Medium Buses for Sale

Learn more about mid size buses

A mid size bus seats 16 to 30 people including the driver. Most mid size buses in stock seat 25, and other sizes in this range can be built to order. At 16 passengers or more, federal rules require the driver to hold a CDL with a passenger endorsement.

Best fit: Churches, senior living, school athletics, and hotel or airport shuttles.

Budget: Used mid size buses start around $80,000. New ones start around $125,000.

Compare: Warranty coverage, CDL requirements, and chassis options.

Need help choosing? Read the full decision guide after the listings. View the decision guide

Related mid size bus resources: 25 passenger bus guide CDL rules for shuttle buses Gas vs. diesel Church buses

Mid Size Bus Decision Guide

Mid size buses seat 16 to 30 people including the driver, and most of the buses in stock seat 25 passengers. The decision for most buyers comes down to one question: do you have drivers? This guide walks through that and what else to compare.

Is a 25 Passenger Bus Worth Needing a CDL Driver?

A new 25 passenger bus starts around $125,000, only about $20,000 more than a new 15 passenger bus, but it carries 24 riders instead of 14. That works out to roughly $5,200 per seat versus $7,500.

The catch is the driver. Anyone driving a bus built for 16 or more people, including the driver, needs a CDL with a passenger endorsement under federal law.* Most mid size buses weigh under 26,001 pounds, so that usually means a Class C CDL. Since February 2022, first-time passenger endorsement drivers must complete federally required classroom and behind-the-wheel training with a registered provider before testing. Drivers who held a passenger endorsement before then don't have to repeat it.

*Some states may have their own requirements that differ from the federal threshold. Confirm with your state's DMV before assuming.

Wondering if you'd be better off with two 15 passenger buses instead of one 25 passenger bus? We asked our owner and Regional Sales Managers, who have 125 years of combined experience selling buses, what they tell customers facing this choice. Their answers went into the chart below. Compare one 25 passenger bus vs two 15 passenger buses to see how cost, drivers, and flexibility stack up.

One 25 Passenger Bus vs Two 15 Passenger Buses?

One 25 passenger bus compared with two 15 passenger buses
Comparison	One 25 passenger bus	Two 15 passenger buses
Riders (not counting drivers)	24	28
Drivers needed	1, with a CDL	2, with a regular license*
Purchase price (new)	From about $125,000	From about $210,000 combined (2 buses)
Best when	You have CDL drivers, or the budget to pay them	You don't have, or can't consistently pay, CDL drivers

If you don't have CDL drivers on staff and can't consistently pay for them, two 15 passenger buses can be the smarter move. A 15 passenger bus can be driven with a regular driver's license,* so the volunteers and staff you already have can keep your group on the road. You won't have to cancel trips or scramble to find a CDL driver every time you need to go somewhere. See small buses for sale

*Some states may have requirements that differ from the federal threshold. Confirm with your state's DMV before assuming a CDL isn't needed.

Mid Size Models We Sell

Mid size bus models Carpenter Bus Sales sells, by chassis and seating
Model	Chassis	Seats (including driver)
Starcraft Allstar	Ford E350 / E450	17 to 25
Starcraft MVP	Ford E450	28
Glaval Universal	Ford E350 / E450	25
Glaval Titan II	Chevrolet 3500 / 4500	25

Choosing between gas and diesel? The right answer depends on how many miles you drive and how long you plan to keep the bus.
To learn more, please read our gas vs. diesel engine guide.

Wheelchair Accessible Mid Size Buses

Stocked configurations are 17 passengers + 2 wheelchair stations (WS), 21 passengers + 2 WS, and 25 passengers + 2 WS. More than 2 WS is a custom build.

Need a 20 Passenger Bus? We'll Order One Built for You.

We don't keep 20 passenger buses on the lot, but Starcraft (Allstar) and Glaval (Universal, Titan II) both offer 20 passenger floor plans with interior luggage space. We'll work with the manufacturer to build yours to order. Talk to a rep about a 20 passenger build

Plan for Storage

Rick Cassels, Regional Sales Manager at Carpenter Bus Sales, has sold buses for years, and one regret comes up with first-time buyers more than almost any other.

"One thing organizations tell me they wish they had done is buy a bus with dedicated luggage space," says Cassels. "A storage area gives people a place for purses, backpacks, and carry-on bags, which keeps the aisle clear. Without it, riders end up holding their things on their laps or putting them under the seats, and that can become a tripping hazard."

Before you buy a mid-size bus, make storage part of your plan and your budget. Your trips will be safer and more comfortable.

Warranty on Mid Size Buses

Churches and senior care communities get our 8-year unlimited-mile PlatinumCare warranty at no cost. All other buyers get 5-year/60,000-mile SilverCare free, with the option to upgrade to 7-year/70,000-mile GoldCare. See warranty details

Mid Size Bus FAQs

Does a 25 passenger bus need a CDL?

Yes. Any bus designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver, requires a CDL with a passenger endorsement under federal law.* For most 25 passenger buses, that means a Class C CDL, because they weigh under 26,001 pounds. *Some states may have their own requirements that differ from the federal threshold. Confirm with your state's DMV before assuming.

Why Class C and not Class B?

Most mid size buses weigh under 26,001 pounds. Class B applies at 26,001 and above.

Do new drivers need training?

Yes. Since February 2022, first-time passenger endorsement drivers must complete registered training before testing.

How much does a 25 passenger bus cost?

New starts around $125,000. Used starts around $80,000.

Is a 25 passenger bus cheaper per seat than a 15 passenger bus?

Yes, about $5,200 per seat on a 25 passenger bus and about $7,500 per seat for a new 15 passenger bus.

Can I get a 20 passenger bus?

Yes, built to order with interior luggage.

Do you have wheelchair accessible mid size buses?

Yes. We stock 17 passengers + 2 wheelchair stations (WS), 21 passengers + 2 WS, and 25 passengers + 2 WS.

Does the 8-year warranty apply?

Yes, for churches and senior care buyers.

Compare Other Sizes

Small Buses (15 passengers and under)

No CDL needed in most states. Any licensed driver can drive. We can help you know if you need a CDL in your state.

Large Buses (31 to 45 passenger buses)

For bigger groups and longer trips.

Talk to a rep

Get help choosing the right mid size bus for your drivers, budget, and group.

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