How To Bridge to Arbitrum. Step-by-Step Guide.

Launched in August 2021, Arbitrum was one of the first Ethereum layer-2s to use optimistic rollups to significantly enhance Ethereum’s scalability.

Arbitrum improves Ethereum's transaction capacity by collecting, executing, and batching transactions on a high-performance sidechain, then posting the final state to the Ethereum blockchain. This enables a low-cost, Ethereum-like environment without sacrificing much of the security Ethereum is known for.

As of 2024, Arbitrum continues to dominate the rollup space, both optimistic and zk-rollups, measured by total value locked (TVL) and daily active users. It surpasses other layer-2 solutions with over $6 billion in TVL and a growing number of users actively interacting with its ecosystem. The network boasts more than 500 integrated protocols, including popular decentralized exchanges (DEXs), lending platforms, and innovative infrastructure for LSDfi (Liquid Staking Derivatives finance).

To begin using Arbitrum, most users need to move assets over from Ethereum via a bridge. Below, we explain how to safely bridge your assets to Arbitrum to get started.

What Are Bridges?

Blockchains operate as independent ecosystems, each with its own unique products, applications, and assets. Before the advent of bridges, users were forced to maintain separate balances on each blockchain they interacted with, holding native tokens for transactions and decentralized apps (DApps) on each chain.

Bridges solve this problem by enabling seamless transfers of assets between different blockchains without the need for a centralized authority. These tools not only make multi-chain interactions more convenient but also help expand the accessibility of decentralized finance (DeFi) and cross-chain applications.

Today, bridges come in many forms, with varying levels of complexity and compatibility. Most popular bridges support a wide range of assets and can connect multiple blockchains. Typically, users pay a small fee to bridge their assets, ranging from 0.01% to 0.05% of the transferred amount. Some official bridges, however, waive these fees and only charge gas costs, making them even more attractive for users who frequently move assets between chains.

The mechanism behind bridges often relies on a lock-and-mint or burn-and-unlock system. When a user transfers assets, the bridge locks the assets on the original chain and mints a wrapped version on the destination chain. When the user wants to reclaim their original assets, they burn the wrapped tokens, and the bridge unlocks the original on the source blockchain. This process ensures that assets are safely and efficiently transferred between different networks.

Popular Bridges to Arbitrum

As the leading Ethereum layer-2 solution, Arbitrum is supported by a growing number of bridges, many of which provide access to a wide range of Arbitrum-based assets.

Currently, the most popular bridges (ranked by 7-day volume) include:

Portal Bridge: Portal uses the Wormhole interoperability protocol to connect assets across multiple prominent blockchains. Supporting 23 blockchains, including Arbitrum, it enables transfers of popular native assets across its network.
Arbitrum Bridge: This is the official bridge for Arbitrum, offering support for widely-used Web3 wallets. However, it only facilitates transfers between Ethereum, Arbitrum One, and Arbitrum Nova, making it ideal for users focused solely on these ecosystems.
Stargate Finance: Stargate connects 11 different networks, with a competitive fee of just 0.06% for most transactions. It supports transferring a variety of assets between Arbitrum and other major layer-1 (L1) and layer-2 (L2) blockchains.
Across Protocol: Designed specifically for Ethereum and its layer-2 chains, Across offers seamless asset transfers between Ethereum mainnet, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Polygon. Notably, Across supports slippage-free transfers, making it one of the more attractive options for users looking to avoid unexpected costs.

When selecting a bridge to Arbitrum, it’s essential to do your research. Bridges can vary significantly in decentralization, transaction fees, speed, and security measures. Always consider these factors before making a choice.

In general, transferring assets to and from Arbitrum is a straightforward process, typically completed within minutes. Depending on the bridge and the asset being transferred, you may encounter a cross-chain fee, which is usually less than 0.1% of the transaction value.

How To Bridge to Arbitrum Using Arbitrum Bridge

The Arbitrum Bridge remains one of the most popular methods for transferring tokens to Arbitrum, thanks to its simplicity and feeless nature (excluding gas costs). In this guide, we’ll use the Arbitrum Bridge to move assets to Arbitrum One, as it currently boasts more activity and adoption than Arbitrum Nova.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bridge your assets to Arbitrum One:

Step 1: Connect Your Wallet to the Bridge
To get started, connect the wallet containing the assets you wish to bridge. Go to the Arbitrum Bridge website, click the ‘Connect Wallet’ button, and choose your wallet from the list of compatible Web3 wallets (such as MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or WalletConnect).

Once your wallet is selected, follow the prompt to pick the address or subwallet you want to use and connect it to the site.

Step 2: Select the Asset
Once your wallet is connected, the bridge interface will appear. Select the blockchain you are transferring from (e.g., Ethereum) and choose the asset you wish to bridge.

For this example, we’ll bridge ETH from Ethereum mainnet to Arbitrum One. Be sure to set Arbitrum One as the destination chain. At this point, the bridge will display a breakdown of the estimated fees, such as gas costs, so you can review before proceeding.

Step 3: Submit the Transaction
When you’re satisfied with the transaction details, click the ‘Move funds to Arbitrum One’ button. This action will prompt a transaction in your connected Ethereum wallet.

