Athletics Buses
Always Be on Time for Game Day
Moving your athletes safely and comfortably is a core part of running a strong program. Whether you support a college team, a university athletics department, or a professional roster, the right bus or van keeps travel smooth, organized, and efficient. The Bus Center helps athletic programs choose vehicles that fit roster size, gear needs, travel distance, and budget.
About This Guide
Athletics Bus Buyer’s Guide
Team travel is a big part of athletics. Whether it is a short ride to a nearby rival or a long road trip for tournament play, the right bus or van supports your athletes, staff, and gear with safety, comfort, and reliability. The Bus Center helps athletic programs choose transportation that fits roster size, equipment needs, travel schedules, and budget.
Think about the full scope of your program. Do you need a van for small roster sports, a mid-size bus for daily travel, or a full coach-style shuttle for larger teams? Every decision affects comfort, rest, and overall travel quality for your athletes.
Use the sections below to get started.
Size & CDL
Consider how many team members and how much equipment your bus or van will move on a regular basis. Different sports carry different roster sizes, staff counts, and gear loads, and these factors will help determine the right vehicle.
The size of the bus or van also decides whether your driver needs a commercial driver’s license (CDL). In most cases, a CDL is not required for a vehicle that seats up to 15 team members, including the driver, or weighs less than 26,000 pounds. If your program needs a larger vehicle with more seats or a higher weight capacity, the driver will need a CDL.
Popular Features & Options
Just like cars, buses and vans have features and options that can improve comfort and convenience for both the team and the driver. Every team is different. Player counts, staff needs, and equipment loads vary by sport, so the right setup depends on how your program travels.
- High back reclining seats, extra legroom, and non-slip flooring for comfort and safety
- Overhead racks, rear luggage space, sport-specific side cargo options, and layouts that handle large equipment loads
- Strong rear A/C and heat, USB and 12V ports, and reliable interior lighting
- Backup camera, safety lighting, and other driver-assist features
- Audio and video systems for film review and team meetings
- Interior and exterior branding to match your team’s identity
- Onboard bathroom options for long trips
- Coach tables or small conference areas for staff, training review, and planning
Your Bus Center rep can help you review these options and choose what fits your teams.
Brands
The Bus Center stocks a strong selection of trusted brands. These manufacturers offer a full range of options for athletic teams and come backed by solid customer ratings and warranty support across a wide range of budgets.
- Startrans
- Starcraft
- LA West
- ECB
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van
New vs. Pre-Owned
New buses and vans come with strong warranty coverage, including factory warranties on the chassis, powertrain, body structure, A/C, and other components, plus an extra 5-year / 100,000-mile warranty from The Bus Center. If something goes wrong, our parts, service, and repair team will work to get your vehicle back on the road.
Pre-owned units can be a smart budget option for athletics as well. While many are sold as is, some still carry factory warranty coverage depending on age and mileage. For vehicles ten years old or newer, extended warranty plans may also be available.
Our pre-owned inventory changes often, so your rep at The Bus Center can help you watch for the right bus or van for your team.
Flexible Financing Options
Depending on what fits your budget, we offer several leasing and financing options for athletic programs. Your The Bus Center rep can walk you through the plans that support your college, university, or professional team.
Trade-Ins
Upgrading to a new bus or van for your team? We can review your current vehicle for a possible trade-in. Start with our trade-in evaluation guide.
Warranty Support
We will walk you through every step needed to keep your vehicle under warranty, and we will coordinate with our parts and service team on your behalf.
Athletics Partnerships
National Junior College Athletic Association
If your organization is a member of the NJCAA, you qualify for special benefits when purchasing through The Bus Center. This includes guided purchasing help, priority fleet routing, and clear, trackable benefits. Be sure to mention the NJCAA when you speak with your rep so you receive all available support during vehicle selection and budget planning.
Get Started Today
Need Help Choosing the Right Vehicle?
Let us help. A well-built, reliable vehicle keeps your team rested, focused, and ready to perform at their best. Share your team size, travel schedule, equipment needs, and anything else we should know, and one of our athletic transportation specialists will reach out to assist with your selection.