New & Used City Buses For Sale

What is a city bus?

A city bus is a passenger vehicle designed for regular service on urban routes, offering frequent stops, easy boarding, and features that prioritise passenger comfort and accessibility. These buses are commonly used in municipal transit systems and private urban transport operations to carry multiple passengers efficiently through towns and cities.

Popular types of city buses for sale

City buses are available in a range of configurations designed to meet different passenger volumes, route demands, and environmental requirements. Understanding the main types can help buyers compare city buses for sale more effectively and select vehicles that suit their operational needs.

Common types of city buses include:

• Single-decker city buses: Widely used on urban routes, offering a balance of capacity, manoeuvrability, and accessibility.
• Double-decker city buses: Designed to maximise passenger capacity on busy routes while maintaining a relatively compact road footprint.
• Low-floor city buses: Built to improve accessibility, featuring easier boarding for passengers with mobility needs, pushchairs, or luggage.
• Electric and hybrid city buses: Increasingly popular with local authorities and operators seeking lower emissions and compliance with clean air initiatives.
• Midi and compact city buses: Suitable for routes with lower passenger demand or tighter urban layouts where full-size buses may be impractical.

This range allows buyers to compare new and used buses for sale based on route type, capacity, and regulatory requirements.

What to consider before buying a city bus

City buses are long-term operational assets, and choosing the right vehicle requires careful planning beyond the initial purchase price.

Key factors to consider include:

• Route type and passenger volume: The size and configuration of the bus should reflect peak demand and service frequency.
• Accessibility requirements: Low-floor designs, ramps, and interior layouts may be required to meet passenger needs and regulatory standards.
• Fuel type and emissions standards: Diesel, hybrid, and electric options should be assessed in line with operating costs and local emissions regulations.
• Operating and maintenance costs: Ongoing servicing, parts availability, and fuel efficiency all impact total cost of ownership.
• Depot and charging infrastructure: Electric and hybrid buses may require additional infrastructure and planning at operating depots.
• Local authority or contract specifications: Public sector and contracted services often have defined vehicle standards, accessibility features, and emissions requirements.

Considering these factors helps ensure the bus selected supports reliable, compliant, and cost-effective operation.

Who uses city buses?

City buses are operated by a wide range of organisations responsible for moving passengers efficiently through urban environments.

Typical users include:

• Local authorities and municipal transport operators
• Public and private bus companies
• Contract transport providers
• Airport and shuttle services
• Educational and institutional transport services

These vehicles are essential for delivering consistent, high-capacity transport across towns and cities.

New vs used city buses

Both new and used city buses can offer strong value, depending on your operational requirements and budget.

Key differences include:

• Cost savings: Used city buses typically offer a lower upfront cost, making them suitable for budget-conscious operators or short-term contracts.
• Availability and lead times: Used buses are often available immediately, while new vehicles may involve longer build or delivery times.
• Maintenance considerations: New buses may come with warranties and lower early maintenance needs, while used buses should be assessed carefully for service history and condition.
• Suitability for short-term contracts: Used buses are often well suited to temporary services, trials, or contract work where flexibility is required.

Both options can be effective when aligned with operational goals.

What locations do we serve for city buses?

As a buyer-to-seller marketplace, we feature city buses from across the UK. Use our filters to quickly find vehicles available near you.

Why choose The Commercial Trader for your new and used city buses?

The Commercial Trader is one of the UK’s most comprehensive marketplaces for commercial vehicles, helping you source city buses that match your operational needs at competitive prices.

Whether you’re supplying public transport, running private shuttle services, or managing contract work, our platform connects you with reliable sellers and a broad choice of vehicles designed to meet UK regulatory and service standards.

Learn more about us, or contact us if you have any questions.

Can I return a city bus?

As we operate as a buyer-to-seller marketplace, any returns policy must be agreed directly with the seller.

What licence do I need to drive a city bus for commercial use?

In the UK, drivers must hold a Category D Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence, along with a valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which confirms professional competency for paid passenger transport.

What other buses and coaches do we sell? 

We sell a range of buses and coaches, including: 

• Double-decker buses for sale 
• Articulated Buses for sale
• Executive coaches for sale 
• Heritage vehicles for sale 
• High-capacity coaches for sales 
• Midi coaches for sale
• School buses for sale 
• Single-decker buses for sale 
• Standard coaches for sale 
• VIP corporate executive coaches for sale