What Is a Crypto Bridge? How to Transfer Tokens Between Chains [2026]

Using a crypto bridge, you can move tokens between different blockchains. From comparing major services to step-by-step instructions, this guide explains everything with images.

What you'll learn

✅ How bridges work

✅ How to compare major services

✅ Step-by-step bridge instructions with images

✅ Risks and precautions

A bridge is a service that allows you to transfer tokens (cryptocurrencies) between different blockchains. For example, you can move ETH on Ethereum to Layer 2 chains such as Arbitrum or Base.

It's similar to transferring money between banks in different countries, but bridges are faster and sometimes cheaper. Since each blockchain operates as an independent network, bridges are essential for moving assets across chains.

Bridges are needed in the following situations:

• Airdrop participation: When you need to hold or manage assets on a specific chain (👉 How to Participate in Airdrops)
• Using Layer 2: Moving assets from Ethereum mainnet to Arbitrum or Base to use DeFi with lower gas fees (👉 Layer 2 Introduction)
• Saving on fees: Moving from high-gas chains to cheaper ones to reduce operating costs
• Accessing specific DApps: When the DeFi protocol or NFT marketplace you want to use is on another chain

The table below compares representative bridge services.

Which should you choose?

• Safety first: Official bridges (Arbitrum Bridge, Base Bridge, etc.) are recommended. However, L2→L1 withdrawals can take up to 7 days.
• Speed first: Stargate and Orbiter Finance complete in minutes. They have proven track records and are reliable.
• Convenience first: MetaMask Bridge lets you operate directly from within your wallet, making it convenient for beginners.

Here, we'll walk through the specific steps using Stargate, a representative bridge service.

What you'll need

• Rabby Wallet (MetaMask also works)
• ETH on the source chain (for gas + transfer amount)
• Internet connection

To actually perform a bridge, you need to prepare funds for the mainnet.

Candy Drops is running a collaboration campaign with "OKJ," a Financial Services Agency-licensed crypto exchange. By registering through this link, you can earn 1,000 yen worth of Bitcoin.

Additionally, by completing KYC and verifying tasks on the Candy Drops My Page, you can earn 50,000 Candy Drops Points that can be used to enter regularly held campaigns.

Don't miss this opportunity to participate.

ETH → Arbitrum Bridge

Step 1: Access Stargate

Open https://stargate.finance/bridge in your browser.

Step 2: Connect your wallet

Click the "Connect Wallet" button.

Select "Rabby Wallet" from the wallet list.

Rabby Wallet will launch and ask for connection permission. Click "Connect."

Step 3: Select the source chain

Select "Ethereum" under "From."

Step 4: Select the destination chain

Select "Arbitrum" under "To." Arbitrum is an Ethereum Layer 2 that significantly reduces gas fees.

Step 5: Enter the token and amount

Select ETH under "Select Token" and enter the amount you want to send. The screen will display the fees, amount to receive, and estimated time for your review.

Step 6: Execute the bridge

Click the "Transfer" button.

A confirmation screen will appear. Review the details and click "Confirm."

Approve the transaction in your wallet, and the bridge will begin. It typically completes in 1–5 minutes.

Step 7: Confirm receipt

Once the bridge is complete, switch to the Arbitrum network in your wallet and verify that the tokens have arrived.

ETH → Base Bridge

The steps for bridging to Base are essentially the same.

1. Access Stargate and connect your wallet
2. Select "Ethereum" under "From" and "Base" under "To"
3. Enter the token and amount to send
4. Click "Transfer" → "Confirm" → Approve in your wallet
5. Funds arrive in approximately 1–5 minutes

Base is a Layer 2 developed by Coinbase, used especially when participating in DeFi and NFT projects on Base. The official documentation also explains how to bridge to the Base chain, so please refer to it as well.

While bridges are convenient, it's important to understand the following risks and precautions.

Hacking risk

There have been major hacking incidents targeting bridges in the past.

• Ronin Bridge (2022): Approximately $625 million in damages
• Wormhole (2022): Approximately $370 million in damages
• Nomad Bridge (2022): Approximately $250 million in damages

Bridges are attractive targets for hackers because they hold large amounts of locked funds. Choosing reliable services is crucial.

Processing time considerations

• Third-party bridges (Stargate, Orbiter, etc.): Typically 1–5 minutes
• Official bridge L1→L2: Typically 10–30 minutes
• Official bridge L2→L1 withdrawal: Can take up to 7 days

Withdrawals can take time, so be careful with urgent fund transfers.

Fee considerations

• Bridge fees: Approximately 0.01–0.1% depending on the service
• Gas fees: Source chain gas fees apply separately
• L2→L2 bridges are relatively cheap, while L1→L1 tends to be expensive

Tips for safe bridging

• Always test with a small amount before sending large sums
• Always verify the destination chain and token
• Always check the official site URL and watch out for phishing sites
• Only use bridge services with proven track records

For more on the basics of sending and receiving crypto, see 👉 How to Send Crypto.

Q: What is a bridge?

A: A bridge is a service that transfers tokens between different blockchains. For example, it's used when moving ETH on Ethereum to Arbitrum to use DeFi with lower gas fees.

Q: Are bridges safe?

A: Official bridges and well-established services (Stargate, Orbiter, etc.) are relatively safe, but there have been bridge hacking incidents in the past. We recommend testing with a small amount before sending large sums.

Q: How long does bridging take and how much does it cost?

A: It varies by service, but typically completes in 5–30 minutes. Costs include bridge fees (approximately 0.01–0.1%) + gas fees. L2→L2 is cheap, while L1→L1 tends to be expensive.