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Top 10 Steps to Bridge Ethereum to Base, Arbitrum & Polygon

Carlynne Coble — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:06:33 +0000

Ethereum mainnet is where the crypto revolution started, but let's be honest—it's expensive. Gas fees can spike to $50 or more for a single swap, and transaction finality takes minutes, not seconds. That's why millions of users have moved their funds to Layer 2 networks like Base, Arbitrum, and Polygon. These chains offer the same security guarantees as Ethereum but with dramatically lower fees and faster block times.
Base is Coinbase's Layer 2, built on the OP Stack. Arbitrum is the largest Layer 2 by total value locked, built on optimistic rollup technology. Polygon is a sidechain that's been around since 2017, with its own proof-of-stake consensus and a massive ecosystem.
If you're holding ETH on Ethereum mainnet and you want to move it to any of these chains, the process is similar across all three. This guide covers the ten steps you'll follow—whether you're bridging to Base, Arbitrum, or Polygon—along with the specific quirks of each destination.

Why Bridge from Ethereum to Layer 2?
Think of Ethereum mainnet as the highway and Layer 2s as the express lanes. The highway gets congested, tolls (gas fees) go up, and everyone moves slowly. The express lanes—Base, Arbitrum, Polygon—give you the same destination but at a fraction of the cost and time.
The benefits:
Gas fees on Layer 2s are typically 90–99% lower than Ethereum mainnet
Transaction finality is faster (seconds instead of minutes)
Access to ecosystem-specific dapps and liquidity
Lower barrier to entry for smaller transactions
The tradeoff: You need to bridge your funds to the Layer 2, and some bridges have withdrawal delays (especially on Arbitrum's canonical bridge).

What's Different About Each Chain?
Chain
Type
Gas Token
Bridging Time
Withdrawal Time
Base
Optimistic rollup (OP Stack)
ETH
~2 sec (Across)
Fast (via aggregators)
Arbitrum
Optimistic rollup
ETH
~2 sec (Across)
~7 days (canonical)
Polygon
Sidechain (PoS)
MATIC
~2 sec (Across)
Fast (via aggregators)

Important distinction: Base and Arbitrum are optimistic rollups—they inherit Ethereum's security. Polygon PoS is a sidechain with its own validator set. The security model differs, but for most users, the bridging process is the same.

Prerequisites Before You Start
Before you bridge to any of these chains, make sure you have these three things:
ETH on Ethereum mainnet in a self-custody wallet. You need ETH in a wallet you control—MetaMask, Phantom, or another EVM-compatible wallet.
Enough ETH for gas on Ethereum mainnet. You'll pay gas on Ethereum for the bridge transaction. Keep a buffer of at least 0.01–0.02 ETH on the source chain.
The destination chain added to your wallet. You'll need to add Base, Arbitrum, or Polygon manually if your wallet doesn't have them preloaded. We'll cover that in Step 1.

Step 1: Add the Destination Chain to Your Wallet
Each of these chains has specific network parameters. You'll need to add the one you're bridging to.
Base Network Parameters
Setting
Value
Network Name
Base
RPC URL
https://mainnet.base.org
Chain ID
8453
Currency Symbol
ETH
Block Explorer
https://basescan.org

Arbitrum Network Parameters
Setting
Value
Network Name
Arbitrum One
RPC URL
https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc
Chain ID
42161
Currency Symbol
ETH
Block Explorer
https://arbiscan.io

Polygon Network Parameters
Setting
Value
Network Name
Polygon Mainnet
RPC URL
https://polygon-rpc.com
Chain ID
137
Currency Symbol
MATIC
Block Explorer
https://polygonscan.com

Pro tip: Some bridge interfaces will prompt you to add the network automatically when you connect. That's easier, but verify the Chain ID before you approve.

Step 2: Choose Your Bridge Route
Your options for bridging ETH from Ethereum mainnet to Base, Arbitrum, or Polygon:
Bridge
Speed
Supported Chains
Best For
Across
~2 sec
All three
Speed, reliability
Jumper (LI.FI)
<1 min
All three
Route discovery
Canonical bridges
Varies
Base/Arbitrum/Polygon-specific
Security, long-term holds
Stargate
Varies
All three (via LayerZero)
Stablecoin transfers

For this guide, I'll focus on Across (fastest) and the canonical bridges (most trustless). The process is similar across providers.

