The methods for reducing the thrust ripple of permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM) were introduced and analyzed. In view of the endeffect force, the cogging force and the electromagnetic pulse force, the corresponding thrust ripple reduction methods were summed up and summarized, and the control modes were summarized. The development trend of thrust ripple reduction method for PMLSM was discussed. This research will contribute to the improvement of the performance and application of PMLSM.