Bus fuel tank PAZ-3205 accommodates 105 liters diesel fuel - this is enough for 400–450 km with an average consumption of 23–25 l/100 km. But if we are talking about long-distance Mercedes-Travego with tank on 500–600 liters, the power reserve increases to 1200–1500 km. The difference in volumes depends on the type of bus (city, suburban, tourist), its dimensions and purpose. For example, in a small-sized GAZelle-Next tank on 70 liters, and the two-story Neoplan Skyliner - up to 800 liters. To accurately determine the tank capacity of your model, check the technical data sheet or table below - we have collected data according to 30+ popular buses domestic and foreign production.

It is important to consider that the actual power reserve may differ from the rated range by 15–20% due to driving style, interior load, road terrain and fuel quality. For example, a bus LIAZ-5292 with tank 210 liters in the urban cycle it will travel not 800 km (as the manufacturer claims), but about 650–700 km. Some models are also equipped additional tanks — their volume is summed up with the main one. Yes, y Scania Touring a second tank can be installed on 200–300 liters, increasing the total capacity to 700–900 l.

Why bus tank capacity varies: 5 key factors

The capacity of the fuel tank is not chosen arbitrarily - it is calculated based on technical requirements and operating conditions. Here are the main parameters affecting the size of the tank:

  • 📏 Bus dimensions: the longer and heavier the machine (for example, Setra S 417 14 m long), the more fuel is required to overcome air resistance and inertia. Small buses (Ford Transit) make do with tanks of 60–80 liters.
  • 🛣️ Route type: city buses (LIAZ-4292) have tanks of 100–150 liters due to frequent stops and low daily mileage. Intercity (Volvo 9700) are equipped with tanks of 500–700 liters for non-stop flights.
  • ⚙️ Engine type: diesel buses (MAZ-203) are more economical than gasoline ones, therefore, with the same power reserve, their tanks are smaller. Gas models (PAZ-3204 on methane) can have tanks up to 200 l in gas equivalent.
  • 🏗️ Chassis design: low-floor buses (MAZ-206) often have limited tank space due to the design of the frame. High-floor models (Neoplan Tourliner) allow the installation of larger volume tanks.
  • 📉 Fuel consumption rates: buses with engines Euro-6 consume 10–15% less fuel than outdated ones Euro-3, so modern models can make do with smaller tanks with the same power reserve.

In addition, the volume of the tank is affected by climatic operating conditions. For example, in the northern regions buses (PAZ-3206) are equipped with heated tanks, which reduces the useful volume by 5–10%. In hot climates it is important to consider thermal expansion of fuel — the tank is filled no more than 95% to avoid overflow.

📊 What type of bus are you interested in?
Urban (up to 12 m)
Suburban (12–15 m)
Intercity (over 15 m)
Tourist (two-story)
School/special purpose

Table of bus fuel tank volumes (2026)

Below are current data on tank capacity for popular bus models, including domestic and foreign brands. Values are for main tank — excluding additional containers (if they are provided by the factory). For buses with gas-cylinder equipment, the data is given in liters of gasoline equivalent.

Make and model Bus type Tank volume, l Fuel type Cruising range, km*
PAZ-3205 Urban/suburban 105 Diesel 400–450
LIAZ-5292 Urban 210 Diesel 650–700
MAZ-203 Urban low floor 180 Diesel 500–550
Mercedes-Benz Travego Tourist 500–600 Diesel 1200–1500
Scania Touring Intercity 400–700 (with additional tank) Diesel 1000–1800
Volvo 9700 Intercity 540 Diesel 1300–1600
Neoplan Skyliner Two-story tourist 800 Diesel 1800–2000
GAZelle-Next Small-sized 70 Diesel/petrol 300–350
PAZ-3204 (gas version) Suburban 200 (petrol equivalent) Methane 400–450

*The range is calculated based on average fuel consumption: 23–25 l/100 km for city buses, 18–22 l/100 km for intercity buses and 28–32 l/100 km for tourist buses (with air conditioning and full load). Actual values ​​may differ by ±15%.

⚠️ Attention: On buses with hybrid engines (for example, MAZ-303) the volume of the main tank can be reduced to 80–100 l due to the presence of electric traction. At the same time, the power reserve in pure diesel mode is reduced to 200–250 km.

