Construction estimates for the maglev line, which would require carving out an entire new right of way, range between $10 billion and $12 billion for the 40-mile Washington-Baltimore stretch.

In 2026, the world’s most significant maglev project, the Chūō Shinkansen in Japan, has seen its estimated costs balloon to approximately $65 billion to $70 billion USD (over 10 trillion Yen). This astronomical figure is due to the extreme engineering required: about 90% of the 286-kilometer route between Tokyo and Nagoya must be built deep underground in specialized tunnels to maintain the stability needed for speeds of 500 km/h (311 mph). Similarly, China’s high-speed maglev developments in the Shanghai and Guangzhou corridors have reached costs estimated at $45 million to $60 million per kilometer. These high price tags reflect the infrastructure's unique needs, such as powerful superconducting magnets and a "frictionless" guideway that eliminates traditional wheels and rails. While the initial capital expenditure is significantly higher than conventional high-speed rail, proponents in 2026 argue that lower long-term maintenance costs and extreme speed justify the investment for high-density corridors.