A magnetostrictive path-measuring device is provided, comprising a plurality of measuring sections, each having an extent in a longitudinal direction and being arranged parallel to one another at least in a measuring region, at least one magnetic position indicator which is coupled contactlessly to the measuring sections, a start signal application device by means of which start signals are providable to the measuring sections for the generation of excitation current pulses, and an evaluating device by means of which the position of the position indicator on the measuring sections is determinable by a transit time measurement of mechanical waves, wherein the start signal application device comprises a time control device which directs that in a measuring cycle, start signals are provided to different measuring sections at defined different time points.