A method for the operation of a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, having an automatic transmission and a drive motor, to improve the shift speed. Successive upshifts or successive downshifts are carried out with overlap during a first upshift or downshift. At least one shift element required for a subsequent second upshift or downshift is prepared during the first upshift or downshift, in progress, when a synchronization point is reached. The subsequent second upshift or downshift are carried out immediately. Two successive upshifts or two successive downshifts are carried out by actuation of four shift elements of the automatic transmission.