Cross-chain bridges have become a cornerstone of the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, enabling seamless movement of digital assets between different blockchain networks. If you're looking to transfer assets from Polygon to Arbitrum, you're in luck—both are Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible Layer 2 solutions, which simplifies the bridging process significantly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about moving your tokens securely and efficiently, including supported bridges, fees, wallet requirements, and common questions.
Can You Bridge from Polygon to Arbitrum?
Yes, you can bridge assets from Polygon to Arbitrum—but not directly through Polygon’s native bridge. The official Polygon PoS bridge only supports transfers between Ethereum and Polygon, leaving users to rely on third-party cross-chain solutions for moving assets to other Layer 2 networks like Arbitrum.
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The good news is that multiple trusted cross-chain protocols support this transfer path. These bridges leverage liquidity pools, message relays, and secure verification mechanisms to ensure your tokens arrive safely on the destination chain. Since both networks use the same underlying architecture (EVM), you can manage the entire process using a single wallet such as MetaMask, reducing complexity and minimizing user error.
Step-by-Step: Bridging from Polygon to Arbitrum Using Hop Protocol
One of the most reliable and widely used platforms for bridging between Polygon and Arbitrum is Hop Protocol. It's designed specifically for fast, secure transfers across EVM-compatible chains by utilizing "Bonders"—decentralized liquidity providers who ensure funds are available on the receiving end.
Here’s how to complete the transfer:
- Connect Your Wallet
Visit app.hop.exchange and connect your MetaMask or compatible wallet. Make sure it’s connected to the Polygon network. - Select Source and Destination Chains
Choose Polygon as the source network and Arbitrum as the destination. - Choose the Token to Bridge
Commonly supported tokens include USDC, DAI, ETH, and MATIC. Select the one you wish to transfer. - Enter Amount and Confirm
Input the amount, review the estimated fees (more on that below), and confirm the transaction in your wallet. - Wait for Completion
Most transfers complete within 2–10 minutes. Once done, switch your wallet to the Arbitrum network to access your funds.
Hop Protocol enhances security by bundling transactions and routing them via Ethereum’s native messaging layer when needed, reducing reliance on centralized validators.
Understanding Bridging Fees
When transferring assets from Polygon to Arbitrum via Hop Protocol, two primary cost components apply:
- Bonder Fee: A small fixed fee (e.g., $0.01 USDC) paid to liquidity providers.
- Destination Gas Fee: Covers the cost of finalizing the transaction on Arbitrum; typically under $0.01 USDC but may fluctuate based on Ethereum L1 congestion.
These fees are generally low due to both networks being optimized for scalability and low-cost transactions. However, if you use an aggregator service that routes through multiple bridges, additional routing fees may apply.
It's important to note that while bridging itself is inexpensive, you must also account for gas fees on both chains:
- Use MATIC for gas when initiating the transfer on Polygon.
- Have ETH in your wallet on Arbitrum to interact with dApps after arrival.
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Alternative Cross-Chain Bridges
While Hop Protocol is a top choice, several other reputable options offer robust functionality for bridging between Polygon and Arbitrum:
Router Protocol
Router Protocol enables cross-chain communication with support for over five major blockchains, including both Polygon and Arbitrum. It focuses on contract-level data transfer, making it ideal for developers and advanced DeFi users who require more than simple token movement.
Orbiter Finance
A decentralized, peer-to-contract bridge supporting over 63 blockchain networks. Orbiter specializes in near-instant transfers of Ethereum-native assets with minimal fees, making it a strong contender for cost-sensitive users.
Symbiosis Finance
This platform aggregates liquidity across 34+ chains—including both EVM and non-EVM networks—and allows users to perform cross-chain swaps rather than pure bridging. Symbiosis automatically finds optimal routes and handles slippage, offering a user-friendly experience for beginners.
Each bridge has its strengths—whether it's speed, fee structure, or feature set—so consider your priorities before choosing one.
Key Considerations When Bridging
Before initiating any cross-chain transfer, keep these points in mind:
- Wallet Compatibility: Ensure your wallet supports both Polygon and Arbitrum networks. Most EVM wallets like MetaMask do, but you may need to manually add Arbitrum RPC settings.
- Token Support: Not all tokens are bridgeable. Stick to widely supported assets like USDC, DAI, ETH, or WBTC unless confirmed otherwise by the bridge.
- Network Congestion: During periods of high Ethereum activity, finality times may increase slightly due to reliance on L1 confirmation layers.
- Security: Always verify URLs and smart contract addresses. Phishing sites mimic legitimate bridges—stick to official domains and bookmark trusted tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bridge NFTs from Polygon to Arbitrum?
Currently, most cross-chain bridges focus on fungible tokens. While some experimental solutions support NFT bridging, mainstream platforms like Hop Protocol do not yet offer full NFT transfer capabilities between these two chains. Always check the bridge’s documentation before attempting.
How long does it take to bridge assets between Polygon and Arbitrum?
Transfers typically take 2–10 minutes using services like Hop Protocol. Delays can occur during peak network congestion or Ethereum gas spikes.
Do I need ETH on both Polygon and Arbitrum for gas fees?
Yes. You’ll need MATIC to pay gas on Polygon when starting the transfer, and ETH on Arbitrum to use dApps or withdraw funds after arrival.
Are there restrictions on which tokens I can bridge?
Yes. While major stablecoins and ETH are widely supported, lesser-known or newly launched tokens may not be available for bridging. Always consult the bridge’s asset list beforehand.
Is it safe to bridge via third-party protocols?
Reputable bridges like Hop Protocol and Orbiter Finance undergo regular audits and operate transparently. However, no system is risk-free—use only well-established platforms with strong community trust.
Can I bridge stablecoins like USDC between Polygon and Arbitrum?
Absolutely. USDC is one of the most commonly bridged tokens between these networks via Hop Protocol and others. Just ensure you select the correct token version on each chain.
Bridging from Polygon to Arbitrum opens up new opportunities in DeFi, allowing you to access unique yield farms, lending markets, and trading platforms on each network. With low fees, fast settlement times, and broad wallet support, moving assets has never been easier.
Whether you're optimizing returns or diversifying across ecosystems, leveraging trusted cross-chain infrastructure ensures your journey remains smooth and secure.