Step 3: Connect Your Wallet to the Bridge Interface
Open your chosen bridge interface. If using Across, go to across.to. If using Jumper, go to jumper.exchange.
Click the "Connect Wallet" button and select your wallet provider. Make sure your wallet is connected to Ethereum mainnet before you start. The bridge interface should display your ETH balance.

Step 4: Select Ethereum as the Source Chain
In the bridge interface, select Ethereum (mainnet) as the source chain. The interface should show your ETH balance.

Step 5: Select Your Destination Chain
Choose your destination: Base, Arbitrum One, or Polygon. Verify it's the mainnet, not a testnet.

Step 6: Enter the Amount and Review the Quote
Enter the amount of ETH you want to bridge. For your first transaction, keep it small—0.05 to 0.1 ETH is a good test range.
Review these figures on the quote screen:
Item
What to Check
Amount you're sending
Matches what you entered
Estimated amount received
After fees, in ETH
Bridge fee
Varies by provider
Source gas fee
Paid in ETH on Ethereum mainnet
Estimated arrival time
~2 sec for Across, longer for canonicals
Destination chain
Base, Arbitrum, or Polygon

Step 7: Approve the Token (If Required)
Some bridge interfaces require a separate approval transaction before they can move your ETH. This isn't the bridge transfer itself—it's you giving the bridge smart contract permission to spend your ETH.
This approval appears as its own transaction in your wallet. It costs gas on Ethereum. Approve it, wait for confirmation, and then proceed to the actual bridge transaction.

Step 8: Confirm the Bridge Transaction
Check every piece of information one more time:
Your connected wallet address
The source chain (Ethereum mainnet)
The destination chain (Base, Arbitrum, or Polygon)
The token and amount
Then confirm the transaction in your wallet. Your wallet will show the gas fee and the total cost. If anything looks off, cancel and investigate.

Step 9: Wait for Completion and Check Your Balance
If you used Across, the fill happens in about two seconds. If you used a canonical bridge, deposits take 10–15 minutes (Base and Arbitrum) or faster (Polygon).
Track your transaction:
Get the transaction hash from your wallet or the bridge interface
Check Etherscan for the source transaction status
Check the destination chain's explorer (BaseScan, Arbiscan, Polygonscan) for arrival
When the bridge shows as "Completed," switch your wallet to the destination network and check your balance.
Test One Small Transaction
Before you move more, test the network. Do one small transaction on the destination chain—send a tiny amount to another address or do a small swap on a DEX. This confirms your wallet is correctly configured and you have enough ETH for gas.

Bridge Options in Detail
Across: The Speed-First Bridge
Across is an intent-based cross-chain protocol that settles transfers in approximately two seconds. It supports bridging from Ethereum to all three destination chains.
What to expect: You sign one transaction on Ethereum. A relayer front-runs the settlement with its own funds, delivering ETH to your wallet on the destination chain almost instantly. Across has processed more than $34 billion without a protocol-level exploit.
Best for: Speed and reliability.
Access: across.to
Jumper (LI.FI): Multi-Route Discovery Aggregator
Jumper is LI.FI's cross-chain aggregator. Rather than using a single bridge, Jumper compares dozens of bridges and DEXs to find the best route from Ethereum to your chosen destination.
What to expect: Most corridors settle in under a minute. Jumper can also swap tokens mid-transfer.
The fee structure: No platform fee from Jumper. You pay source-chain gas plus the winning bridge's fee.
Best for: Route discovery and comparing options.
Access: jumper.exchange
Canonical Bridges: The Trustless Default
Base: The Base bridge is the official bridge for moving ETH and ERC-20s from Ethereum to Base. Deposits take about 10–15 minutes.
Arbitrum: The Arbitrum bridge is the trustless, official bridge for Arbitrum-based rollups. Deposits take about 10 minutes, but withdrawals require a ~7-day challenge period.
Polygon: The Polygon PoS bridge is the official bridge for moving assets from Ethereum to Polygon. Deposits take 7–15 minutes.
Best for: Security and long-term holds.

