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Long Distance Bus Driver Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver/Operator

Englewood, CO · On-site

$28.02/hr

Bus Driver/Operator $4,000 Sign-On Bonus - Offer valid through 6/30/2026 We are currently on the ... Sit for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours per day); frequently walk for long distances and on ...

Bus Driver: CDL

Craig, CO · On-site

$22 - $34.10/hr

Bus Driver - CDL Category: Transportation Reports to: Director of the Transportation Department ... and distance. Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out ...

Bus Driver/Operator $4,000 Sign-On Bonus -- Offer valid through 6/30/2026 We are currently on the ... Sit for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours per day); frequently walk for long distances and on ...

Sit for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours per day); frequently walk for long distances and on ... Driver/Operator - Bus, Paratransit, Taxi, Limo, Shuttle Job Type: Full Time Req ID: 6233 Pay Group:

Bus Driver - Stapleton

Denver, CO · On-site

$26.02/hr

Sit for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours per day); frequently walk for long distances and on ... Driver/Operator - Bus, Paratransit, Taxi, Limo, Shuttle Job Type: Full Time Req ID: 6233 Pay Group:

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Long Distance Bus Driver information

See Colorado salary details

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$20

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How much do long distance bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for long distance bus driver in Colorado is $20.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the longest a bus driver can drive?

Long-distance bus drivers are typically limited to driving no more than 10 hours per shift, with a maximum of 15 hours including rest periods, to comply with safety regulations. Federal and state laws require drivers to take mandatory rest breaks and off-duty periods to prevent fatigue and ensure safety on the road.

What are some common challenges faced by long distance bus drivers, and how are they managed?

Long distance bus drivers often encounter challenges such as fatigue from extended hours on the road, maintaining passenger safety, and adapting to varying weather or traffic conditions. To manage these, companies typically enforce regulated rest breaks, provide training on safe driving practices, and support drivers with real-time route updates. Drivers also work closely with dispatch and customer service teams to address passenger needs and ensure a smooth journey.

What are long distance bus drivers?

Long distance bus drivers are professional drivers responsible for transporting passengers safely over extended routes that often span cities, states, or even countries. They operate large motorcoaches or buses, following specific schedules and making stops along the way. Their duties include ensuring passenger safety, adhering to traffic laws, assisting with luggage, and sometimes providing customer service during the journey. Long distance bus drivers may work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They are required to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and often undergo additional training for passenger transport.

What is the difference between Long Distance Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectLong Distance Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentLong hours on highways, traveling between cities or statesDaily routes within local areas, primarily on school grounds and city streets
Employer & IndustryTransportation companies, charter services, or school districts for long-haul tripsSchool districts or private schools for daily student transportation
Common Search & ComparisonLong Distance Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver

While both roles require a CDL with passenger endorsement and involve transporting passengers, Long Distance Bus Drivers typically travel longer distances across states or countries, often working on scheduled routes for extended periods. School Bus Drivers focus on daily local routes, primarily transporting students within a school district. The work environment, schedule, and travel scope are the main differences between these two roles.

How do long distance bus drivers work?

Long distance bus drivers operate buses over extended routes, often traveling overnight or for multiple days, and are responsible for safe driving, navigation, and passenger safety. They typically work scheduled shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays, and must hold a commercial driver's license with passenger endorsements. They also perform vehicle inspections and maintain logs of their driving hours to comply with regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Long Distance Bus Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Long Distance Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and strong knowledge of road safety regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, electronic logging devices, and vehicle inspection procedures is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and customer service skills help drivers manage passenger needs and handle unexpected situations on the road. These competencies ensure the safe, timely, and comfortable transport of passengers over long distances while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What is the highest paying bus driver job?

Long distance bus drivers who operate charter or luxury buses often earn higher salaries, especially with experience, specialized routes, or additional certifications. In some cases, drivers working for private companies or in regions with higher living costs can also earn higher wages, with top earners making over $60,000 annually. Factors such as route complexity, hours, and employer type influence pay rates.
What are popular job titles related to Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Colorado? For Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Long Distance Bus Driver job openings:

$20/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Safely drives a school bus for extracurricular activities, athletic events, field trips, and other special assignments in accordance with established schedules and safety procedures.

  • Inspects the assigned bus and performs all required safety and vehicle checks prior to transporting passengers, reporting any problems to the Director.

  • Maintains order and discipline among students being transported in accordance with District policies and procedures.


Job description

Trip Bus Driver (As Needed)

Position Purpose:
Under the general supervision of the Director of Transportation, ensures the safe transportation of students, staff, and others to and from extracurricular activities, athletic events, field trips, and other district-sponsored travel. This position is an as-needed assignment with variable hours based on transportation needs and does not include a regularly assigned daily route. This position is intended to expand the District's pool of available drivers for activity and trip coverage. 
Essential Functions:


  • Safely drives a school bus for extracurricular activities, athletic events, field trips, and other special assignments in accordance with established schedules and safety procedures.
  • May provide route coverage or substitute transportation support as needed.
  • Inspects the assigned bus prior to transporting passengers to ensure the bus is in good, clean, and safe working order.
  • Performs all required safety and vehicle checks pertaining to any bus trip and immediately reports any problems to the Director.
  • Ensures communication equipment is in proper working order before each trip.
  • Reports all mechanical deficiencies, traffic violations, emergencies, delays, damages, accidents, and incidents promptly to the Director.
  • Maintains cleanliness of the assigned bus.
  • Follows and conforms to all District, state, and federal safety and training requirements.
  • Maintains order and discipline among students being transported in accordance with District policies and procedures.
  • Maintains required records and reports.
  • Attends required training and professional development opportunities.

Additional Duties:
Performs other related tasks as assigned.
Note:  The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment:
Uses standard automotive and bus equipment, and telephone.
Travel Requirements:
Drivers are expected to complete a minimum of 20 trip assignments per semester/school year to remain active in the position. 







Work Schedule:

This is an as-needed position with variable hours based on activity trips, athletic events, field trips, route substitutions, and district transportation needs. Trip availability depends on scheduling requirements and whether full-time drivers elect to cover assignments. Evening and weekend assignments may be required. There are no guaranteed hours or regularly assigned daily routes.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of all traffic laws, regulations, road signs and related information.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate the bus, conduct pre-trip inspections, and clean the bus.  
  • Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective organizational, problem solving, and time management skills.
  • Ability to learn and comprehend information from procedures manuals and other materials. Ability to comprehend and follow traffic signs required.
  • Ability to physically move through the bus, center and classrooms.
  • Ability to maintain composure and perform responsibilities under pressure and in cases of accidents or other emergencies.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

 Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards including but not limited to:
Works in a standard school bus environment.
Sitting for long periods of time.
Climbing stairs and step ladder.
Consistent repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing up to 50 lbs. of weight.
Stooping and Crouching.
Certification/License Required:
Motor Vehicle Operator's (DMV) License.
Current Commercial Driver's License (CDL), class B with Passenger and School Bus endorsement.
Education:
High School Diploma or GED.
Experience: 
Successful prior experience working as a bus driver, preferably in a school district or transporting children preferred.














 
FLSA Status:             Nonexempt
Base pay starts at $20.00 per hour (placement on the Bus Driver pay scale is dependent on experience). Employee to submit a monthly timesheet.Â