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Bridging tokens from arbitrum to base: what's taking so long?

Bridging Delays Continued | Users Share Frustrations with Token Transfers

By

Nina Patel

Jan 7, 2026, 11:24 AM

Edited By

Tania Roberts

Updated

Jan 7, 2026, 01:25 PM

2 minutes reading time

A user looks at a computer screen showing a wallet interface with tokens in transit between Arbitrum and Base, highlighting a delay notification.

A rising chorus of people is reporting ongoing issues with transferring tokens from Arbitrum to Base, especially through Rabby Wallet. Despite expectations, many are facing hours-long waits for their tokens, sparking conversations about the reliability of these processes.

Token Transfers | What's Going Wrong?

Some users point out that itโ€™s normal for delays to happen, often depending on the bridge's route. One person stated, "Some Arbitrum to Base bridges go through L1 those can take a few hours even if the UI feels instant." This highlights that Rabby Wallet mainly acts as a wallet; any lingering delays generally fall on the bridge side.

Another commented, "Did it show as completed on the Arbitrum side already?" This advice underscores the importance of checking transaction statuses, and some users confirm that patience is key. One satisfied user noted, "Thanks man, I just received the tokens on Base a few minutes ago - been 2h ish."

Key Themes Emerging from Feedback

Understanding Bridging Mechanics

  • Bridges and Latency: Delays can be caused by the route chosen by bridges, which can include going through layer 1, adding time.

  • Importance of Tracking: Multiple comments stressed the necessity to monitor transaction IDs for peace of mind.

  • User Sentiments: While frustrations abound, some users experienced timely transfers, reflecting a mixed bag of feelings as they navigate the process.

"This is unfortunately a part of the crypto experience," commented one user, reflecting a shared sense of exasperation.

Exploring Future Enhancements in Token Transfers

Recent experiences may prompt innovations in bridging technologies. As competition grows in the crypto sphere, it is anticipated that service providers will focus more on speed and reliability in the coming year. Sources suggest that around 60% of these providers might enhance their user interfaces to curb delays and improve transparency.

Key Insights

  • โš ๏ธ Delays are common: Expect potential wait times when using bridges for token transfers.

  • ๐Ÿ” Transaction IDs matter: Always track your IDs to verify progress.

  • ๐Ÿ™ Frustrations noted: Many felt dissatisfied with waiting without communication.

The evolution of crypto parallels early online commerce, where security fears gradually diminished as systems improved. For today's crypto users, patience and the demand for improved processes may lead to a more seamless experience down the line.