Comparison Table: Ethereum to Base, Arbitrum, and Polygon
Feature
Base
Arbitrum
Polygon
Type
Optimistic rollup
Optimistic rollup
Sidechain (PoS)
Gas Token
ETH
ETH
MATIC
Across Fill Time
~2 sec
~2 sec
~2 sec
Canonical Deposit
~10–15 min
~10 min
~7–15 min
Canonical Withdrawal
~7 days
~7 days
~3 hours
Explorer
BaseScan
Arbiscan
Polygonscan
Chain ID
8453
42161
137

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
"I don't have ETH for gas on the destination chain."
Base and Arbitrum use ETH for gas. Polygon uses MATIC. If you bridge to Base or Arbitrum, you'll need ETH on the destination side to do anything. If you bridge to Polygon, you'll need MATIC. Keep a buffer.
"My transaction is stuck on pending on Ethereum."
Check the gas price. If your gas is too low, the transaction may sit pending. Increase the gas price and resubmit using the transaction replacement feature in your wallet.
"I can't see my bridged ETH on the destination chain."
Switch your wallet to the destination network. If you're still on Ethereum, you won't see it. If you're on the right network and still invisible, check the destination explorer with your wallet address.
"How do I know if a bridge is legitimate?"
Use established routes: Across, Jumper, or the canonical bridges. Always type the URL directly—don't click links from social media or DMs.
"The bridge quote seems too expensive."
Bridge fees and gas fluctuate. Compare across different interfaces—Across and Jumper show different quotes based on current conditions.

FAQ
What's the cheapest way to bridge ETH to these chains?
Across and Jumper typically offer competitive rates. The canonical bridges have no bridge fee beyond gas, but gas on Ethereum can be high. Check multiple interfaces before confirming.
How long does it take to bridge from Ethereum to Base, Arbitrum, or Polygon?
Across fills in about two seconds. Jumper settles most corridors in under a minute. Canonical bridges take 10–15 minutes (Base/Arbitrum) or 7–15 minutes (Polygon).
Do I need ETH on Base and Arbitrum for gas?
Yes. Base and Arbitrum both use ETH as their native gas token. Polygon uses MATIC.
What's the difference between an optimistic rollup and a sidechain?
Optimistic rollups (Base, Arbitrum) inherit Ethereum's security by posting transaction data to Ethereum. Sidechains (Polygon PoS) have their own validator set and don't inherit Ethereum's security. For most users, the difference is academic—the bridging process is similar.
Can I bridge tokens other than ETH?
Yes. USDC, USDT, and other major tokens can be bridged through these routes. The process is similar—just select the token instead of ETH.
Is bridging to these chains safe?
Yes, if you use approved routes. Across has processed over $34 billion without an exploit. The canonical bridges are battle-tested. As with any transaction, start with a small test transfer first.

Final Thoughts
Bridging from Ethereum to Base, Arbitrum, or Polygon opens up a world of possibilities—lower fees, faster transactions, and access to ecosystem-specific dapps and liquidity. The process is the same across all three: get ETH in a self-custody wallet, choose a bridge (Across for speed, canonical for security), confirm, and wait for arrival.
If you're looking to compare bridging options from one dashboard, CrossDex at crossdex.space aggregates Across, Jumper, and other routes so you can see fees, estimated arrival times, and output tokens side by side. No registration, no account—just connect your wallet and pick the path that fits your needs.

12 Ways to Bridge Solana to Ethereum, Base and BNB

Carlynne Coble — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:05:33 +0000

Solana is one of the most active blockchains in crypto, with lightning-fast transaction speeds, sub-cent fees, and a thriving ecosystem of DeFi protocols and NFTs. But its ecosystem is different from the EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) world. If you're holding SOL, USDC, or other SPL tokens on Solana and you want to move them to Ethereum, Base, or BNB Chain, you need a bridge that can translate between Solana's non-EVM architecture and the EVM-compatible chains.
The challenge is significant. Solana uses a different programming language (Rust), a different address format (Base58), and its own gas token (SOL). Ethereum, Base, and BNB Chain all use EVM-compatible addresses (0x format) and their own gas tokens (ETH, ETH, and BNB respectively). You need a bridge that locks your assets on Solana and mints equivalent tokens on the destination chain—or swaps them mid-transfer for a native asset.
This guide covers twelve distinct ways to bridge from Solana to Ethereum, Base, and BNB Chain, with the practical details that actually matter: which assets you can move, what they'll arrive as, and how long each route takes.

