Ürümqi has a metro system that opened in 2018 and has been expanding steadily since. It now covers the main central areas and reaches the airport, making it the most practical way to move around without a car. Signs are in both Chinese and English (and sometimes Uyghur), and the system is clean and reliable. Buy a rechargeable transit card from any station for convenience.
Taxis are widely available and cheap by Western standards. Ride-hailing via Didi (China's equivalent of Uber) works well and avoids any language issues when giving an address. Buses are extensive but require more local knowledge to use efficiently — they are fine if you can read Chinese and know your route.
Be prepared for security checkpoints, particularly around transport hubs, markets, and the Erdaoqiao area. You will be asked to show your passport, and your phone may be checked at certain locations. The process is generally fast and routine; staying calm and having your documents ready makes it simple. The overall security presence is heavier than anything you will encounter in eastern China, and it is worth knowing that before you arrive rather than being caught off guard.