The MAX Purple Calgary line is one of the city’s most useful rapid bus routes, running between downtown and the far east side along 17 Avenue SE. This bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor links the City Centre, historic Inglewood and Ramsay, the multicultural International Avenue district, and the growing retail hub at East Hills. For anyone who wants to explore east Calgary without a car, MAX Purple Calgary is the simplest way to do it.
In this guide, you’ll find a clear overview of the MAX Purple Calgary route, major stops and neighbourhoods, how to use the line, and practical tips for both everyday riders and visitors.
What Is MAX Purple Calgary?
MAX Purple Calgary is part of Calgary’s MAX BRT network. Unlike a regular bus route, MAX Purple is designed for:
- 🚍 High frequency – buses coming often during the day
- 🛣 Dedicated lanes or transitways along key parts of 17 Avenue SE
- 🚏 Upgraded stations with larger shelters, platforms and real-time info
- 🔁 Strong connections to CTrain (especially the Blue Line and Red Line) and other MAX routes
The line focuses on the 17 Avenue SE / International Avenue corridor, which has long been one of Calgary’s most important east–west main streets.
Why Ride MAX Purple Calgary?
Here’s why MAX Purple Calgary is worth knowing about:
- 🏙 Direct downtown connection
Travel straight between the City Centre and east Calgary without changing buses. - 🍜 International Avenue food & culture
17 Avenue SE is packed with global cuisine, independent shops, and colourful storefronts. - 🛍 Easy access to East Hills
MAX Purple Calgary serves the large East Hills shopping area on the eastern edge of the city. - 🚆 Transfers to CTrain and other MAX routes
Downtown stops connect you to the Red Line and Blue Line, and at the east end you can change to local buses serving newer communities. - 💸 Budget-friendly exploring
One transit fare covers you for a set time window on MAX Purple, CTrain, and local buses.
For many riders, MAX Purple Calgary is the main east-side equivalent to taking the CTrain.
MAX Purple Calgary Route Overview
At a high level, the MAX Purple Calgary route looks like this:
City Centre / Downtown → Inglewood & Ramsay → International Avenue (17 Avenue SE) → East Hills
- In the City Centre, MAX Purple stops near downtown CTrain stations, making it easy to transfer from Red or Blue Lines.
- Between downtown and 17 Avenue SE, the route passes through or near Inglewood and Ramsay, two of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods.
- Along 17 Avenue SE, the line uses the dedicated BRT corridor that runs through the International Avenue business district.
- At the east end, MAX Purple Calgary continues to East Hills, a major shopping and services hub with bus links to surrounding communities.
Because parts of the route have their own lanes and transit priority signals, travel times are more consistent than on a normal bus.
Key MAX Purple Calgary Stops and Neighbourhoods
Below are the main areas served by MAX Purple Calgary. Specific stop names and locations can change, but the neighbourhoods and landmarks stay broadly the same.
City Centre & Downtown
In downtown, MAX Purple Calgary typically serves stops close to:
- 🏛 City Hall / Olympic Plaza – access to civic buildings, Arts Commons, and the start of East Village
- 🚆 Red Line & Blue Line CTrain stations – easy transfers to the rest of Calgary’s LRT network
- 🌉 Short walking routes to Stephen Avenue Walk, the Bow River Pathway and nearby office towers
This makes the City Centre end of MAX Purple Calgary ideal for commuters who live along 17 Avenue SE and work downtown, as well as visitors using hotels in the core.
Inglewood and Ramsay
Heading east from downtown, MAX Purple Calgary crosses the river corridor and passes near:
- 🧱 Inglewood – one of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods, with:
- Independent shops and galleries
- Cafés, restaurants and live music venues
- Access to river pathways and Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
- 🛤 Ramsay – residential area with historic homes and views toward downtown and Stampede Park
These stops are perfect if you want a “small town inside the city” vibe with brick storefronts, heritage buildings and walkable streets.
International Avenue (17 Avenue SE)
The heart of MAX Purple Calgary is the dedicated BRT corridor along 17 Avenue SE, also known as International Avenue.
Here you’ll find:
- 🍲 Multinational cuisine – Vietnamese, Indian, Middle Eastern, African, Eastern European and more
- 🛍 Ethnic grocery stores and specialty markets
- 💈 Local services – salons, barbershops, clinics, banks and community centres
- 🎨 Public art and colourful streetscape improvements
MAX Purple Calgary stops are typically spaced at key cross-streets along 17 Avenue SE, so you can:
- Hop off for a quick meal or grocery run
- Walk a block or two to explore side streets
- Re-board at the same stop or a different one down the corridor
For visitors, International Avenue is one of the easiest places to experience Calgary’s diversity without a car.
