How would I get to NYC if a friend is driving to Syracuse?

Well, taking I 81, while the easiest route with the least traffic, is not going to get you close to NYC, unless you take Amtrak from Washington DC. But, if you could at least persuade your friend to drop you off in Philadelphia you can take the train from there, and the drive to Syracuse from Philadelphia is not a bad one. The problem with going up I 95 closer to NYC is that there is traffic. Bad traffic. I'm not sure your friend will appreciate it!