Ok, the OP also won't tell anyone here where they're going, so their communication probably isn't that great either. 2 Day old reddit account as well.

Does the friend live in Hoboken or in Sparta or in Princeton? That also changes the equation. Why would I drive to pick you up when the cost to do that will be also much as an Uber? Was OP expecting a free ride from the friend? How close is this friend, like best friend, or just an acquaintance? None of us have enough info to make a determination.

I have a bunch of friends and relatives that live in Europe. Most of them just Uber/Taxi to my house if they fly into JFK. I've picked a few of them up, but it depends when they fly in. Again, it's a 3-4 hour round trip depending on traffic, and I live very close to Manhattan. It would be much longer for someone living in West/South Jersey. Tolls and gas also make this trip expensive, to the point where the extra $50 to Uber is probably worth it, but I value my time. If I was OP's friend, I would just pay for the Uber, but I don't know the friend's financial situation.

If OP is that short on money that they can't afford the Uber - maybe traveling to an expensive country/city wasn't the best idea?

And yeah, I know I can be an asshole sometimes.