The present invention provides a linear motor 1 which uses a plurality of cylindrical linear motors 2 to increase power and which can guide forward and backward movements using a simple configuration, the linear motor 1 requiring reduced manufacturing costs. A plurality of cylindrical linear motors 2 are provided each of which has a shaft member 3 made of a permanent magnet and a coil unit 4. A motor support 25 is provided which is able to support the coil units of the plurality of cylindrical linear motors 2 arranged in parallel. The shaft members of the plurality of cylindrical linear motors 2 are coupled together at ends thereof by coupling members 10, 11. A guide mechanism 32 is located inside the arrangement of the cylindrical linear motors 2 to guide movement of the shaft members 3 of the cylindrical linear motors 2. The number of guide mechanisms 32 is smaller than that of the cylindrical linear motors 2. For example, the single guide mechanism 32 is provided.