Abstract: An optimal tracking control method for protecting transient performance of a maglev train is provided, relating to the technical field of maglev trains. The method includes: determining a dynamic magnetic suspension model based on a structure of a suspension frame; determining a maglev train model based on the dynamic magnetic suspension model; constructing a corresponding virtual controller based on the maglev train model; constructing a real controller based on the virtual controller; and controlling, by the real controller, a suspension air gap of a maglev vehicle. This application addresses the issues of inconsistent suspension gap output, high costs, and low resource utilization in existing maglev control technology.