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Long Distance Bus Driver Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Long Distance Bus Driver information

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$8

$19

$28

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

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for long distance bus driver in Minnesota is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $21.88 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 Minnesota? For Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Long Distance Bus Driver job openings:
Long Distance Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Long Distance Bus Driver job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,349 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Public Transit Operator (Bus Driver)

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Red Wing, MN

$22.70/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Public Transit Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently transporting passengers along designated routes, ensuring timely arrivals and departures. You'll perform routine vehicle inspections, adhere to all traffic laws and safety regulations, and provide excellent customer service by assisting passengers as needed. Additionally, you'll maintain accurate records of daily activities, including ridership counts and vehicle maintenance reports, and respond to any on-the-road issues or emergencies in accordance with company procedures. You'll work to promote accessibility and ensure that all individuals, including those with disabilities, are provided with a safe and reliable transit experience.

We are looking for part-time bus drivers. Tell us how many hours per week you're looking for and what schedule fits your life. We're happy to work with your availability whenever possible. You will primarily drive in the Red Wing area but may occasionally be assigned to another city/community.

Start pay is $22.70/hour if you already have a Class C CDL and Passenger Endorsement (PE); otherwise, starting pay will be $21.70/hour with a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) while you are in training to receive your CDL. If you do not have a CDL and Passenger Endorsement, a CLP is required before your start date.

Job offers are contingent on a reference check; a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review; a criminal background study with fingerprinting through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS); a Medical Examiners Certificate ("Medical Card"); a Fitness-for-Duty Exam paid for by the agency at the clinic of the agency's choosing; and a pre-employment Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test. Employees in this position are subject to random and reasonable suspicion DOT drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Required Qualifications:

  • Ability to pass a required background study, as defined by the position
  • Current, valid driver's license for at least three (3) years in good standing as defined by agency insurance company (including, but not limited to, no more than 1 moving violation in the previous 12-months).
  • Current, valid personal automobile insurance
  • Ability to successfully pass required background study (including, but not limited to, no felony convictions).
  • Willingness/ability to adhere to all CFR Part 40 regulations as they pertain to public transit operators, including but not limited to submission to and successfully passing of drug and alcohol testing throughout employment.
  • Ability to safely operate large transit vehicles, associated equipment, mobility lift, and security devices safely and efficiently.
  • Abilityto read, write and speak English to communicate effectively with passengers, dispatchers and in emergency situations.
  • Demonstrated adherence to all state and highway safety rules and regulations.
  • Ability to use tablets and other basic transit software.
  • Ability to pass Driver Training on topics including, but not limited to:
    • Passenger Assistance
    • Maltreatment Awareness
    • Defensive Driving
    • First Aid/CPR
    • Child Passenger Safety

NOTE: If position is offered to and accepted by applicant, the Agency will provide resources to assist applicant in obtaining a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) and a Medical Examiners Certificate ("Medical Card") prior to their first day of employment. Employment will not begin until both are obtained.

Paid training is provided to assist new hires in obtaining CDL and Passenger Endorsement; must obtain CDL and Passenger Endorsement within 90 days of start date.

Functional Requirements:

  • Ability to sit for long periods of time while driving and use hands to finger, handle, or grasp objects and controls, and reach with hands and arms
  • Ability to safely operate large transit vehicles and equipment safely in all types of weather and environmental conditions.
  • Ability to adhere to ADA compliance and reasonable accommodation requirements and physically assist passengers personally, or with mobility devices or property as needed.
  • Ability to pass a Fitness for Duty Exam paid for by the agency at the clinic of the agency's choosing.
  • Potentially frequent lifting of up to 75lbs.
  • Occasional bending/squatting/reaching.
About Three Rivers Community Action

Join Three Rivers Community Action, a dynamic nonprofit organization established in 1966 by dedicated local citizens. Committed to enhancing lives across our service area, Three Rivers collaborates with community partners to provide warmth, transportation, food, housing, advocacy and education to individuals and families.

At Three Rivers, we seek collaborative solutions, lead with integrity, embrace diversity, inspire mutual trust, listen to community needs, respect the people we work with, and promote equity, empowerment and self-sufficiency.

We advocate ardently for our program participants at local, state, and federal levels, leveraging our extensive network of human service agencies to provide comprehensive support. Through these partnerships, we optimize resources to better serve families and communities, catalyzing meaningful change and fostering inclusivity.

We realize dreams of homeownership for people such as single parents, individuals with disabilities, and families. We enable seniors to age in place with vital services like home-delivered meals, transportation, and energy assistance. Through initiatives like Head Start, we ensure children are equipped for school success while supporting their families holistically. At every stage of life, Three Rivers strives to empower and uplift those we serve. Join us in making a difference, one life at a time.

Watch this 2-minute video that provides a snapshot of our programs, values, and a participant story that reflects the heart of what we do.

About the Benefits

Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and enrich your life:

  • Competitive wages with opportunities for advancement
  • Extensive benefits for regular full-time staff (30+ hours per week), including affordable health insurance with access to employer-sponsored NICE Healthcare and an HRA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), voluntary dental, vision, voluntary life/AD&D, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance, ensuring peace of mind and security for you and your loved ones.
  • Immediate eligibility for investment in our 403(b), with a generous automatic match (after 1 year of employment), aiding in building a stable financial future
  • Generous paid time off, guaranteeing you sufficient time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and personal interests for regular staff working 30+ hours per week
  • Access to our robust Employee Assistance Program, providing assistance and resources for both personal and professional challenges
  • Training and professional development opportunities aimed at enhancing your skills and fostering career growth
  • A supportive work environment that values lived experience, respects personal representation, teamwork, and recognizes individual contributions.

Experience these outstanding benefits, among others, as we actively support your development, well-being, and success.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values lived experience. We strongly encourage individuals from under-represented populations and those with relevant lived experiences to apply. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Your unique experiences and perspectives are an asset to our team, and we welcome your application.

Three Rivers is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at jobs@threeriverscap.org or 507-316-0610.

Online application preferred:www.threeriverscap.org/careers. However, a paper application form may be requested by calling 507-316-0610.

Three Rivers is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

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