Understanding the Solana to EVM Bridge Challenge
Solana and EVM chains are fundamentally different. Solana uses a parallel processing architecture with a different consensus mechanism, while EVM chains process transactions sequentially. This means:
Address formats differ: Solana uses Base58 addresses; EVM chains use 0x addresses.
Token standards differ: Solana uses SPL tokens; EVM chains use ERC-20 or BEP-20 tokens.
Gas tokens differ: Solana uses SOL; Ethereum and Base use ETH; BNB Chain uses BNB.
A "bridge" is the software that translates between these systems. Most Solana bridges rely on protocols like Wormhole, LayerZero, or deBridge to relay messages between chains. When you bridge, your SPL token gets locked (or burned) on Solana, and an equivalent amount of an ERC-20 (or BEP-20) token is minted on the destination chain.

What Are Ethereum, Base, and BNB Chain?
Ethereum is the original smart contract platform, launched in 2015. It uses ETH for gas and supports the ERC-20 token standard. It's the most secure and decentralized blockchain, but also the most expensive.
Base is Coinbase's Layer 2, built on the OP Stack. It launched in August 2023 and uses ETH for gas. It's EVM-compatible, fast, and has low fees.
BNB Chain (formerly Binance Smart Chain) is an EVM-compatible blockchain launched by Binance in 2020. It uses BNB for gas and supports the BEP-20 token standard. It's known for low fees and fast block times.

