Polkadot RPC
Polkadot Overview
Polkadot operates as a Layer 0 relay chain that provides shared security and cross-chain communication for independent blockchains called parachains. Rather than each blockchain maintaining its own validator set, Polkadot's relay chain validators secure all connected parachains simultaneously. Interoperability occurs through Cross-Consensus Messaging (XCM), enabling parachains to communicate while maintaining sovereignty.
Polkadot provides the Substrate framework for building custom blockchains. Developers write parachain runtime logic in Rust using Substrate's modular architecture. The platform exposes multiple API interfaces—the Polkadot JSON-RPC API for relay chain operations, Substrate API Sidecar for RESTful queries, and Asset Hub API for the system parachain that handles token transfers and NFT operations.
Interacting with Polkadot's APIs
Polkadot supports JSON-RPC API methods for querying blockchain state and submitting transactions, Substrate API Sidecar for RESTful access to historical data and account information, and Asset Hub JSON-RPC API for parachain interactions. Developers can use Polkadot.js libraries or standard HTTP/WebSocket clients to communicate with Polkadot nodes.
The Quicknode Polkadot documentation is continuously evolving as the network undergoes upgrades and changes, so we highly recommend cross-referencing with the official Polkadot documentation for the latest updates and features.
Make Polkadot API Calls
The quickest way to start building on Polkadot is to create a Quicknode endpoint and send your first JSON-RPC request.
Quicknode provides managed Polkadot endpoints, giving you immediate access to Polkadot Mainnet without the overhead of running infrastructure. These endpoints offer:
- High reliability – globally distributed infrastructure designed to minimize downtime
- Enhanced performance – optimized latency and request handling for production-grade apps
- Integrated ecosystem – additional functionality through specialized APIs (add-ons) on the Quicknode Marketplace and products like Streams
Visit the QuickStart page to create your endpoint and send your first request.
Supported Networks
Quicknode provides access to the following Polkadot networks:
Quicknode's Polkadot endpoint provides access to both AssetHub and Relaychain networks through a unified interface.
AssetHub handles most current operations including token transfers, NFT management, and parachain state queries. REST API calls target AssetHub by default:
# AssetHub (default)
curl 'https://your-endpoint.pro/blocks/head'
Polkadot Relaychain provides access to relay chain data, validator information, and historical records. Prefix REST API calls with /rc to access the relaychain:
# Polkadot Relaychain
curl 'https://your-endpoint.pro/rc/blocks/head'
JSON-RPC methods operate without network prefixes and maintain standard compatibility across both networks.
Complete reference for developers building on Polkadot with Quicknode:
QuickStart
Get started with Polkadot quickly. Follow our step-by-step quickstart to set up your endpoint and make your first API request.
Provider Endpoints
Learn how to configure and manage your Polkadot endpoints for optimal performance and reliability.
API Overview
Explore supported APIs, networks, Quicknode products, and enhanced API features for building powerful applications.
Marketplace
Discover and integrate powerful add-ons and tools from the Quicknode Marketplace to enhance your web3 applications.
Endpoint Security
Secure your endpoints with authentication, whitelisting, and best security practices.