Looking to bridge from Ethereum mainnet to Base? Gas fees on Ethereum mainnet can vary significantly, while Base consistently offers transactions at much lower rates. For users seeking faster, cheaper transactions, Base has emerged as one of the fastest-growing Layer-2 blockchains in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Base combines low costs, high speeds, and robust security. Whether you're trading tokens, minting NFTs, or building dApps, Base's rapidly growing ecosystem offers compelling opportunities.
To start using Base, you'll need to bridge your coins (ETH, USDC, etc.) from the Ethereum mainnet or any other L2 where you currently have them. Using Across, you can complete this transfer in about 2 seconds with very low fees.
This guide covers everything you need to know about bridging from Ethereum to Base, from its ecosystem and benefits to step-by-step bridging instructions.
What is Base?
Base is Coinbase's Layer-2 scaling solution built on the Optimism OP Stack. Since launching in August 2023, Base has seen explosive growth:
- Account numbers grew from 2.9 million to over 101 million in 2024
- Transactions increased from 82 million to 1.3 billion
- Verified smart contracts expanded from 67,000 to more than 1 million
This growth is supported by Base's core features:
- Low-Cost: Base's average gas fee is dramatically lower than Ethereum mainnet's
- High-Speed: Consistent 2-second block times ensure rapid transaction processing
- Robust Security: Leverages Optimistic Rollups to combine Ethereum's security with L2 scalability
- Full EVM Compatibility: Allows seamless deployment of Ethereum-based applications
With $3.8 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL), Base has established itself as a major player in the Ethereum scaling ecosystem.
Base's Growing Ecosystem
Base's Layer-2 ecosystem offers a compelling destination for users and developers alike. Some standout projects include:
- Friend.tech: A decentralized social network enabling users to monetize their communities
- Seamless: A Base-native decentralized lending and borrowing protocol
- Aerodrome: The central trading and liquidity marketplace on Base
- Base God (TYBG): A parody meme project that embodies Base's playful yet impactful ethos
Growing Opportunities
Base offers unique opportunities for traders and enthusiasts:
- Innovative Campaigns: Events like "Onchain Summer" showcase Base's potential as a creative hub
- Memecoins: Base has become a playground for memecoins, driving liquidity and community engagement
- Future Ready Ecosystem: Developers and users are flocking to Base to explore new use cases in gaming, tokenomics, and more
Why Bridge to Base L2?
The decision to bridge to Base is backed by compelling data:
- Dramatic cost differences mean users can execute transactions for cents rather than dollars
- Base's growth demonstrates the network's expanding reach and real user adoption
- Consistent 2-second block times enable rapid transaction processing
- $3.8 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL) shows a mature, efficient network
How to Bridge from Ethereum Mainnet to Base
Here's how easy it is to bridge from the Ethereum mainnet to Base using Across:
Step 1: Visit app.across.to
Start by visiting the Across bridging app and connecting your wallet.
Step 2: Select Your Chains
Choose Ethereum as the origin chain and Base as the destination chain. Specify how much ETH you'd like to bridge to see estimated transaction time and cost.
Step 3: Send It
Click "confirm transaction," and your coins will be on their way! Transactions are completed in seconds.
Ready to Bridge to Base?
When you're ready to join Base's ecosystem, Across offers the fastest, cheapest, and most secure bridging solution:
- Fastest: 2-second average transaction completion
- Cheapest: Competitive bridge fees (typically under $0.04)
- Most Secure: Non-custodial, Intents-based architecture
👉 Experience Seamless Bridging
FAQs
What is the cost to bridge from Ethereum to Base?
Bridge fees are typically under $0.04, making it significantly cheaper than Ethereum mainnet transactions.
How long does bridging take?
Transactions are completed in about 2 seconds with Across.
Is bridging to Base secure?
Yes, Across uses non-custodial, Intents-based architecture with battle-tested security.
Can I bridge tokens other than ETH?
Yes, you can bridge various tokens including USDC and others supported by Across.
Why choose Base over other L2 solutions?
Base offers low costs, high speeds, robust security, and a rapidly growing ecosystem.
Do I need to create a new wallet for Base?
No, you can use your existing Ethereum wallet as Base is EVM-compatible.