Riding in a car driven by a non-Jew on Shabbat?

FoR: liberal/sometimes flexible modern orthodox

Shalom fellow Jews,

I have a bit of a halachik nut that I’d love to hear your thoughts on. I’m going on a trip to a city with an Eruv (if that’s relevant), and a Jewish (non-observant) friend of mine has invited me for shabbat dinner. I really want to go since I don’t get to see him often. He has offered that his non-Jewish wife could drive me back afterwards to where I’m staying. For various reasons, staying over with him or finding a place close enough to walk is not an option.

As I understand it, as long as she is driving to the area I’m staying anyway, I wouldn’t technically be violating Shabbat, although in my opinion the spirit of it. This is what I’ve understood from trying to read up on the issue. Is this correct in your view? Are there heterim that perhaps apply because I’m on a trip far away from home?

Thanks so much in advance for any help or thoughts, really appreciate it!