How to find out the tank volume of your bus: 4 proven methods

If your model is not in the table or you doubt the accuracy of the data, use one of the following methods:

  1. Technical passport of the bus. The tank volume is indicated in the “Technical Specifications” section (pages 2–3). Look for the items “Fuel tank”, “Tank capacity” or “Fuel tank capacity”. In ePassports (PDF), use keyword search tank.
  2. Nameplate. On most buses, a metal plate with basic parameters is attached to:
    • 🚪 Driver's doors (bottom or side).
    • 🔧 Under the hood (on the frame spar).
    • 🛠️ In the engine compartment (next to the engine).

    Look for type designations on the plate Fuel tank: 300 L or Tank volume: 210 l.

  3. Online services. Enter the VIN code of the bus on the sites:

In the decoding results, find the section Fuel System or Fuel system.

  • Practical measurement. If the documentation is lost, you can measure the tank volume yourself:

    Fill the tank full to the cut-off|Drain all the fuel into a measuring container (canister with graduations)|Record the volume of fuel drained|Repeat the procedure 2-3 times for accuracy-->

    • For buses with two tanks (for example, Scania K360) sum the volumes of both. If the tanks are connected by a bypass valve, their total capacity is indicated in the passport as a single value.

    💡

    When buying a used bus, check the tank for corrosion - rust inside can reduce the actual capacity by 10-15%. To do this, drain 5–10 liters of fuel into a transparent container and evaluate the presence of sediment.

    What to do if the tank volume does not correspond to the passport

    The discrepancy between the declared and actual tank capacity is a common problem, especially for buses older than 10 years. Here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:

    • 🔧 Tank deformation. Impacts or corrosion may reduce volume. Check the geometry of the tank visually (dents, rust) and replace it if necessary. Cost of a new tank for PAZ-3205 — from 15,000 rub., for Mercedes — from 80,000 rub.
    • 🛢️ Incorrect fuel level sensor calibration. If the fuel gauge needle is lying, calibrate the sensor using a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431). For buses with the system CAN-bus The control unit may need to be updated.
    • 🔄 Clogged fuel lines. Deposits in the lines create additional resistance, causing fuel to flow into the engine more slowly. Clean the system by flushing LIQUI MOLY Diesel Spulung (price ~3,000 rubles for 5 l).
    • ⚠️ Fuel leaks. Check the tightness of the connections of the tank, fuel pump and filters. Typical leak locations:
      Where does fuel most often leak on buses?

      🔹 Connection of the tank to the fuel line (O-rings wear out in 5-7 years).

      🔹 Fuel filter (cracks in the housing or loose fastening).

      🔹 High pressure fuel pump (seals).

      🔹 Drainage pipes (clog and burst when condensate freezes).

    ⚠️ Attention: If after refueling “to full” the bus travels 20–30% less than stated, check fuel density. In winter, diesel may thicken, which will increase consumption. Use an antigel (for example, Castrol TDA) in a ratio of 1:1000.

    If the standard tank is not enough for your routes, there are several ways to increase your range:

    • ✅ Installation of an additional tank. A legal method, but requires approval from the traffic police. Popular options:
      • 🚍 For PAZ-3205: tank 100 l from GAZelle (price ~8,000 rub.).
      • 🚌 For LIAZ-5292: tank 150 l from MAZ-103 (price ~20,000 rub.).
      • 🚌 For Mercedes Sprinter: original add. tank 90 l (article A 642 470 01 02, price ~45,000 rub.).

      Installation will cost 5,000–15,000 rubles. (depending on the complexity of installation).

    • ⚠️ Replacing the standard tank with an enlarged one. Only possible if the new tank is certified for this model. For example, for Ford Transit you can install a tank of 120 l instead of the standard 80 l (article 1812462, price ~30,000 rub.).
    • ❌ Homemade tanks. The installation of uncertified containers (for example, made of stainless steel) is prohibited by the Traffic Regulations (clause 7.18 “Vehicle conversion”). The fine for unauthorized modification is up to 50,000 rubles. (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).
    • ⚡ Switching to gas. Installing gas equipment (methane or propane) allows you to increase the power reserve by 30–50%. Cost of the kit for PAZ-3204 — from 120,000 rub., for MAZ-203 — from 200,000 rub.

    When choosing an additional tank, consider:

    • 🔹 Location: The tank must be mounted in a shock-proof location (for example, behind the rear axle).
    • 🔹 Material: aluminum tanks are lighter than steel ones, but more expensive (price difference ~30%).
    • 🔹 Fuel lines: the diameter of the lines must correspond to the standard ones (usually 8–10 mm for a diesel engine).
    💡

    An increase in tank volume by more than 50% of the standard volume requires changes to the vehicle title. Without this, the bus will not pass inspection.

