The Ikarus 256 is a high-floor bus used as a coach for long-distance service and for interurban traffic.

Designed as a high-floor two-axle bus, the Ikarus 256 has a semi-self supporting body, with the engine installed under the floor at the back, following the configuration pioneered in West Germany by Setra in the 1950s and 1960s.

An MAN D 2156 engine, built under licence by Rába, powers the bus.

It is a straight six-cylinder, naturally aspirated, liquid-cooled, diesel engine with direct injection, displacing 10.35 litres (632 cu in).

With the default five-speed gearbox, the bus can reach a top speed of 106 km/h.