TL;DR: How to Bridge to Base with Across
You can bridge to Base in seconds using Across.
Visit app.across.to.
Connect your wallet.
Select your origin chain and token.
Select Base as the destination chain and choose your destination token.
Enter the amount amount.
Confirm and bridge.
What Is the Base Network?
Base is an Ethereum Layer-2 network developed by Coinbase, built to make onchain activity fast, cheap, and accessible. It is one of the most popular and used L2 chains in the Ethereum ecosystem, built for both retail users and developers.
To get started on Base, you’ll need to bridge your assets from another chain. Bridging moves your tokens securely between blockchains, giving you access to Base’s dApps, DeFi protocols, NFT markets, and gaming ecosystems.
If you’ve ever wondered how to bridge to Base easily and safely, this guide walks you through every step using Across Protocol: a faster, cheaper, and more secure way to move your assets.
What You’ll Need Before Bridging to Base
Before bridging tokens to Base, make sure you’re set up correctly:
Wallet: Use a supported wallet such as MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or Rainbow.
Network access: Ensure your wallet is connected to the origin chain (e.g., Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon).
Gas funds: Keep a small amount of ETH for gas fees on the origin network.
Browser: Use Chrome, Brave, or Firefox for best compatibility.
Definition: A wallet is a software or hardware application that stores your private keys and allows you to send, receive, and manage crypto assets securely.
Wallet | Base Compatible | Platforms |
MetaMask | ✅ | Browser, Mobile |
Coinbase Wallet | ✅ | Browser, Mobile |
Rainbow Wallet | ✅ | Mobile |
Step 1: Go to the Across Bridge Interface
Start by visiting the official Across app. This is the secure interface where all bridging takes place.
Always make sure you’re on the official URL (app.across.to) to protect your assets. If it’s your first time using Across, you can also check out the Across documentation for extra onboarding help.
Definition: A bridge interface is a web app that enables you to transfer tokens between different blockchain networks securely.
Step 2: Connect Your Wallet
Click Connect Wallet and select your preferred option (MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or WalletConnect).
Approve the connection when prompted in your wallet popup.
If your wallet asks to switch networks, accept the switch to your
origin chain.
Once connected, your wallet address will appear in the top-right corner.
Step 3: Select Your Origin Chain and Token
In the Across app, start by choosing the origin chain and the token you want to send.
Across supports a wide selection of networks, including Ethereum, Solana, BNB Smart Chain, Hyperliquid, Monad, and many more.
Use the top dropdown menu in the app to select both:
Origin chain: The network where your funds currently live.
Token to send: The specific asset you’ll bridge or swap from.
Across automatically detects the available balance in your connected wallet and displays estimated gas fees before you proceed.
Definition: The origin chain is the blockchain where your tokens currently reside and from which your bridge transaction begins.
Step 4: Select Your Destination Chain and Token
Next, choose Base as your destination chain and select the token you want to receive.
Across lets you bridge and swap in one step, so you can, for example, send ETH on Ethereum and receive USDC on Base in a single transaction. Or you can simply bridge a token without swapping it. The choice is yours.
Use the bottom dropdown menu in the app to:
Select Base as your destination chain.
Pick your destination token (this can be the same or different from your origin token).
Definition: Bridging + swapping means transferring assets across chains while simultaneously converting them into another token on the destination chain, saving multiple manual steps.
Step 5: Enter the Amount You Want to Bridge
After selecting your origin and destination tokens, enter the amount you want to bridge or bridge + swap.
Across will automatically calculate and show everything you need to know before confirming:
Exact output amount you’ll receive on Base.
Estimated transfer time (typically in seconds).
Total fees, including LP and relayer fees.
Gas costs on the origin chain.
Any limits for the selected token.
This transparency ensures you know exactly what to expect before signing the transaction.
Step 5: Review and Confirm the Transaction
Once you’ve reviewed the details, you are ready to bridge your tokens.
Your wallet will prompt you to approve and sign the transaction.
Across relayers fill your transfer instantly, and UMA’s oracle verifies settlement on the backend. You don’t need to manually claim tokens. They appear automatically on Base once confirmed.
Across is extremely fast, and transfers usually take around three seconds to complete.
Definition: Signing a transaction means using your private key to digitally approve blockchain instructions. It’s how you authorize the transfer.
Track and Verify Your Transfer
After confirming your transaction:
Watch the status bar in the Across interface for progress.
Most Base transfers complete in under one minute.
When complete, switch your wallet to the Base network.
You’ll see your updated balance.
For verification, paste your wallet address into BaseScan.org to confirm the transaction.
If tokens don’t appear right away, refresh your wallet or re-import the token contract.
If the transfer seems delayed, check the History tab in Across or your transaction hash on BaseScan.
Why Use Across to Bridge to Base
Across stands out as the fastest and most capital-efficient bridge in the crypto ecosystem:
Speed: Typical transfers settle in under three seconds.
Low fees: Only pay origin gas. No hidden charges.
No slippage: You receive exactly what you send.
Secure: Every transfer is verified by UMA.
Crosschain reach: Works with Ethereum, Solana, BNB Smart Chain, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, zkSync, and many more.
Bridge | Typical Speed | Fees | Slippage | Security Model |
Across Protocol | <3 seconds | Low | ❌ None | UMA’s Optimistic Oracle |
Official Base Bridge | 5–10 minutes | Moderate | ❌ None | Native L1 Settlement |
Axelar | ~10 minutes | Variable | Possible | Multi-chain Validation |
Final Thoughts
Bridging to Base with Across is fast, cheap, and reliable. Whether you’re moving ETH, stablecoins, or other assets, Across makes entering the Base ecosystem a one-click experience.
Common Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to bridge to Base using Across?
Usually less than three seconds. Across relayers fill transfers instantly.
Is bridging to Base with Across safe?
Yes. All transfers are verified by UMA and supported by decentralized relayers.
What tokens can I bridge to Base?
Across supports major ERC-20 assets like ETH, USDC, DAI, and WETH, with new tokens added regularly.
Can I bridge back from Base to Ethereum?
Yes. Use the same interface and select Ethereum as the destination. This works the same with any chain that Across supports.
