How long is a school bus? Measurements for builds & budgets
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Yellow school buses: The icons of education
Accommodating approximately 90 passengers, the iconic yellow school bus is a familiar sight on our roads. These full-sized buses, typically stretching 35 to 40 feet long, have bench-style seating and are notable for their lack of seatbelts. Fitted with safety elements like flashing red lights, stop signs, and crossing arms, they provide dependable transportation for daily school journeys and extracurricular activities such as field trips or sports events.
Popular floor plans include
Open concept: Removing most of the seats and creating a larger open space for living and dining areas.
Bunk beds: Utilizing the height of the bus to create bunk beds, freeing up floor space for storage or other living areas.
Kitchenettes: Incorporating a small kitchen with counter space, sink, and appliances such as a stove or fridge.
Bathroom: Adding a bathroom with a toilet, shower, and sink for convenience.
Yellow school bus average measurements
Length: 35-45 feet
Width: 8 feet
Interior height: 6.5 feet
Wheelbase: approximately 20 feet
Height: 9.5-10.5 feet
Internal living space: 240-280 square feet
Roof raises and rear door measurements
Roof raises:
Average height increase: 1.5 feet
Maximum height increase: 3 feet
Rear door measurements:
Width: 4 feet
Height: 6.5 feet
Mini buses: Compact and versatile
Mini buses are the agile relatives in the bus family, typically measuring between 20 to 25 feet in length. They can comfortably seat anywhere from 10 to 25 passengers, making them an excellent choice for smaller groups, daycare transportation, or specialized school programs. Despite their compact size, mini buses come packed with features for safety and comfort, including air conditioning, entertainment systems, and sometimes wheelchair access. Particularly popular for those considering a smaller skoolie conversion, mini buses offer a manageable size without sacrificing the potential for creativity and customization.
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Mini and shuttle buses
While smaller in size compared to yellow school buses and coach buses, mini and shuttle buses still offer ample living space for skoolie conversions.
Some popular floor plan options include:
Studio: With a single open living space, this layout is ideal for solo travelers or couples.
Bunkhouse: This layout maximizes sleeping space with multiple bunk beds stacked on top of each other.
Dining booth: Perfect for those who love to cook and entertain, this layout features a dining area that doubles as a seating area during the day.
Estimated measurements of a mini or shuttle bus conversion
Length: 20-25 feet
Width: 7.5 feet
Interior height: 6 feet
Wheelbase: approximately 12 feet
Height: 10 feet
Internal living space: 120-150 square feet (approximate)
Roof raises and rear door measurements
Roof raises:
Average height increase: 1 foot
Maximum height increase: 2 feet
Rear door measurements:
Width: 3.5 feet
Height: 6 feet
Shuttle buses: Compact and convenient
Smaller in size compared to their yellow counterparts, shuttle buses range around 15 to 25 feet long and can accommodate 15-30 passengers. Their compact size makes them ideal for shorter trips such as airport transfers or hotel shuttles. A mix of bench-style seating and individual seats often feature seatbelts, adding an extra layer of safety for passengers.
Mini and shuttle buses
While smaller in size compared to yellow school buses and coach buses, mini and shuttle buses still offer ample living space for skoolie conversions.
Some popular floor plan options include
Studio: With a single open living space, this layout is ideal for solo travelers or couples.
Bunkhouse: This layout maximizes sleeping space with multiple bunk beds stacked on top of each other.
Dining booth: Perfect for those who love to cook and entertain, this layout features a dining area that doubles as a seating area during the day.
Estimated measurements of a mini or shuttle bus conversion
Length: 20-25 feet
Width: 7.5 feet
Interior height: 6 feet
Wheelbase: approximately 12 feet
Height: 10 feet
Internal living space: 120-150 square feet (approximate)
Roof raises and rear door measurements
Roof raises:
Average height increase: 1 foot
Maximum height increase: 2 feet
Rear door measurements:
Width: 3.5 feet
Height: 6 feet
Coach buses: Luxury on wheels
As the largest type of school bus available, coach buses stand out with lengths reaching up to 45 feet. Designed to accommodate up to 60 passengers, these buses offer a comfortable travel experience with reclining seats and ample legroom. Amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and entertainment systems make them a preferred choice for longer trips like school or sports team tours.
Some popular floor plan options include
Single level: This layout offers a spacious, open-concept living area with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom all on the same level.
Split-level: With this design, the bus is divided into two levels, creating separate areas for living and sleeping. The lower level usually houses the kitchen and bathroom while the upper level is reserved for the bedroom.
Loft: For those looking to maximize vertical space, a loft layout features a raised platform that can serve as a bedroom or additional storage space.
Estimated measurements of a coach bus conversion
Length: 45 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Interior height: 6.5 feet
Wheelbase: approximately 20 feet
Height: 12 feet
Internal living space: 360 square feet (approximate)
Roof raises and rear door measurements
Roof raises:
Average height increase: 2 feet
Maximum height increase: 4 feet
Rear door measurements:
Width: 4 feet
Height: 6.5 feet
Other important bus measurements to help you draft your dream
Power
The average shuttle bus has a power output of 150-200 horsepower. However, this can vary depending on the make and model.
Fuel capacity
On average, a mini or shuttle bus has a fuel capacity of 25-40 gallons. This can also vary based on the specific vehicle.
Seating capacity
Depending on the size and layout of your conversion, you can expect to comfortably seat anywhere from 4-10 people in your converted bus.
Insulation
Proper insulation is key to creating a comfortable living space in your converted bus. This will help regulate temperature and reduce noise from outside sources. To cover the inside of your bus, you can use a variety of materials such as foam board, fiberglass insulation, or spray foam. You’ll need enough for the floors, walls, and ceiling to ensure optimal insulation. To calculate the amount you need, measure the square footage of your bus and consult with an insulation specialist for recommendations.
Electrical system
Busses can typically support a 120-volt electrical system, which is the standard for most homes. However, it’s important to consult with an electrician to ensure that your bus can handle the load and to properly wire all outlets, switches, and lights. You may also want to consider installing solar panels or a generator for off-grid power options.
These are just estimates
No two busses are the same. Even if you buy two buses from the same manufacturer, you’ll still encounter small differences that may affect the conversion process. These estimates are meant to give you a general idea of what to expect, but it’s important to do your own research and consult with professionals for accurate calculations.
Next time you see a school bus, take a moment to appreciate the thoughtfulness behind its size - an emblem of safety, efficiency, and the enduring value of education. What once carried kids to their places of education, a bus conversion can carry you to adventure and inspiration – even home.
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