Wormhole — The Original Solana Bridge
Wormhole is the most established bridge for Solana. It's a generic message-passing protocol that supports transfers between Solana and over 30 other chains, including Ethereum, Base, and BNB Chain.
How it works: You deposit SPL tokens on Solana, and Wormhole mints wrapped versions on the destination chain (e.g., Wormhole-wrapped USDC on Ethereum). The wrapped tokens are backed 1:1 by the locked assets on Solana.
What to expect: Transfers typically take 1–5 minutes. Wormhole has processed billions in volume but was the target of a $321 million exploit in 2022—the protocol has since been audited and patched.
Best for: Users who want a battle-tested, widely integrated bridge for transferring SPL tokens to EVM chains.
Access: portalbridge.com
deBridge — Cross-Chain Swaps with Native Asset Settlement
deBridge is a cross-chain interoperability protocol that supports Solana to EVM chain transfers. Unlike Wormhole, deBridge focuses on cross-chain swaps and can settle in native assets rather than wrapped versions.
How it works: You deposit SPL tokens on Solana, and deBridge uses liquidity pools and relayers to deliver native assets (or widely accepted bridged versions) on the destination chain. This means you don't end up with a wrapped token you have to unwrap later.
What to expect: deBridge settles in seconds to minutes. It's integrated into many aggregators and is known for its security-first approach.
Best for: Users who want native asset settlement and cross-chain swaps.
Access: app.debridge.finance
Jupiter — Solana's Native Aggregator with Bridging
Jupiter is Solana's most popular DEX aggregator, but it also includes cross-chain bridging functionality. Jupiter integrates Wormhole and other bridges to move tokens from Solana to EVM chains.
How it works: You connect your Solana wallet, select the token you want to bridge, choose the destination chain, and Jupiter handles the routing. It can also swap tokens mid-transfer.
What to expect: Fast—Jupiter's bridging is designed for Solana's speed. The UI is familiar to Solana users.
Best for: Solana users who already use Jupiter for swapping and want an integrated bridging experience.
Access: jup.ag
Across — The Speed-First Relayer Bridge
Across is an intent-based cross-chain protocol that's well-known for bridging to EVM chains. It supports Solana via its integration with Wormhole and other messaging protocols.
How it works: You deposit SPL tokens on Solana, and Across uses relayers to deliver funds to your wallet on the destination chain in about two seconds. The relayer is reimbursed through Across's optimistic settlement mechanism.
What to expect: USDC from Solana arrives as USDG or USDC on EVM chains (depending on destination). Across has processed over $34 billion without a protocol-level exploit.
Best for: Speed and reliability, especially for USDC transfers.
Access: across.to
Jumper (LI.FI) — Multi-Route Discovery Aggregator
Jumper is LI.FI's cross-chain aggregator. It supports Solana and compares dozens of bridges and DEXs to find the best route to your chosen destination.
How it works: You select Solana as the source, choose your destination (Ethereum, Base, or BNB Chain), and Jumper shows you the best quote. It can also swap tokens mid-transfer.
The fee structure: No platform fee from Jumper. You pay source-chain gas (SOL) plus the winning bridge's fee.
Best for: Route discovery and comparing options without visiting multiple websites.
Access: jumper.exchange
Relay — Aggregator Alternative
Relay is another aggregator that supports Solana to EVM chain bridging. It's named in Robinhood's developer documentation and is designed for fast, reliable transfers.
What to expect: Similar to Across—fast settlement with support for USDC and other assets.
Best for: An alternative to Across or Jumper if you want a different interface.
Access: relay.link
Mayan Finance — Solana-Native Bridge Protocol
Mayan Finance is a Solana-native bridge that specializes in cross-chain transfers to EVM chains. It uses Wormhole for messaging but adds its own liquidity layer for faster execution.
How it works: You deposit tokens on Solana, and Mayan uses its own liquidity pools to deliver funds to the destination chain quickly. It supports USDC, USDT, and other major SPL tokens.
What to expect: Transfers typically complete in seconds to minutes. Mayan has a strong reputation in the Solana ecosystem.
Best for: Solana users who want a dedicated Solana-first bridge experience.
Access: mayan.finance
Portal Bridge — Wormhole's Official Interface
Portal is the official frontend for Wormhole. It supports bridging from Solana to Ethereum, Base, and BNB Chain.
How it works: Same as Wormhole—you deposit SPL tokens on Solana and receive wrapped versions on the destination chain.
What to expect: 1–5 minutes for transfers. The interface is straightforward and widely used.
Best for: Users who want the official Wormhole interface.
Access: portalbridge.com
Allbridge — Multi-Chain Bridge
Allbridge is a cross-chain bridge that supports Solana to EVM chain transfers. It's known for supporting a wide range of tokens and chains.
How it works: You lock tokens on Solana, and Allbridge mints equivalent tokens on the destination chain. It uses its own messaging protocol.
What to expect: Transfers typically take 2–5 minutes.
Best for: Users who need to bridge tokens that aren't supported by other bridges.
Access: allbridge.io
Celer cBridge — Interoperability Protocol
Celer's cBridge is a cross-chain bridge that supports Solana to EVM chain transfers. It uses Celer's state channel technology and integrates with multiple messaging protocols.
How it works: You deposit tokens on Solana, and cBridge delivers them to the destination chain. It supports USDC, USDT, and other major assets.
What to expect: Transfers typically complete in minutes.
Best for: Users who want an established bridge with multi-chain support.
Access: cbridge.celer.network
BSC Bridge — Official Binance Bridge for BNB Chain
For users specifically bridging to BNB Chain, the official BSC Bridge is a reliable option. It uses Binance's infrastructure and Wormhole for Solana integration.
How it works: You deposit SPL tokens on Solana, and the BSC Bridge mints BEP-20 equivalents on BNB Chain.
What to expect: Transfers typically take 5–10 minutes.
Best for: Users who want the official Binance-backed bridge for BNB Chain destinations.
Access: bridge.bnbchain.org
MetaMask Portfolio Bridge — Wallet-Native Convenience
MetaMask's Portfolio dapp now includes bridging functionality that supports Solana via integrated providers.
How it works: MetaMask compares routes from providers like LI.FI, Across, and Wormhole, so you get route discovery in a familiar interface.
Best for: Users who are already using MetaMask and want a unified interface.
Access: portfolio.metamask.io

