I'll be going there on the 29th, because I specifically wanted to avoid travel during the actual public holiday.  I'm going by train/subway however.  Maybe the subway would be a safer choice as far as making it to the airport on time.  Sure, you might be jammed in there like a sardine, but the subway will keep ya moving while traffic is sure to slow to a grind.  All of the expressways will be toll-free during the holiday, and nothing motivates a Chinese person to get up and go more than getting something for free!  Good luck!

I wish so. I am really wishing that all the shanghai residents and wanderers leave and I will have a bit comfortable time in Shanghai  after years

In theory, you have buses to the airport, but epic traffic jams are likely to happen... You better take the subway, it will be crowded, but far more predictable.

'Avoid travelling during National holidays' is my rule.

This year, I'm forced to go to HK around Oct. 7th. I hope, that date is already the end of the 'mayhem'.

Yes that's also one of the main rules I have while living in China but I won a trip to Sanya (all included!!), & I'm definitely taking it. Fact is I will have to take the flight that morning, looks like we all know we must avoid traveling those days, specially the first day of the holiday but seems nobody has done it.

I also do think metro is the best way to go there but since I'm leaving early I wanna know if taking a cab could be a good idea.

stay home is of course the best thing to do during Chinese holidays....  happens at the borders between Canada and the USA too during holidays..... long line-ups... Chinese are extreme..... ... patience patience patience....   and all will be fine. ... for sure, if you are impatient and in a hurry ....stay home.!!!!!

Of course... I think the traffic will be so bad during that time~ if u need to go to airport,better go out eariler in case of missing the flight! Good luck then!