Abstract: Through field tests, exterior noise of maglev train is measured. The exterior noise characteristic difference between a maglev train and a metro train is compared and analyzed. Based on sound ray tracing method, a simulation model of maglev train exterior noise is established and comparatively verified with the experimental results. Based on mentioned simulation model, the contribution of maglev train exterior noise is analyzed. Research results show that the exterior noise of maglev train is about 5 dB(A) lower than that of metro train when train running speed is at 60 km/h, and its contribution mainly comes from the collector shoe and power rail system, and the noise significant contributions are distributed in 200 to 5 000 Hz frequency band.