Comparison Table: Solana to Ethereum, Base, and BNB Chain
Bridge
Speed
Solana → ETH
Solana → Base
Solana → BNB
Best For
Wormhole/Portal
1–5 min
✓
✓
✓
Wrapped token bridging
deBridge
Sec–min
✓
✓
✓
Native asset settlement
Jupiter
Fast
✓
✓
✓
Solana-native UI
Across
~2 sec
✓
✓
✓
Speed, USDC
Jumper (LI.FI)
<1 min
✓
✓
✓
Route discovery
Relay
Varies
✓
✓
✓
Aggregator alternative
Mayan Finance
Sec–min
✓
✓
✓
Solana-first experience
Allbridge
2–5 min
✓
✓
✓
Token variety
Celer cBridge
Min
✓
✓
✓
Multi-chain support
BSC Bridge
5–10 min
✗
✗
✓
Official Binance bridge
MetaMask Portfolio
Via underlying
✓
✓
✓
MetaMask users

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
"I'm trying to bridge SOL directly to an EVM chain."
SOL isn't natively supported on EVM chains. You need to swap SOL to USDC or USDT on Solana first (using Jupiter), then bridge that asset. Some bridges can handle the swap mid-transfer, but it's safer to swap first.
"My bridged USDC arrived as a wrapped token."
This is expected for some routes (Wormhole/Portal). The wrapped token is backed 1:1 by USDC on Solana. You can typically swap it for native USDC on the destination chain using a DEX.
"I don't have ETH or BNB for gas on the destination chain."
Ethereum and Base use ETH for gas. BNB Chain uses BNB. If you bridge stablecoins and have zero gas tokens on the destination, you're stuck. Keep a buffer of ETH (for Ethereum/Base) or BNB (for BNB Chain) on the destination side.
"The transaction is pending on Solana."
Solana is generally fast, but if you set a low priority fee, the transaction may sit pending. Increase the fee and resubmit using the transaction replacement feature in your wallet.
"How do I know if a bridge is legitimate?"
Use established protocols: Wormhole/Portal, deBridge, Jupiter, Across, or Jumper. Always type the URL directly—don't click links from social media or DMs.

FAQ
Can I bridge SOL directly to Ethereum, Base, or BNB Chain?
Not directly. SOL isn't natively supported on EVM chains. You need to swap SOL to USDC or USDT on Solana first, then bridge that asset. Some bridges can handle the swap mid-transfer.
What's the fastest way to bridge from Solana to these chains?
Across fills in about two seconds for USDC. Jupiter's integrated bridging is also fast, leveraging Solana's speed.
What tokens can I bridge from Solana?
USDC, USDT, and other major SPL tokens are supported. Wormhole supports a wide range of SPL tokens to EVM chains.
Why did my USDC arrive as a wrapped token?
Wormhole/Portal bridges mint wrapped versions of tokens on destination chains. The wrapped token is backed 1:1 by the locked asset on Solana. You can often swap it for native USDC on a DEX.
Do I need ETH or BNB for gas on the destination chain?
Yes. Ethereum and Base use ETH for gas. BNB Chain uses BNB. If you're bridging stablecoins, you'll still need gas tokens on the destination to do anything after arrival.
What's the difference between Wormhole and deBridge?
Wormhole is a generic message-passing protocol that mints wrapped tokens. deBridge focuses on cross-chain swaps and can settle in native assets rather than wrapped versions.

Final Thoughts
Bridging from Solana to Ethereum, Base, or BNB Chain opens up access to three of the largest EVM ecosystems. Your choice depends on which assets you're moving (USDC is the most widely supported), how fast you need them (Across fills in two seconds), and whether you prefer native asset settlement (deBridge) or wrapped tokens (Wormhole/Portal).
The infrastructure is mature. Wormhole has been operating since 2021. deBridge is battle-tested. Across has processed over $34 billion. And aggregators like Jumper make it easy to compare routes.
If you're looking to compare bridging options from one dashboard, CrossDex at crossdex.space aggregates Across, Jumper, and other providers so you can see fees, estimated arrival times, and output tokens side by side. No registration, no account—just connect your wallet and pick the path that fits your needs.