A method for propagation time calibration of a LIDAR sensor which includes a pulsed light source, a detector surface with a plurality of optoelectronic elements for receiving light pulses of the light source reflected on objects and for converting these light pulses into electronic signals, and an electronic evaluation circuit for detecting the light pulses and for measuring the propagation times thereof. In the method, the measured propagation times are corrected with respect to the propagation times of the electronic signals in the evaluation circuit by decoupling, for at least some of the light pulses, a portion of the light, using a beam splitter at the light source, and using detection times of the decoupled light pulses as a time reference. The detector surface is illuminated with the decoupled light via a light-scattering system and used for detecting the decoupled light pulses.