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Long Distance Bus Driver Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Part-Time Driver Veero Ford & Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Morris Morris, MN Job Type: Part-Time ... Comfortable with both local and long-distance driving assignments. * Ability to work flexible hours ...

Part-Time Driver Veero Ford & Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Morris Morris, MN Job Type: Part-Time ... Comfortable with both local and long-distance driving assignments. * Ability to work flexible hours ...

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Long Distance Bus Driver information

See Minnesota salary details

$8

$19

$28

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

As of Jul 3, 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 disqualifies you from being a bus driver?

Long distance bus drivers are typically disqualified if they have a poor driving record, including multiple traffic violations or DUIs, or if they fail background checks. Additionally, they must meet age requirements, pass medical exams, and hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements. Substance abuse issues or inability to meet physical and mental health standards can also disqualify candidates.

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, according to federal regulations. Drivers must also take mandatory rest breaks to ensure safety and compliance with hours-of-service rules.

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.

How much do long distance bus drivers get paid?

Long distance bus drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, company, and region. They often work long hours and may receive additional pay for overnight trips or overtime, with some positions offering benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

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.

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 for private charter companies, luxury tour services, or specialized transportation firms tend to earn the highest salaries, often exceeding the average for standard bus drivers. Factors such as experience, certifications, and the complexity of routes can also influence pay rates in this field.
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:

Bus & Van Aide - Choose Your MN Location

Palmer Bus Financial Management Inc

Mankato, MN • On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description:

Bus & Van Aide – Minnesota

Support Students. Serve Your Community. Choose Your Location.

Looking for a meaningful role where you can make a difference every single day? Join our team as an Aide and help support students—especially those with special needs—on their way to and from school, field trips, and activities. With locations across Southern Minnesota, you can choose the site that fits best for you.*

We Proudly Serve MN Schools:

Schools like Adrian, Austin, Barrett, Bovey, Montgomery, Nashwauk, Shakopee, St. Cloud, Zumbrota and many more. Check out our website for a full listing of school we serve.

Apply once — and choose the location that works best for you! Your School district not on that list. That's okay. Go ahead and choose the "other" option.


What You'll Do

As an Aide, you'll work alongside the bus driver to ensure a safe, positive ride for students. Your day will include:

  • Assisting with loading and unloading students, especially those with physical or developmental needs
  • Monitoring behavior and ensuring students are secure and comfortable throughout the ride
  • Helping in emergency situations until the driver is able to take over
  • Keeping accurate records, communicating with staff, and reporting incidents when needed
  • Ensuring seat belts, safety restraints, and equipment like wheelchairs are properly secured
  • Creating a welcoming and structured bus environment every day
What We’re Looking For
  • A heart for helping kids—especially those with special needs
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Reliability, attention to detail, and a calm presence under pressure
  • Understanding of school bus safety and basic emergency procedures
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with diverse groups of people
Why Join Us?
  • Choose Your Location: We have positions available across Minnesota—pick the site closest to you!*
  • Flexible Scheduling: Great for parents, retirees, or anyone looking to give back to their community
  • Team Environment: You’ll work side by side with drivers and staff who care
  • Training Provided: No previous experience necessary—we’ll help you get started
Ready to Ride Along?

If you’re patient, dependable, and passionate about supporting students, we’d love to meet you.

Apply today and choose your preferred Minnesota location!

*Disclaimer: Not all locations offer Bus Aide positions. Availability varies by site.Requirements:

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to supervise children, maintain effective working relationships with children and staff. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee:

  • Will provide the following assistance to students and staff: walking, reaching, holding with arms, bend or twist at the neck and trunk or waist, crouching and/or squatting to assist students.
  • Will operate specialized equipment or office equipment; grasp tools; push wheelchairs; lift and/or manipulating objects or persons, and/or use of motion up to 75 lbs. or equivalent with or without assistance by another individual and/or with or without the assistance of devices designed to support the lifting effort.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance and close vision, color vision, depth perception and peripheral vision.
  • The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud to where you must raise your voice to be heard.

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands:

  • Generally, the job requires 90% sitting, 5% walking, and 5% standing