranty covering the body construction and welded steel frame, Glaval backs its buses for 5 years or 100,000 miles, and chassis warranties come from the chassis manufacturer.

What coverage do churches and senior care communities get?

Churches and senior care communities receive PlatinumCare, the Carpenter Bus Sales 8-Year Unlimited Mile Warranty, free with every qualifying new bus purchase. PlatinumCare covers the entire bus, bumper to bumper, for 8 years with unlimited miles. It begins on the day of purchase or the in-service date and continues after the factory coverage expires.

PlatinumCare is not available to other organization types, such as shuttle operators, tour and charter companies, schools, or dealers. Those buyers still receive SilverCare at no cost and can upgrade to GoldCare.

When is a 35 passenger bus the wrong choice?

A 35 passenger bus is the wrong choice when your group is consistently smaller, when your drivers do not hold a CDL, or when you need a large bus only occasionally. Carpenter Bus Sales would rather point you to the right vehicle than sell you more bus than your organization will use.

• Your typical trip carries fewer than 30 riders. A 30 passenger bus on the lighter Ford F-550 chassis is the better buy. Our 30 passenger bus guide covers that class.
• Nobody on staff holds a CDL. Federal rules cover vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver, so a 35 passenger bus needs a CDL driver in most states. If hiring or training one is not realistic, look at buses that carry 15 or fewer people including the driver.
• You need a large bus only a few times a year. Renting avoids the cost of owning, insuring, storing, and maintaining a bus that sits most of the year.
• You need maximum seating and never carry luggage. A higher capacity configuration of the same model uses that floor space for seats instead.
• Your budget is the deciding factor. A well maintained used bus can serve the same routes as a new one, though Carpenter Bus Sales warranty programs apply to new vehicles only.

Who buys a 35 passenger bus?

Churches, private schools and universities, hotels, tour operators, senior living communities, corporate campuses, and government agencies buy 35 passenger buses from Carpenter Bus Sales. The common thread is a group that travels with luggage or equipment, needs wheelchair positions, or wants more room per rider.

• Churches. Large churches with active retreat and mission trip programs, where a rear luggage compartment handles overnight travel.
• Private schools and universities. Athletic departments moving teams with full equipment loads.
• Hotels and resorts. Airport shuttles and guest excursions, where a rear luggage wall holds airport transfer bags and the diesel Freightliner handles daily routes.
• Tour operators. Regional companies running multi-day excursions that need luggage space for overnight bags.
• Senior living and healthcare. Communities that need wheelchair accessible floor plans with flip and foldaway seats and lift options.
• Corporate and government. Employee shuttle operations, government transit routes, and municipal programs.

For smaller groups and other shuttle applications, see the full range of Carpenter Bus Sales shuttle buses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a 35 passenger bus for sale?

Carpenter Bus Sales lists new and used 35 passenger buses for sale in its large bus inventory, which covers buses of 31 passengers and up. Because Carpenter Bus Sales can configure 35 passenger floor plans on the Starcraft Allstar XL, Glaval Concorde II, and Glaval Legacy, a rep can also help you order the exact layout you need.

Should you choose a gas or diesel 35 passenger bus?

The Ford F-650 is the only chassis in this class with a gas engine; the Freightliner S2C is diesel only. On the Glaval Concorde II, Carpenter Bus Sales lists typical fuel economy of 6 to 9 MPG for gas and 8 to 11 MPG for diesel, depending on route and load. Diesel generally offers better long-haul efficiency.

What is the difference between a 30 passenger bus and a 35 passenger bus?

A 30 passenger bus is built on the Ford F-550 chassis, with a GVWR of 19,500 lbs. A 35 passenger bus steps up to the heavy duty Ford F-650 or Freightliner S2C, a heavier and longer platform that also supports higher capacity layouts. Our 30 passenger bus guide covers the F-550 class in detail.

Is a used 35 passenger bus worth considering?

A well maintained used 35 passenger bus can offer significant savings, and Carpenter Bus Sales sells both new and used buses. Keep in mind that SilverCare, GoldCare, and PlatinumCare apply to new vehicles only, so ask your Carpenter Bus Sales rep about coverage for any specific used bus you are considering.

Can you rent a large bus before buying?

Yes. Carpenter Bus Sales rents 15 to 41 passenger buses from its Tennessee and Texas locations, with options such as rear storage areas, wheelchair lifts, reclining seats, and overhead luggage compartments. Rentals are picked up and returned at the originating location. Contact Carpenter Bus Sales bus rentals to book the bus that fits your group's needs.

What should you do next?

Start with four facts: how many people will ride, counting the driver; how much luggage or equipment travels with them; whether you need wheelchair positions; and who will drive. Then call a Carpenter Bus Sales rep at (800) 370-6180 to choose a model and chassis and get a 35 passenger floor plan built around those answers.

Carpenter Bus Sales was founded in 1953, is family owned, and is the number one church bus dealer in America, with locations in Franklin, Tennessee, and the Waco, Texas area. Carpenter Bus Sales sells and delivers nationwide with its own in-house delivery team.