East Hills and Eastern Terminus
At the eastern end, MAX Purple Calgary serves the East Hills area, a major retail destination.
Expect to find:
- 🛒 Big-box stores and large-format retailers
- 🥤 Chain restaurants and fast-casual dining
- 🅿️ Large parking lots and transfer points for local bus routes
From here, some local buses continue into newer communities further east and southeast. For shoppers and workers in East Hills, MAX Purple Calgary is the main rapid transit connection to downtown and 17 Avenue SE.
How to Use MAX Purple Calgary
Using MAX Purple Calgary is similar to any other Calgary Transit route, with a few BRT-specific advantages.
Tickets and boarding
- Buy your ticket or day pass before boarding (machines at CTrain stations or authorized vendors; onboard options depend on current policy).
- Enter through the front door so the driver can see your proof of payment if required.
- Hold on to your ticket or pass for the full duration of your trip.
Frequency and service levels
Service frequency on MAX Purple Calgary is higher than a typical bus:
- Shorter waits during weekday daytime and early evening
- Reduced but usually still regular service in early morning, late night and on weekends
Exact timings vary by day and season, so check the official Calgary Transit timetable or trip planner when you plan your journey.
Connections to other routes
MAX Purple Calgary is designed to connect with:
- 🚆 Red Line and Blue Line CTrain in the City Centre
- 🚍 Other MAX routes and local bus lines at selected transfer points
- 🛣 Community routes along 17 Avenue SE and in East Hills
If you’re planning a multi-leg trip, treat MAX Purple Calgary as the “spine” and local buses as branches feeding off it.
Tips for Tourists Using MAX Purple Calgary
If you’re visiting Calgary and want to see more than just downtown, MAX Purple Calgary is a great choice. A few tips:
- 📍 Plan your stops ahead of time
Mark a few key intersections or landmarks on 17 Avenue SE so you know where to get off. - 🍽 Come hungry
International Avenue is one of the best food corridors in Calgary, with options from many different countries. - 🚶 Walk between stops
On 17 Avenue SE, distances between MAX Purple Calgary stops are walkable; you can ride one way and stroll back. - 🌙 Check late-evening schedules
If you plan to stay out for dinner, confirm the time of the last frequent buses in each direction. - 🧭 Use CTrain as a backbone
Stay downtown or near a CTrain station, then take MAX Purple Calgary out and back for half-day excursions.
Quick Overview Table: MAX Purple Calgary
| Segment | Neighbourhoods / Area | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre / Downtown | City Hall area, East Village | CTrain transfers, offices, Arts Commons, Olympic Plaza |
| Inglewood & Ramsay | Historic inner-city districts | Boutiques, cafés, music venues, river pathways |
| International Avenue (17 SE) | Forest Lawn / International Avenue | Multicultural restaurants, ethnic groceries, local services |
| East Hills | East Hills retail hub | Big-box shopping, chain dining, bus links to new communities |
FAQ about MAX Purple Calgary
Is MAX Purple a train or a bus?
MAX Purple Calgary is a bus rapid transit (BRT) line, not a CTrain. It uses regular streets and dedicated bus lanes but offers higher frequency and better stations than a standard bus route.
Do I need a different ticket for MAX Purple?
No. MAX Purple Calgary uses the same fare system as all Calgary Transit routes. A valid ticket or pass works on MAX, regular buses, and CTrain within the time limit printed on your fare.
How often does MAX Purple run?
Frequency depends on time of day and day of week, but MAX Purple Calgary generally runs more often than a typical local bus, especially during weekday daytime and early evening. Always check current schedules for exact times.
Can I bring a bike on MAX Purple?
Bike policies can change, and they may depend on rack availability on the front of the bus. Before travelling with a bicycle on MAX Purple Calgary, check the most recent rules on the Calgary Transit website or information materials.
Is MAX Purple safe to ride at night?
MAX Purple Calgary is widely used by workers and residents along 17 Avenue SE. As with any urban transit line, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings, sit near other passengers, and keep valuables secure, especially late at night.
Conclusion
MAX Purple Calgary ties together some of the city’s most interesting east-side neighbourhoods: the historic streets of Inglewood and Ramsay, the ever-lively International Avenue corridor, and the rapidly growing retail hub at East Hills, all linked seamlessly to downtown and the CTrain network. Whether you live along 17 Avenue SE, work in the City Centre, or simply want to explore Calgary’s multicultural food scene without a car, learning how to use MAX Purple Calgary turns one bus line into a complete east-side adventure.