    Top 5 mistakes when operating a bus fuel tank

    Improper handling of the fuel system can shorten the life of the tank and increase fuel consumption. Here are the most common mistakes and their consequences:

    1. Filling up to the neck.

      Overfilling fuel leads to:

      • 🔥 Increased pressure in the tank and the risk of seams breaking (especially in old ferrous metal tanks).
      • 🛢️ Fuel release through the drainage tube (losses up to 1-2 liters with each refueling).
      • 🚨 False triggering of the level sensor (the arrow shows “full tank” when there is 5–10% less fuel).

      Solution: Fill up before the first shot of the pistol, then add another 5–10 liters.

    2. Ignoring condensation.

      Water in the tank is formed due to temperature changes and leads to:

      • 🔥 Corrosion of tank walls (especially in buses over 5 years old).
      • ❄️ Freezing of fuel lines in winter (ice crystals block filters).
      • 🛢️ Reproduction of bacteria (fuel “blooms”, clogs injectors).

      Solution: Once every 3 months, drain the sediment through the drain tap or use absorbents (for example, Hi-Gear HG3400, price ~500 rub.).

    3. Use of low-quality fuel.

      Signs of a bad diesel engine:

      • 🔥 Black smoke from the exhaust pipe (soot clogs the particulate filter).
      • 🛠️ Increased fuel consumption (10–15% higher than normal).
      • 🚨 Extraneous noise in the fuel pump (wear of plunger pairs).

    Solution: Refuel at proven gas stations (for example, Gazpromneft, Lukoil) and use additives (LIQUI MOLY Diesel Schutz).

    Other errors include lack of anti-gel in winter (leads to fuel freezing at −15°C) and ignoring cracks in the tank (even microcracks spread over time, causing leaks).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the volume of a bus tank

    ❓ How many liters of tank does the PAZ-3205 school bus have?

    School version PAZ-3205 equipped with the same tank as the standard model - 105 liters. However, due to increased safety requirements (additional equipment, air conditioning), the actual range is reduced to 350–400 km.

    ❓ Is it possible to drive with a crack in the fuel tank?

    ❌ No. Even a small crack is dangerous:

    • 🔥 Risk of fire (diesel fuel ignites at +62°C).
    • 🚨 Fine 500 rub. according to Art. 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses for “malfunctions in which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited.”
    • 🛠️ A fuel leak can lead to a breakdown of the fuel pump (repair from RUB 20,000).

    Temporary solution - sealant ABRO ES-332 (price ~300 rubles), but the tank needs to be replaced within 1–2 weeks.

    ❓ What is the tank volume of the electric bus?

    Electric buses (eg KAMAZ-6282 or MAZ-303E) do not have fuel tanks in the traditional sense. Instead they are equipped with:

    • 🔋 Lithium batteries with a capacity of 100–300 kWh (analogous to 50–150 liters of diesel in terms of power reserve).
    • 🔌 Possibility of energy recovery during braking (increases power reserve by 10–15%).

    The average range of an electric bus is 150–250 km (in winter it is reduced by 30% due to heating of the cabin).

    ❓ Why does condensation form in the bus tank?

    Condensation appears due to:

    • 🌡️ Temperature changes (the tank heats up during the day, cools down at night).
    • 💧 Humid air entering the tank through the vent.
    • 🛢️ Low quality fuel (it contains up to 0.02% water).

    Prevention:

    • 🔹 Once a season, drain the sediment through the drainage tap.
    • 🔹 Use fuel with desiccant additives (Wynn's Dry Fuel).
    • 🔹 Install the separator filter (Mann PU 9002 x, price ~2,500 rub.).
    ❓ Is it possible to install a tank from a truck on a bus?

    ⚠️ Technically possible, but there are some nuances:

    • 📏 Dimensions: The tank must fit into the niche of the bus. For example, a tank from KAMAZ-5320 (210 l) will not physically fit into PAZ-3205.
    • 🛠️ Mounts: the manufacture of new brackets will be required (cost ~10,000 rubles).
    • 📝 Documents: the change must be entered into the PTS (the procedure takes 1–2 months).

    The best option is to use tanks from buses of the same brand (for example, a tank from LIAZ-5256 on LIAZ-4292).