Vanlifers changed the road trip game by turning vans into tiny homes. Skoolies, or renovated school buses, took it up a notch.
Now those uncomfortable yellow buses we rode to school are decked out with all the comforts of home, and you can drive them wherever you want. The allure of school buses is they have more space than vans to convert into living areas. People are using that space for ovens, full-sized fridges, bathtubs and just about anything you can imagine.
Are you ready for that bus life? These school bus conversions can offer some inspiration. They are the best Skoolies on the road today.
The Most Drool-Worthy Skoolie Interior You'll Ever See
If Rumpelstiltskin showed up promising us this van, we might be tempted to give away our firstborn. (Kidding.)
A Full Transformation in 50 Pictures
This skoolie went from gutted to Pinterest-perfect.
You Can Even Have Space for Your Plants
Who said life on the road meant leaving your plant babies behind? It's a millennial's world, and you don't have to choose between being a nomad and being a plant parent.
And All of Your Pets
Dogs love living the skoolie life too. Especially if it means getting to run through cool parks every day.
Yes, You Can Take a Bubble Bath in a Converted School Bus
We've seen apartments with smaller bathrooms than this.
Or Have a Really Nice Shower
We'd be so proud of this shower, we would probably make a social media account just for it.
Here's an Inside Look of What the Entire Process Is Like
Even rookies can do an amazing skoolie conversion. If you're willing to do the work for it.
How Gorgeous Is This Interior?
Show this to anyone who doubts a school bus could ever be a home.
You Had Us at Hanging Chair
OK, which organ do we have to sell in order to get this skoolie?
It's Hard to Believe This Is the Same Space
We're not saying a school bus conversion isn't a ton of work, but it's definitely worth it.
This Before and After Has Us Shook
Our jaw is on the floor. How do we contact whoever did this so we can give them all our money?
We Can't Get Over This Before and After
A wooden heater? Check. Personality? Check. Simplicity? Check. We are obsessed with this conversion.
We're Living for These Skoolie Tours
If we were the dogs, we'd also be really happy to live in that skoolie.
The Only Driver We'll Trust
He clearly takes his job very seriously and doesn't fool around.
Stop Everything. This School Bus Has a Slide.
Whoever thought of this deserves the Noble Peace Prize.
Here's What a Skoolie Kitchen Looks Like
What in the Marie Kondo is this? Our kitchen drawers have never been this organized — and we have way more space.
Loving the Use of Headboard Space
Space for a mini library and a guitar? These people are certified geniuses.
BRB, We're Going to Buy an Old-School Bus
This one may have made us actually drool.
This Skoolie Is Nicer Than Our Apartment
Check out those subway tiles in the kitchen. HGTV needs to get on this ASAP.
The Sunday Morning Breakfast You Deserve
This is so beautiful we are actually fighting back tears right now.
That's a Full Oven and a Whole Knife Set
This is 21st-century bougie, and we are here for it.
We Can't Get Over These Skoolie Bathrooms
Are stained-glass windows really extra? Absolutely. Are they guaranteed to make you 99 percent happier? Definitely.
Look at That Beautiful Skylight
This is the secret to stargazing in the winter.
No Toy Left Behind!
Your kids won't be asking "are we there yet" anytime soon.
Even a Coat of Paint Makes a Difference
We'll let you in on a secret all the TikTok skoolie influencers don't want you to know: Your school bus conversion doesn't have to be complicated.
The Transformation Is Amazing Even When It Isn't Finished
We absolutely love seeing the skoolie process in real time. Out with the ugly school chairs, in with the tasteful wooden features.
This One Even Has a TV
Not that you'd want to watch TV when you're van camping out in nature, though the reality is that sometimes you end up in the parking lot of a Walmart. And a TV definitely comes in handy then.
You Don't Need To Get Fancy to Feel at Home
Sometimes, simplicity is the best path. This beautiful skoolie interior isn't elaborate, but it's undeniably cozy.
But If You Want To, Luxury Is Entirely Possible
This skoolie is nicer than most RVs we've seen.
This Outside Table Is Ingenious
Every meal will feel like a picnic. As long as it doesn't rain.
Wouldn't You Want to Live Here?
We volunteer as tributes.
You Can Even Have Your Own Tiny Wood Stove
With the beautiful tiles, this is straight out of our early 20th-century home dreams.
Interior Design for Skoolies
This will make your skoolie conversion so much easier.
Small Bus Conversions Are Just as Impressive
This is perfect for when a van is too small but a skoolie is too big.
Or Make Your School Bus Into a Giant Pickup Truck
There are no rules in the skoolie game.
Outdoor Patio on Wheels
When you make your own shade, you don't need to go out there looking for it. This is a lifesaver in the summer.
Doggie (Sadly) Not Included
But this still looks like the type of skoolie we'd like to take out on a cross-country adventure.
A Moveable Rooftop Deck Is All We Want in Life
Imagine stargazing on a summer night from there.
Well, This Is Just Too Cute
When art literally inspires art, good things tend to happen.
Shoe Rack at the Entrance = No Muddy Floors
Whoever owns this is directly addressing our biggest skoolie life pet peeve.
This Is How People Get Hot Water in Their School Bus Houses
Word of advice: Use the hot water wisely. Gas prices are way too high to be using it for everything.
You Can Also Install Solar Panels for Electricity
Though if you have solar panels, you won't have to worry about gas prices as much.
Solar Panels Are a Great Way to Live Off the Grid While Still Being Comfortable
And, yes, you can use them for lights, internet and to heat up water.
Of Course, This Is What Your Skoolie Will Look Like at First
The beginning of a school bus conversion can be very overwhelming.
But the End Result Is Worth It
You just can't put a price on having a home that can take you around the country — it's quite literally like having your own personal magic school bus.
We Will Forever Fantasize About This Skylight Right Over the Bed
The natural light. The coziness. The vibe. This seems almost too good to be true.
You Can Get Very Creative With the Exterior
This is peak 2009 millennial, and we can neither confirm nor deny that we love it.
Trust Us. You'll Never Regret Having a Skoolie
What's not to love?
Buy a School Bus and Travel With Your Family Taking Quirky Pictures
This is kind of creepy but in the very best of ways.
This Is Maybe the Prettiest Skoolie Exterior We've Seen
You can catch the sunset every single day with this gorgeous school bus paint job.