Maglevs eliminate a key source of friction—that of train wheels on the rails—although they must still overcome air resistance. This lack of friction means that they can reach higher speeds than conventional trains.

The speed advantage of a Maglev (Magnetic Levitation) train over a regular train is primarily due to the elimination of physical friction and mechanical limitations. In a traditional train, the steel wheels must maintain physical contact with the steel rails; this creates rolling resistance and significant friction, which generates heat and wear as speeds increase. Furthermore, standard trains rely on "adhesion" to accelerate and brake, which becomes less effective at very high velocities. Maglev trains, however, use powerful electromagnets to "hover" the train a few centimeters above the guideway and to propel it forward. Because the train is not touching the track, there is zero rolling resistance. The only major force acting against the train is "air resistance" (aerodynamic drag). This allows Maglevs to reach speeds of 600 km/h (373 mph) or more, whereas conventional high-speed rail typically tops out around 320–350 km/h. Additionally, Maglevs can accelerate and decelerate much faster and climb steeper grades because they aren't limited by the "grip" of wheels on a track.