This paper proposes a hybrid-excited linear synchronous motor (LSM) that has potential applications in a magnetically levitated vehicle. The levitation and thrust force characteristics of the LSM are investigated by means of three-dimensional (3-D) numerical electromagnetic FEM calculations and experimental verification. Compared to a conventional LSM with electromagnets, a hybrid-excited LSM can improve levitation force/weight ratios, and reduce the power consumption of the vehicle. Because the two-dimensional (2-D) FE analysis model describes only the center section of the physical device, it cannot express the complex behavior of leakage flux, which this study is able to predicts along with levitation and thrust force characteristics by 3-D FEM calculations. A static force tester for a hybrid-excited LSM has been manufactured and tested in order to verify these predictions. The experimental results confirm the validity of the 3-D FEM calculation scheme for the description of a hybrid-excited LSM.