Business trip or work trip – is there really a difference?

When it comes to work-related travel, two terms often come up: business trip and work trip. At first glance, they might sound the same – but on closer inspection, there are some key differences, especially when it comes to legal, tax, or organizational aspects.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what each term means, how the respective guidelines differ – and what that means in practice for those booking or approving trips.

Business Trip – the term in the public sector

The term *business trip* is mainly used in the public sector and in civil service law. It refers to travel outside the usual workplace that takes place on official assignment – for example, a government training session, a ministry meeting, or a project workshop with other administrative units.

What’s important to note: business trips are subject to strict regulations, including the Federal Travel Expenses Act (BRKG) and internal rules. Without formal approval, reimbursement of travel costs is usually not possible.

Work Trip – the term used in the private sector

In the corporate world, people usually talk about *work trips*. This covers any travel carried out on behalf of a company: client meetings, trade fairs, training programs, or site visits.

Here too, companies have clear internal guidelines – but these are generally more flexible and can often be tailored to different business units or types of travel. Many organizations rely on digital tools and partners such as HM business travel to automate booking processes and ensure compliance.

Business Trip vs. Work Trip – the key differences at a glance

Guidelines Compared: Public Sector vs. Private Sector

For anyone who regularly books, approves, or coordinates travel, the underlying regulations are key. Whether handled through a tool, a service provider, or manually – the following differences are worth keeping in mind:

What does this mean for your travel management?

Anyone booking a Business Trip or Work Trip carries responsibility – for compliance, budgets, and smooth operations. That’s why it’s essential to ask:

• Do you know the regulations that apply within your organization?
• Are you using digital tools or partners to simplify processes?
• Are all parties involved (travelers, approvers, bookers) aware of their responsibilities and approvals?

With professional travel management – such as the services provided by HM business travel – you can combine compliance, efficiency, and user-friendliness. It doesn’t matter whether your employees are going on a Business Trip under the BRKG or a Work Trip to meet clients: we make sure everything runs smoothly – from booking to reimbursement.

Do you regularly organize travel for your company or public authority? Get in touch with us – we’re happy to support you with digital solutions, clear processes, and personal service.