As wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies emerge in a wide range of applications including public transportation, many expect that applying the technology to the current railway systems will bring positive effects to current railway systems. In this paper, we introduce design methodology of a WPT system for railway application. Fundamental principles of magnetic fields and a WPT circuit are first analyzed, and advantages and efficiency of a possible train system are discussed. It then examines other significant factors such as performance requirements and EMC criteria to design a wireless train system.