Shuttle Bus for Sale: 2025 Buying Guide

As the shuttle bus industry has developed by leaps and bounds in recent years, you now have a wide range of options available. That’s a great thing when it comes to getting a precise fit for your organization, but it also means there’s a lot you need to think about.

We created this buyer’s guide to shuttle buses to help you understand what options you have and the points you need to consider 

Buying a Shuttle Bus: What To Consider

There are a few things to take into account when deciding which shuttle bus is the right choice for your needs. In this section, we cover the main points you should consider when researching your purchase to ensure you get the best option.

Shuttle Bus Needs

Before you begin shopping for a new shuttle bus, the first step is to get a concrete idea of what you need from one. The needs you should consider include:

• Passenger types: Different types of shuttle buses are better suited for different types of passengers like daily commuters, employees, seniors, tourists, and hospitality guests.
• Passenger volume: How many passengers you need to transport regularly will determine the size of shuttle bus you need.
• Trip frequency and distance: Some fuel types and bus types are better for high-frequency, short-distance travel than periodic long-haul transport, and vice-versa.
• Brand image: Your shuttle bus will represent your brand, so you’ll need to consider whether you want to promote an image of luxury or a more utilitarian one.
• Accessibility needs: If your ridership regularly includes people with accessibility needs, you’ll want a shuttle bus that includes equipment like wheelchair lifts, low-step entryways, flat floors with ramps, and more.

Types of Shuttle Buses

There are several different categories of shuttle buses to choose from, each with distinct features that make them a better choice for some uses than others. In the table below, we provide an overview of the most common types.

Shuttle Bus Type	Capacity	Ideal Use	Drawbacks
Transit-style shuttles	30 or more	Frequent, short-distance routes such as airport or corporate campus use	May be difficult to navigate tight roadways and dense environments
Cutaway buses	14 – 28	School or community transportation	Higher long-term operating costs
Van-based shuttles	7 – 15	Hotel, medical, and airport transportation	Limited capacity
Luxury shuttles	Varies	VIP transportation, party and wedding rentals, corporate transportation	High initial cost, more upkeep

Seating, Layout, and Accessibility Options

Shuttle buses also come with a world of options for how they are laid out, how passenger space is arranged, technology and comfort features, and more. Some of the options you’ll need to choose from include:

• Seating arrangements: Shuttles can be configured to allow for different types of seating, such as having rear-facing seats or leaving standing room.
• Accessibility features: Your shuttle bus can be outfitted with ADA-compliant features like wheelchair lifts, flat floors with access ramps, and wider aisles.
• Storage space: Hotel and airport transportation typically requires ample storage space for luggage, which can be built in place of seating if necessary.
• Seating flexibility: You can opt for removable and interchangeable seating in your shuttle bus to allow you to reconfigure seating as needed.
• Comfort features: Options like charging ports and luxury touches like leather seats, recliners, and premium finishing materials are also things to consider.

Fuel Type and Powertrain Options

The type of fuel and engine configuration of your shuttle bus affects its performance and the cost of operating it. In the table below, we provide an overview of each fuel type.

Fuel Type	Range	Pros	Cons	Ideal Use
Diesel	Long	Good fuel economy	Higher upfront costs	Long-range shuttle routes
Gasoline	Medium	Low upfront cost Fuel available everywhere	Limited range	Frequent, short-range trips
Propane	Medium	Clean-burning	Higher initial cost than gas or diesel shuttles	Public transit systems with varying route lengths
Electric	Short	Zero emissions Eligible for financial incentives	Limited range	School and corporate campus transportation
Hybrid	Long	Extensive range Low emissions	Fewer options than other fuel types	Public transportation and tourism transportation

Safety and Technology Features

Modern shuttle buses can also have technology that improves safety, functionality, and passenger comfort. These features include:

• Safety equipment: Features like seat belts, anti-lock brakes, and advanced stability control all help ensure passenger and driver safety.
• Driver assistance features: Technology like lane assist, collision warning systems, backup cameras, and 360° cameras can make shuttle buses safer and easier to drive.
• Fleet management options: Telematics features like driver behavior monitoring, real-time GPS, and more can help you keep an eye on your shuttle fleet and ensure adherence to safe driving practices.
• Passenger-facing features: Digital signage, PA systems, automatic doors, and other options can improve the passenger experience.

Shuttle Bus Costs

The purchase price of a shuttle bus isn’t the only cost to consider. You’ll also want to factor in costs that include:

• Operating costs: Regular expenses like fuel, maintenance, and insurance are necessary costs for running your shuttle bus.
• Repairs: Shuttles in regular use will need occasional repairs. Repair costs vary by the age and mileage of the bus, manufacturer, shuttle type, and engine configuration.
• Depreciation: If you plan to resell your shuttle bus after a few years, its resale value is an important consideration. New shuttle buses depreciate in value more quickly and severely than used ones.
• Incentives: Eco-friendly shuttle buses like electric, hybrid, and propane buses are often eligible for tax credits, rebates, and other incentives from federal and local governments that fossil fuel-based buses are not, reducing their purchase price.

Shuttle Bus Manufacturers

Based on our experience in the shuttle bus industry, we’ve identified a few manufacturers that we know we can trust to consistently provide high-quality vehicles for our customers. The brands we feature include:

• Turtle Top: With a history dating back 100 years, this storied manufacturer remains a leader in innovation across a wide range of shuttle bus types.
• Diamond Coach: These buses are renowned for their durability and longevity, with impact-resistant, rust-free buses that hold their value for many years and miles.
• Sunset Vans: A trusted name in ADA mobility for over 40 years, Sunset Vans is one of the nation’s largest wheelchair van manufacturers.

Shuttle Bus Buying Checklist

Now that you’ve learned about the key points of consideration, you can use the checklist below to guide your shuttle bus shopping journey.

• Average number of passengers __________________________________
• Long or short distance routes ____________________________________
• Accessibility needs ____________________________________________
• Seating configuration __________________________________________
• Comfort/luxury features _________________________________________
• Storage needs ________________________________________________
• Safety and technology features ___________________________________
• Fuel type _____________________________________________________

Conclusion

Using the information in this article and the checklist above, you should be able to narrow your search to a few strong options for your shuttle bus purchase. Here at DeVivo Bus Sales, we’re also happy to help guide you to the best possible choice for your needs. Give us a call at (860) 356-0252 or reach out through our quote tool to get in touch.