In your wallet, review the gas fees and click ‘Confirm’ (or the equivalent in your wallet) to authorize the transfer. The Arbitrum Bridge will then begin migrating your assets from Ethereum to Arbitrum One.

Step 4: Confirm Receipt
The Arbitrum Bridge interface will show the progress of your cross-chain transfer, but you’ll need to confirm manually if your assets have been received in your Arbitrum wallet.

To do this, switch the network in your Web3 wallet to Arbitrum One and check your balance. For example, in MetaMask, you can follow a simple guide to add the Arbitrum network if it’s not yet available in your wallet.

Alternatively, you can use a block explorer like Arbiscan to search your wallet address and view your balance on Arbitrum directly.

How To Bridge to Arbitrum Using Portal Bridge

Portal Bridge is a popular cross-chain tool that supports the transfer of tokens between Ethereum and Arbitrum, along with many other networks. To bridge your tokens from Ethereum to Arbitrum using the Portal Bridge, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Portal Bridge Website
Navigate to the official Portal Bridge website. Ensure you’re on the correct URL to avoid any potential phishing attempts.

Step 2: Connect Your Wallet
Click the “Connect” button in the center of the screen. This will prompt you to select and connect your source wallet (such as MetaMask or WalletConnect) to the platform. Once connected, the bridge will be able to access the tokens in your wallet for the transaction.

Step 3: Select Source and Target Chains
Next, choose the “Source” chain (in this case, Ethereum) and the “Target” chain, which will be Arbitrum. This sets the path for your tokens to move from Ethereum to Arbitrum.

Step 4: Choose the Token and Amount
Select the token you wish to bridge and enter the desired amount. Click Next to continue. Ensure the asset you select is supported on Arbitrum, as some assets might not be bridgeable directly.

Step 5: Connect the Target Wallet
Now, under the “Target” section, connect your wallet on the Arbitrum chain. This wallet will receive the tokens on the Arbitrum side. After connecting, click Next to proceed.

Step 6: Select the Asset to Pay Fees
Portal Bridge typically requires a fee for the transaction. Choose the asset you want to use to pay for these fees (usually ETH for gas fees). Click Confirm to finalize your selections.

Step 7: Complete the Transaction in Your Wallet
Your connected wallet will now prompt you to approve the transaction. Follow the instructions in your wallet (e.g., confirm gas fees, sign the transaction) to initiate the transfer.

Step 8: Redeem Tokens
Once the tokens have been sent to the Arbitrum network, navigate to the “Redeem Tokens” tab in the Portal Bridge interface. Click Redeem to complete the process and receive your tokens in your Arbitrum wallet.

How To Bridge to Arbitrum Using Stargate Token Bridge

Stargate Finance offers a reliable and cost-effective way to bridge tokens between Arbitrum and other leading EVM-compatible blockchains. Known for its lower fees and minimal slippage, Stargate Finance is an attractive option for users looking to move assets across different chains.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Stargate Finance token bridge:

Step 1: Visit Stargate Finance
Go to the official stargate.finance website and click on the “Transfer” button located in the top navigation bar to access the bridge interface.

Step 2: Connect Your Web3 Wallet
Connect your Web3 wallet, such as MetaMask or WalletConnect, to Stargate Finance. This will enable you to initiate and manage transfers between Arbitrum and other networks. Ensure your wallet holds the assets you wish to transfer.

Step 3: Select Token, Network, and Amount
Choose the token you wish to send, the network you are sending from (e.g., Ethereum), and Arbitrum as the receiving network. Enter the amount you wish to bridge, making sure your wallet balance is sufficient to cover both the asset and any associated fees.

Step 4: Review and Confirm the Transfer
Carefully review the transaction details, including fees and the selected networks. Once you are satisfied with the information, click Confirm to initiate the transfer.

After confirmation, your tokens will be sent to the destination blockchain—typically within a few minutes. Keep in mind that network fees apply when bridging tokens, and these fees can vary depending on current network congestion.

How To Bridge to Arbitrum Using Across Protocol

Across Protocol is a simple and efficient way to bridge assets to Arbitrum One. Follow this step-by-step guide to bridge your assets using the Across Protocol:

Step 1: Visit the Across Bridge Page
Go to the Across Bridge page. Select your source chain, the asset you want to transfer, the amount, and the destination chain (which should be Arbitrum One, as Across only supports this Arbitrum network).

Ensure that your wallet is connected to the same network as the source chain. Double-check the From and To dropdowns to verify that you’ve selected the correct chains for the transaction.

Step 2: Approve the Contract (If Necessary)
If you are bridging a token for the first time on the Across Protocol, you’ll need to approve the contract to transfer the token on your behalf. This is not required if you are using ETH, but for other tokens, it's a necessary step.

Step 3: Confirm the Transaction in Your Wallet
Once the contract is approved (if applicable), click the “Approve” button at the bottom of the page to confirm the transaction in your wallet. Your wallet will then prompt you to verify and sign the transaction.

Step 4: Verify the Details
Make sure you’ve selected the correct From and To chains and entered the correct amount of tokens you wish to bridge. Once you’ve verified all the information, click the “Send” button and confirm the transaction in your wallet.

Step 5: Monitor the Transaction Status
After confirming the transaction in your wallet, you can view the specifics on the confirmation page. Keep track of the status of your transaction on the transaction page, which will provide real-time updates until the transfer is complete.